Here’s a little story about a small country town school along with a Rotary Club that are doing big things that will warm your heart.

Article by Rtn Mandy Carter, Public Image Officer, Rotary Club of Yass

Here’s a little story about a small country town school along with a Rotary Club that are doing big things that will warm your heart.

For those that aren’t up to speed with the Yass Public School brekkie happenings - let me enlighten you. For some time, the Principal Michelle Fahey along with teaching staff witnessed children attending school without nutritious start to the day, this effected their ability to concentrate, learn and their overall demeanour throughout the day.

The free brekkie initiative was implemented, giving the children that for whatever the reason arriving with an empty belly the opportunity for a bowl of cereal, juice, hot chocolate and toast, prior to school bell at 9am.

Although this is teacher supervised, the more senior children are responsible for the delivery and tidying, this responsibility has been a boost to student morale and has seen student attendance improve. The breakfast over the years has been supported by local businesses and parents of the school.

Earlier this year Rotary was approached for assistance, to keep this important initiative up and running - and we jumped at the opportunity! In May we handed over a cheque for $1,400 to contribute to the purchase of groceries for the rest of the year however the appliances - dishwasher and toaster are faster wearing out and due for replacement.

The Rotary Club of Yass submitted an application for funding to replace these items with Rotary District, these grants are decided upon by the Board and announced in early July. We succeeded in our application and are please to hand over another cheque for the amount of $3,150 for the upgrade of appliances in the Yass Public School kitchen - appliances will be purchased locally keeping the money in town- win win! And - on top of that the Glenlothian Education Foundation also made a generous contribution of $1,400.

Our Rotarians work hard to raise money and it feels so good to hand over to worthy causes - thank you Rotary, thank you Yass Valley Community and thank you Yass Public School.