Lunch Program

Sister MacNamara School Lunch Program

Sister MacNamara School offers a lunch program to support families who:

• Live a significant distance from the school.
• Have parent(s)/guardian(s) who work and are unable to be home during the lunch hour.
• Occasionally require assistance with lunch arrangements.

Guidelines and Procedures

Eligibility and Registration

The lunch program is available to students in Grades 1–6 who are unable to go home for lunch due to distance or parent/guardian work schedules.

All students who are able to go home for lunch are encouraged to do so.

There are no drop-ins permitted in the lunch program. All students who stay at school for lunch, whether on a full-time or occasional basis, must be registered in the program in advance.

Students who are not registered in the lunch program must be picked up by a parent/guardian or designated caregiver for the lunch hour. They may return to school just before 12:55 p.m., when the bell rings.

Due to limited staffing and supervision capacity, we are unable to accommodate students who are not registered in the lunch program. This policy helps ensure that all students staying at school receive appropriate supervision and care.

There is no fee for participating in the Sister MacNamara School lunch program.

Supervision and Lunch Schedule

Students participating in the lunch program will be supervised by adult employees of the School.

• 11:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Students will eat lunch inside the school in designated areas.
• 12:30 p.m. onward: Students will go outside with the adult supervisors for the remainder of the lunch hour.

We believe that physical activity and fresh air are beneficial for students. However, during severe weather conditions, students will remain indoors.

Students must eat in approved areas and remain on school grounds for the entire lunch hour. Students staying at school for extracurricular activities must also be registered in the lunch program, as supervision is required while they eat.

Behaviour and Expectations

The expectations for student behaviour during the lunch program are consistent with those expected throughout the school day. Students are expected to:

• Treat staff, other students, and school facilities with respect.
• Follow all lunch program rules and supervisor instructions.
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour throughout the lunch hour.
• Remain in designated areas and on school grounds as directed.

The lunch program is a privilege, not a right, as schools are not required to provide lunch supervision. Students who demonstrate inappropriate behaviour or fail to follow program expectations may be withdrawn from the program.

If withdrawal is being considered, parents/guardians will receive at least one warning and will be contacted by school administration.

Important Reminders

• The lunch program is available only to students in Grades 1–6.
• All students must be registered in advance to participate.
• No drop-ins are permitted.
• Students who are not registered must be picked up for the lunch hour due to limited staffing and supervision capacity.
• There is no fee for the lunch program.
• Students may return to school just before 12:55 p.m.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to provide a safe and properly supervised lunch environment for all students at Sister MacNamara School.