Lunchroom Absence Line: 403-777-6500, ext. 4
If your child will not be attending the lunch program for any reason, provide a note or phone the office at the number above.
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- 5 for an annual fee. Please visit our Lunch Supervision page for more information.
Lunch Shifts
There are two lunch shifts, each containing approximately half of the children. The following are lunch times observed from Monday to Thursday.
First Lunch
- Lunch 11:20AM – 11:40AM followed by Recess 11:40AM – 12:00PM
Second Lunch
- Recess 11:20AM – 11:40AM followed by Lunch 11:40AM – 12:00PM
Nutrition Break Friday
On Fridays we dismiss for the day at 12:15 PM. Teachers provide an extended nutrition break mid morning. Remember to provide your children with a “super snack” to ensure that good learning can occur all morning.
Allergy Accommodation
We are an allergy aware school. Do let us know if you have particular concerns that require accommodation. There are no restrictions on the types of food your child is able to bring for lunch and snack. (e.g. They can bring peanut butter sandwiches.). For more information, see our Illness & Medical page.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
We ask that you provide reusable containers for lunch items rather than throw away paper, plastic, or foil. Please send utensils from home for your child’s lunch if needed. Students do not have access to hot water or microwaves for warming lunches. Lunchroom supervisors will help open the thermos if a child needs help.
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