Having rain-proof jackets for every pupil has been the best thing about the assistance provided by children's charity KidsCan, Brockville School office manager Kim Dougherty says.
The decile 2 Dunedin school has been in the scheme for just over a year.
Every child receives a jacket, and shoes are provided for those who need them. Fruit provided in the scheme is added to the school's breakfast programme, and there is an ample supply of muesli bars.
The scheme also provides head lice treatment and some medical supplies.
"We did see a need in our school for it,'' Mrs Dougherty said.
Without KidsCan, more pupils would go hungry, affecting their learning.
"This is what it's all about: that our kids are warm, well-fed, and that they're like everybody else - all the necessities that they need so they have a good learning day.''
The school has five new pupils who are Syrian refugees, and they also benefit.
Brockville School was asked by KidsCan to speak about the scheme because another Dunedin school, Bathgate Park School, has been put on a waiting list for the scheme. At Bathgate, 130 of 183 pupils were identified as being in need.
All of Brockville's 121 pupils receive assistance through the scheme.
The charity wanted to highlight the need at Bathgate, but the school was reluctant to take part in the publicity.
Bathgate Park School principal Whetu Cormick provided a written statement:
"KidsCan's [programme] would greatly support our school and have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our young people and on the community as a whole.''
To support a child for $15 a month, visit www.kidscan.org.nz.
