Food Choices at Break Time: A Healthy and Nut-Free Environment at OIS
At Optimist International School (OIS), we prioritize the health and well-being of our students. Encouraging healthy eating habits is an essential part of our school culture, and we are committed to providing a safe environment for all children. As part of this commitment, OIS is a nut-free school due to several students having severe nut allergies. We ask for the cooperation of all parents and caregivers in adhering to our food guidelines to ensure a safe and inclusive school environment.
Healthy Eating at OIS
Students have their morning break at around 10:00 AM and lunch at 12:00 PM. Food and drink should be brought from home, and we encourage parents to pack a nutritious lunch that supports healthy eating habits. Most students bring a small lunchbox with a selection of foods they enjoy, and we encourage variety to ensure balanced nutrition.
To promote a healthy diet, we respectfully request that the following items are not brought to school:
- Sweets and gum
- Party bags
- Chocolate spread
- Carbonated drinks
Some students have dietary restrictions or allergies, and avoiding these foods helps create an environment where all students feel safe and included.
A Nut-Free School
OIS is a nut-free school to protect students who have severe nut allergies. Even minimal exposure to nuts can cause serious allergic reactions. We kindly ask that parents ensure their child’s lunchbox does not contain nuts or nut-based products. Additionally, nuts can be a choking hazard, particularly for younger children. By maintaining a nut-free policy, we create a safer school environment for everyone.
If your child is a selective eater, we encourage offering a variety of food options that will appeal to them while adhering to the school’s food guidelines. Parents should notify the class teacher and the school office in writing if their child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions due to health or religious reasons.
Allergies and Medical Conditions
Some students at OIS have serious allergies or medical conditions. During enrollment, parents are required to note any medical conditions on the General Application form. To ensure the safety of all children, our policy regarding medication is as follows:
- Teachers and staff do not administer medication, including over-the-counter drugs.
- If medication is needed, parents may come to the school to administer it.
- It is the parents’ responsibility to keep the school informed of any medical conditions that require attention.
Supporting a Safe and Healthy Environment
At OIS, we believe that healthy food choices contribute to a child’s overall well-being and ability to learn. We appreciate the cooperation of all families in following these guidelines and ensuring that OIS remains a safe and inclusive environment for all students.