Large helping of success for Primary School Breakfast Club

The announcement was made on Monday, December 9, and a delegation from the school will attend the National Breakfast Club Awards in Westminster, London, on December 8, where they will receive their award and £1,500 prize money.

It is the first time the school have been awarded this accolade and staff and pupils will be among those to make the trip to London.

School Principal, Colin Torrens said he was “delighted” with the recognition.

“It is a great achievement for the school,” he said.

“Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day and we encourage all our children and parents to begin the day with a healthy start.

“Board games and other activities, together with children’s TV programmes, ensure the Breakfast Club is well supported and a fun place to be. I would like to thank all the children and parents who attend the Breakfast Club each day. I also want to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication each morning.

“As part of our ‘Healthy Living’ campaign, during the month of November all children are taking part in physical exercise twice a week on the all-weather pitch in the school grounds. Research has shown that a good breakfast, a healthy diet and some physical exercise have a very positive impact on a person’s energy levels and powers of concentration,” Mr Torrens said.

Breakfasts at the school are subsidised through the Extended Schools programme and are provided by the Education Authority, Western Region’s school meals department.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan congratulated the school.

“I am delighted for the staff and pupils from Lisnagelvin Primary School on winning this prestigious award,” he said.

“Over 500 schools across the UK applied, so it is a fantastic achievement to have won. I have been a long-standing supporter of these awards which recognise the tremendous benefits that breakfast clubs bring to children, young people and families in our schools and communities.

“Breakfast clubs are a proven way of helping children from all backgrounds start the school day focused and ready to learn.”.

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton also congratulated the school: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is wonderful to see a school in Londonderry leading the way on proper nutrition to fuel an active day. Congratulations to the staff and children.

“Lisnagelvin has certainly developed quite a track record for excellence.”