05 June 2025

Warm welcomes at Wellsford School’s KickStart Breakfast club

On the Northern outskirts of Auckland, Wellsford School is running a thriving and fantastic breakfast club every morning for around 50 tamariki.

Wellsford School, home to around 315 year 1-8 students, has created a nurturing space where tamariki can start their day with a nutritious meal, fostering not just physical well-being but also camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Leading this fantastic space each morning is staff member, Sarah, whose boundless compassion and dedication have made the KickStart Breakfast club truly special place.

Sarah’s warm demeanour and welcome have transformed the breakfast club into a cherished routine for many. Supported by a few enthusiastic student leaders, the club serves up a hearty breakfast of Weet-Bix and Anchor milk with additional kai the school gratefully receives from KidsCan including spreads, fruit pots, and yoghurt. The school purchases bread for toast out of their school budget.

“At Wellsford School, we know that a child’s day starts better when they feel cared for and their puku is full. Our KickStart Breakfast Club isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, kindness, and starting the day with a sense of belonging. We’re incredibly proud of Sarah and our student leaders who make this space so welcoming every morning. Since the Breakfast Club has been running, we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in attendance, and our tamariki are arriving settled, more engaged, and ready to learn. It’s a simple idea that’s making a big difference.” - Mel (Principal)

The menu even features a couple of Wellsford School specials that have quickly become favorites.

  • Neapolitan toast: just like the ice-cream on toast with strips of peanut butter, marmite, and jam, is a delightful treat.
  • Warm Weet-Bix: sprinkle ¼ tsp of brown sugar on top of Weet-Bix with just enough hot water on top for the Weet-Bix to fully absorb. Pour the Anchor milk to the side of bowl so Weet-Bix keep their shape (Milk should just cover Weet-Bix so they don't get too gluggy. 👌
  • Weet-Bix Lasagna: Two Weet-Bix in a bowl, tiny ¼ tsp of brown sugar the repeat layering the Weet-Bix in the opposite direction. Add a good dollop of yoghurt and some fruit on top and Voilà!
Sarah shares, “Breakfast club offers a great opportunity to see which kids are turning up early or late, wet and cold and hungry, with no shoes (OFTEN), to ensure the kids who really need the support are actually getting it. Often the yoghurt is made by students throughout the day when they need a reset. This is another example of how breakfast club improves not just a child's day, but also the adults & other children in that classroom."

The Breakfast Club at Wellsford School is more than just a meal; it’s a community effort that brings students and staff together, setting the tone for a positive and productive day ahead. Programme Manager, Tracey, visited at the start of the term and found it really heartening to see a couple of teachers pop over with tamariki to grab some kai.

‘KickStart Breakfast can become the place where a lot of tamariki will come to start their day. Prior to heading into the classroom, breakfast club can be a great space for tamariki to connect with their peers, see teachers and settle into school before cracking into a day of learning. Making sure tamariki have a full puku can help set up for a successful day for new experiences and learning opportunities'.

It's a testament to Wellsford school's commitment to nurturing not just the minds, but also the hearts and well-being of all students. Kicking off just after 8am, this morning ritual has become an integral part of the school’s vibrant culture, ensuring every child starts their day with a smile and a full belly.