Airville State School values the important role a healthy lunchbox plays in supporting children’s learning, behaviour, and concentration throughout the school day.
While the school provides students with a nutritious morning tea, the lunchbox remains an essential part of a child’s overall wellbeing. Children who bring nourishing foods to school are better equipped to focus, participate, and enjoy their learning.
What to Include
Nutrition experts recommend lunchboxes that feature a balance of:
Wholegrains – sandwiches or wraps on wholemeal or multigrain bread, brown rice, pasta, or crackers.
Protein – lean meats, boiled eggs, tuna, cheese, or hummus.
Fresh fruit and vegetables – apple slices, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, or seasonal fruit.
Dairy or alternatives – yoghurt, milk, or cheese for calcium and bone health.
Water – the best drink to keep children hydrated and alert.
What to Limit or Exclude
Parents are encouraged to avoid filling lunchboxes with foods that sap children’s energy and affect concentration. Items to keep out include:
Lollies, chocolate and confectionery.
Sweet biscuits, cakes, and pastries.
Sugary drinks such as soft drink, cordial, or energy drinks.
Packaged snack foods high in salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats (e.g., chips).
A Simple Approach
Because Airville State School already supplies a healthy morning tea, families are encouraged to think of lunchboxes as a simple but nourishing second meal. A sandwich or wrap, a piece of fruit, and some cut-up vegetables are usually enough to keep children satisfied until home time.
Healthy eating is a key part of supporting student success, and a well-packed lunchbox helps children learn, grow, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.