A
Message from the Executive Director
By now everyone is well into
their routine for the new school year. It is important to
establish routines early on for both before and after school.
This will ensure that homework receives attention every night
and that there is still time for play as well as a consistent
bed time.
We are pleased to announce that
70 schools across London/ Middlesex have received funding
through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program to support their
nutrition programs. Statistics show that students who eat
a healthy breakfast do better in school academically and have
few discipline problems.
We are excited about an upcoming
fund raiser for Investing in Children that will help support
the work that the Children’s Nutrition Network is doing
in supporting school based nutrition programs. On October
29, please join us at Jonathon Bancroft-Snell’s gallery
for a Barbie show and sale. Barbie officially turns 50 this
year ! We would love to see you at this unique event.
Sincerely,
Anita Gilvesy
Executive Director
Happy
Birthday Barbie
On October 29, Jonathon
Bancroft-Snell Gallery will be celebrate the 50th birthday
of Barbie with the Happy Birthday Barbie Gala Evening. The
highlight of the evening will be Diane Thompson's collection
of classic Barbie dolls.
All of the dolls
will be priced to sell, starting as low as $15. Investing
in Children will receive 15% of the proceeds from the sale
of each doll, with that money supporting our school-based
nutrition programs.
Tickets for the
Gala are $20 per adult and $5 per child. You can also visit
the exhibit at the Gallery Thursday, Friday or Saturday, with
donations gladly accepted.
Leadership
Camp
From October 5-8, more than 270
Grade 6-7 students participated in Investing in Children's
Youth Leadership Camp. Working with students they've never
met before, and tackling a series of physical and intellectual
leadership initiatives, the students leadership, communication
and teamwork skills were challenged and strengthened. As they
return to their schools, these camp participants will be encouraged
to take on a wide variety of leadership roles in their schools
and in their communities.
For the first time this year,
we had a special St. Thomas Day, bringing together eight schools
from St. Thomas. Not only did this make transportation easier,
but we're also looking forward to leadership initiatives being
shared between the schools.
Some comments from our camp participants:
"I have learned that
everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but try anyway
not to rush people. I love this camp!"
"I've learnt to speak
up, take charge and have fun!"
"I can play with people
who are left out and tell them right from wrong."
Thank you to City Orchards, the
London Food Bank and Merrymount Children's Centre for donating
to our breakfast and snacks.
In the Zone After School Program
In the Zone is Investing in Children's
new after school program, held Tuesdays to Thursdays at Arthur
Stringer Public School.The
program, involving grade six, seven, and eight students from
Arthur Stringer, Wilton Grove Public School, and St. Francis
Catholic Elementary School promotes healthy and active living.
The main goals of the program
focus are daily physical activity, healthy eating and nutrition,
building self esteem, and meeting new friends.
We also strive to diversify our
program, introducing different types of healthy foods (such
as trying different fruit smoothie recipes, and having weird
fruit day), and playing activities that the students wouldn’t
normally do (European handball, rock climbing, and roller
skating). In doing all of these activities, we strive to teach
the students that healthy eating can be easy and delicious,
and that participating in various activities is much more
fruitful than sitting in front of the television.
Feedback from parents and students
has been very positive. The students go home after program
and rave about the different activities and snacks on a daily
basis, even eating foods that they don’t normally like
at home.
Children's Nutrition Network Update
 Well
here we are, back to fall and back to school. For the 2009–10
school year a total of $175,068.16 is going out to support
student nutrition programs in 70 schools across London-Middlesex.
The Ontario Student Nutrition Program funding comes through
the Ministry of Children and Youth Services with the Children’s
Nutrition Network being the local contact group for programs
in London-Middlesex.
These programs are seen as universal and
all students are welcome to attend as we recognize that there
are many reasons that prevent children from attending school
well nourished and ready to learn, including: hectic morning
routines, early morning sports practices, long bus rides,
not just financial difficulties.
Applications for the Ontario Student Nutrition
Program for 2010-11 school year will be available in the spring
2010. Schools interested in student nutrition program for
this school year can still apply to the Children’s Nutrition
Network for funding. Please contact Lisa Nixon at 519-433-8996,x233
or lnixon@investinginchildren.on.ca.
Special thanks to Cargill Meats Canada
through their generous donation the Children’s Nutrition
Network was able to provide additional support to seven student
nutrition programs in London-Middlesex.
What’s coming up? Watch for marketing
campaign this fall in local grocery stores!
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