Dover District School prides itself on fostering an environment where students feel supported and engaged.

This year, one of the dedicated staff members, Kylie Pratt, has taken that commitment a step further by launching a weekly Lunch Club.

The initiative provides a nutritious cooked meal for students once a week and is already making a significant impact on the school community.

Kylie has a passion for healthy eating and wants to create a space where students can enjoy a healthy meal together, learn more about nutrition, and strengthen connections with their peers and staff.

"I felt like every child should have access to a variety of healthy meals," said Kylie.

And with over half of the school's 150 students regularly accessing lunch club, Kylie is delivering on that vision.

The Lunch Club is closely aligned with Dover District School's values of 'Caring, Connected, and Curious'. Kylie, with the support of other staff and parents, shows her caring by ensuring that every meal is not only nutritious but also made with love and attention, creating a warm and inclusive environment.

Students are also involved in the preparation of the meals, which helps them demonstrate their care and connection with fellow students.

This initiative also highlights the value of being connected.

By coming together over a shared meal, students build stronger bonds with their peers.

As many of the ingredients are donated by local businesses and community members, it also builds on the connection to the wider community.

And, with a full tummy, students are much more able to concentrate on their learning and be curious about the world around them.

The Lunch Club also supports Dover District School's focus on healthy eating.

It builds on the success of the school's Breakfast Club, which their School Association Committee has been running for almost two years.

This initiative provides a healthy cooked breakfast twice a week for students and staff, if they're lucky and after the students have had their fill!

"We are also lucky to receive donations of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Geeveston IGA," said Principal Lachlan Joyce.

"This allows us to offer every student a healthy snack during each school day, and together with our Breakfast and Lunch Clubs, makes a big impact on student wellbeing and engagement."

"We are very lucky at Dover District School to have such a caring and dedicated staff, who are so closely connected with our parents and the broader community."