Critical yet constructive mindset please
As a parent with experiences at three different local schools participating in the school lunches programme, I feel compelled to share my perspective.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the value of programmes aimed at supporting children’s nutrition and wellbeing, yet it’s equally important to address any concerns or biases that may exist within the community dialogue surrounding such initiatives.
I am very concerned at the way one of these schools has asked for parent support to continue the school lunches programme. I feel that as someone who does not support the programme in its current form, my input is not valued or wanted.
I’d like to draw attention to the recent communications from our local school regarding the school lunches programme. While I appreciate the effort to gather feedback and support for the continuation of the programme, I’ve observed certain biases in the messaging that may limit the diversity of opinions being considered.
For instance, the language used in the school’s Facebook posts and the political nature of some communications raise concerns about the neutrality of the discourse. Schools play a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment where all viewpoints are respected and it’s essential to ensure that the conversation surrounding initiatives like the school lunches programme remains open and unbiased.
Moreover, it’s crucial to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of such programmes objectively. While the intention behind providing free and healthy school lunches is noble, we must also consider practical aspects such as cost-effectiveness and nutritional quality.
With regards to the cost per child, the figures suggest a considerable investment per student. As a taxpayer-funded initiative, it’s imperative to assess whether this expenditure is justified, especially when comparing it to the number of children benefiting from the programme.
Additionally, concerns about food quality, wastage, and the unintended consequences of the programme, such as increased rubbish and feeding non-targeted recipients like the homeless, merit careful consideration. The observations shared regarding food wastage and children’s reluctance to consume the provided meals raise questions about the suitability and acceptability of the offerings.
Teachers and school staff would be well aware of students who have a genuine need for intervention.
In conclusion, while I support efforts to improve children’s nutrition and wellbeing, it’s essential to approach such initiatives with a critical yet constructive mindset. By fostering open dialogue and considering diverse perspectives, we can ensure that taxpayer-funded programmes like the school lunches programme truly serve the best interests of all stakeholders, including our children, families, and communities.
Thank you for considering these perspectives as part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the school lunches programme. Concerned
Northland
Let us decide for ourselves
Thank you for publishing the delightful photograph of Daniel Lockett reading to children at a Library Storytime. ( Northern Advocate, March 22)
As a Christian and a parent I would be very pleased to take my family members to see and hear Erika and Coco.
But apparently someone else is deciding that I may not. Bronwyn Emson TSSF
Mangawhai
Coutts should sue dolphins
Watching the sulking Sir Russell Coutts after a dolphin upset his plans and hearing his threats to flee his native land if he didn’t get better treatment wasn’t anything new.
He didn’t mind helping win the America’s Cup for Italy and one of its billionaire ex-PMs . . . so what’s a mere endangered dolphin to come between his SailGP dreams in his homeland?
Maybe Coutts could somehow sue those pesky, playful mammals or their head honcho dolphin boss for infringing their water that they’ve played and fished in for over 100 million years . . . but he’d hired for a few days? Rob Buchanan
Kerikeri