Volunteers at Muir Lake School Make It Happen!

Muir Lake School in Stony Plain, Alberta, is one of 22 schools within Parkland School Division. They know from experience that healthy students are better learners, which is why they use a comprehensive approach to foster student well-being. This approach includes promoting universal access to food, and it takes a whole school and community to make it happen! 

When Breakfast Club of Canada coordinator Carmen Siu visited Muir Lake School, she was thrilled to learn how many volunteers are involved in the success of the breakfast program. Initially spearheaded in 2022–2023 by Jodi Marcinew, the school’s head secretary, the program quickly gained traction. Jodi did it all in those first days, but it became clear almost immediately that additional support was required to reach even more students. To meet this need, Jodi rallied volunteers through the school newsletter. What started as a small endeavour rapidly grew into a community effort, with parents finding fulfilment in contributing before work, and students bonding over shared mornings. 

The program is structured around a breakfast captain, student volunteer coordinator and parent volunteer coordinator, who ensure that everything operates smoothly and sustainably. They have simplified menus, embraced online scheduling and created a parent WhatsApp group for communication. With these tools in place, the program is flourishing, offering consistency and ease of participation. 

Student involvement is also key. Muir Lake ensures a steady presence of student volunteers through careful planning. Both they and the parents who help are acknowledged for their efforts on a regular basis. Treat days, reference letters and certificates are just some of the ways used to keep almost 30 students engaged and reinforce the value of their contributions. 

Beyond providing nourishment, Muir Lake’s breakfast program fosters a sense of community. Each morning, students gather to share food, laughter and friendship, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Perseverance and community support has made this program an integral part of the school community and a place where everyone feels welcome.  

Great job and thank you for welcoming us into your school! 

Want more ideas on how to engage students in your program? Check out our Student Volunteers Toolkit!