Lunch Supervision
The Calgary Board of Education provides students with the option to stay at school for lunch. Lunch Supervision is offered to all students in Grades 1- 6 and in our full-day kindergarten programs for an annual fee. Please visit our Lunch Supervision page for information.
Teacher supervision ensures student safety for 15 minutes before school begins in the morning and in the afternoon. Students who are not enrolled in the lunch supervision program are not to arrive at school until 15 minutes before the afternoon bell rings. Students are encouraged to arrive at that time so that they can have some time to socialize with friends and begin their academic day promptly.
Lunch Time Return
We have some of our students returning early to school at lunchtime so they can play with their friends over the lunch break. Please remind them that if they are not in the lunch program they may return only 15 minutes before the afternoon bell rings. Only the students who stay at school for lunch should be outside for the first half hour of lunch.
Allergies | Peanut Aware School
We request that peanuts or food containing peanuts do not come to our school. See our Illness & Medical page for more allergy information.
Healthy Lunches
On average a child or youth taking a lunch to school will throw away packaging that can create 30 kilograms/67 pounds of litter in a school year. It’s clear that lunches with less packaging will help reduce this litter, but they are also a chance to pack healthier foods. Some pre-packaged foods can have more sugar, salt, and fat than foods you choose and package yourself. Also, these ready-to-go options may not have a lot of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Here’s one idea to reduce litter and pack a healthier lunch. Instead of buying a small pre-packaged lunch with meat and cheese, a fruit drink or pop, and a candy bar, try this tip:
- In reusable containers pack whole grain crackers, lean meat, low-fat cheese and water in a reusable water bottle or container with a piece of fruit or cut vegetables Choosing whole grain crackers, bread or wraps and fruit or vegetables provides more fibre. You may reduce fat by choosing lean meats and low-fat cheese. Sending water instead of sugar sweetened drinks or juice reduces sugar intake, as well as limiting packaging waste.
Home-Packed Lunch Tips for Parents
Lunch is an important part of your child’s day at school. Here are some tips to help you provide a lunch that is safe and nutritious with less waste.
Food Safety
- Keep cold food cold by using an insulated lunch bag and 1-2 ice packs.
- Keep hot food hot by using an insulated container. Preheat your container with boiling water before adding hot food. Microwave ovens are not available for elementary students.
- Pack non-perishables, such as granola bars and whole fruit, that can be kept at room temperature.
- Most CBE schools are nut-aware, please check with your child’s teacher for more information on nut allergies and other allergies in your child’s classroom.
Help Reduce Waste
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Pack just enough for a child to eat during lunch.
- Many schools participate in “boomerang lunches” (pack in/pack out), where all leftover items are returned home.
Tip: Pack a sealable bag or container labeled ‘garbage’ for uneaten food or open containers to avoid mess in the lunch bag.
In 2024, ten CBE schools participated in a waste audit conducted by Green Calgary. Here are a few suggestions from the audit to help minimize waste produced by packed lunches:
- Send less selections of food. Younger children have difficulty deciding what to eat when there is a lot of choice and sometimes end up not eating.
- When possible, use reusable containers for foods such as crackers and cut up fruits or vegetables.
Other Tips
- Make sure your child can open all packages by themselves.
- Involve your child in packing their lunch. Children involved in food preparation may be more likely to try new foods and eat what is packed, minimizing food waste.
- Aim to include a food from each food group – lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily (as per Canada’s Food Guide 2019).
- Some items, such as sandwiches, can be made ahead and frozen to save time. Note that some fillings such as fresh vegetables do not freeze well.
- Designate a shelf in the fridge/pantry at home for lunch items. This may help make packing lunches quicker and encourage independence for children packing their own lunches.
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