Our focus is on promoting a healthy lifestyle which includes physical fitness and nutrition. Junk food is discouraged and in some cases not allowed on campus. We appreciate parents supporting us in ensuring students have healthy snacks and lunches at school.
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.
Grades 4, 5 & 6
- Lunchroom supervision will be provided.
- These students who are registered for the lunch program are not permitted to leave the school campus during the school day.
- These students do not have access to hot water or microwaves.
- Students are required to stay in designated lunch areas for the first half of lunch.
- For the second half of lunch students go outside to the field area (weather permitting) or other options (i.e: Learning Commons or Intramurals) where supervision will be provided.
- Students may take longer to eat their lunch in their designated areas if required.
- Students should bring appropriate clothing to be outside at lunchtime.
- Students re-enter the school at the warning bell where they are expected to go to their lockers and get prepared for afternoon classes.
Grades 7, 8 & 9
- These students have permission to leave the campus at lunch provided they return to school on time for afternoon classes. Everyone is expected to behave in a respectful manner towards community businesses and neighbouring residents.
- We encourage junior high students who are leaving the school for lunch to make healthy choices if they are going to purchase their food at such places as Macs.
- Those students who remain at school during the lunch break are asked to clean up after themselves.
- Students are expected to go outside during the lunch hour, (weather permitting) if they are not involved in clubs or intramurals.
- Lunch supervision is provided on a schedule and staff volunteer their time to support clubs and intramurals
- We encourage all students to be involved in the many lunchtime activities that are available.
Supervision
If your child is in grade 7-9 they are permitted to leave the Sherwood campus over the lunch period, please be aware there is no school supervision provided to any student going off campus. Supervision of students is limited to Sherwood School. Please discuss appropriate behavior when patronizing the businesses in the neighbourhood, and being in the community itself. Students should be respectful of others using these establishments, as well as disposing of litter in trash bins available. Students who are abusive or disruptive will face consequences at school. Businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone and to initiate police involvement if behavior dictates.
Students in Grades 4-6 are not permitted to leave campus over the lunch hours, unless permissions have been granted (via the office) in advance for students who walk home for lunch. Students are expected to be back at the school on time when the lunch break is over and ready for their classes to begin in the afternoon.
Nutrition Break
A daily Nutrition Break is included in elementary student's schedules. The break are staggered and take place each day at the teacher’s discretion during period 2 or period 3. All students are provided a Friday nutrition break and must remain on school property during the break. Students have an opportunity to have a snack, and to go outside for a fresh air break.
Allergies
As a number of our students have severe allergies to nuts, including peanuts, we are an Allergy Aware school. We ask for your support in protecting students with allergies by not sending foods containing tree nuts or peanuts to school. For more information about this and other health concerns see our Illness & Medical page.
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.
References