Food and Diet

A healthy diet

Studies continue to show the effect our diet can have on our behaviour. With that in mind, we ask all parents to refrain from providing their child with sweets, candies or otherwise in school.
We appreciate that parents like to provide snacks for their children in their lunchbox, however, we simply ask that parents provide healthy alternatives during school hours.

Food stuff not permitted for lunches

 - Sodas and fizzy drinks. Juice/squash/water/dairy are allowed.
 - Chocolate bars/snacks
 - Cakes and assorted sweets
 - Sweet pastries
 - Other assorted sugar-based candies

The above also applies to field trips and activities away from the school.
The following information has been taken from www.fooddudes.ie

School lunches
While some schools have a canteen, without some help, the food your child chooses may be high in cost and energy but low in nutrients. An alternative is a packed lunch from home, which is a great way for your child to learn about healthy food and help with preparation. Lunch box suggestions include:

·Sandwiches or pita bread with cheese, lean meat, hummus and salad 

·Cheese slices, crackers with spread and fresh fruit

·Washed and cut up raw vegetables or fresh fruits

·Frozen water bottle or tetra pack of milk, particularly in hot weather.

School lunches - foods to limit

Highly processed, sugary, fatty and salty foods should only make up a very small part of your child's diet. Foods to limit in everyday school lunches include:

·Processed meats such as salami, pressed chicken.

·Muesli bars and breakfast bars (chocolate-covered is a sweet treat and not allowed)

·Fruit bars and fruit straps

·Cordials, sweetened juices and soft drinks

Treats and peer pressure:
Peer pressure to eat particular 'trendy' foods at this age is strong. Let your child eat these kinds of foods occasionally, such as at parties, special events or when the rest of the family enjoys them. It's best to limit the amount of money children are given to spend at school or on the way home. The occasional lolly, bag of chips or takeaway food doesn't do any harm. However, if they are eaten too often you might find that:

·      Not enough nourishing foods are eaten. ·      Your child is becoming overweight or obese. ·      You're spending a lot of money - it's much cheaper to provide homemade snacks and lunches. ·      You're missing a chance to teach your child about healthy eating.

Celebrations

For birthday parties and other special celebrations we do allow cake and other treats on those special days. We do encourage parents to try to look for creative alternatives by using healthy food and /or traditional dishes.  Please notify the contact teacher in advance so they are aware. Cakes can be placed in the school fridge.


Birthday Parties
We ask the class representative to make sure there is a clear agreement in place for birthday parties in their grade level.

The school guidelines (note - these are suggestion and not a mandate. People should use best judgement) for birthday parties are:

Invite all students, or groups (all boys or all girls) in the classroom, if possible.

The impact of exclusion should not be overlooked as it can be perceived as a subtle form of bullying and can consequently have a significant effect on school life.

Note: Some parents may wish to have a smaller party for a variety of reasons. We simply request that parents take children's feelings into consideration and evaluate carefully who is asked and how they are asked. For example, excluding one from a group will have possible consequences in the school environment also. Parties should not be used as a tool to isolate individuals.

Have an agreed spending margin
Not everyone has the same disposable income nor should one assume they do. A humble present is more appropriate especially when you factor in how many parties can take place in one year.

Be aware that transport and timing may be an issue
Not everyone has their own mode of transport. Please be aware of geographic location and factor in the possibility of car-pooling.

RSVP – répondez s'il vous plaît means respond please.

Please ensure your intent to participate is clearly communicated as much preparation (food and otherwise) is necessary.