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"FANTASTIC EFFORT AWARD
I would like to nominate Glenda Smith who has been our canteen
manager at Yarrawonga Primary School in a paid position for
7 years. Glenda has had 6 children come through the school
with the last child finishing in 2004 and was a volunteer
canteen helper for about 8 years before that, including taking
on the Canteen Co-ordinator position in 1999 before this was
to become a paid position.
Glenda has seen a lot of changes to where the canteen was
run from over those years including: the church hall across
the road, a room behind the old fire station adjoining the
school, a room in an old house purchased by the school and
later demolished, the staff room and finally our new canteen.
In 2002, Glenda did her Food Handlers Certificate and in
2003 her Food Safety Supervisor. She also holds her Level
1 First Aid Certificate. The canteen fluctuates each year
with the amount of volunteers but with increase of working
parents it is sometimes difficult to get help every day of
the week. Occasionally, when the need arises, some Grade 5
& 6 children come in to help serve the busy recess under
Glenda's supervision.
In 2003, Glenda saw the need to provide breakfast at school
and approached the Principal who agreed to trial this program.
She organised with the local dairy for delivery for free milk
and every Monday evening collects leftover bread from the
local Bakers Delight. With the help of two other parents they
serve breakfast every Tuesday morning. With the success of
this day, Glenda started up [breakfast] on Friday morning
but has now delegated this morning to the teachers to supervise
with some child helpers. In 2004 she raised $1,300 to purchase
a conveyer toaster for the breakfast program, as well as in
February 2005 successfully applying for the small grants scheme
with the Moira Shire for a grant of $1,600 to help fund the
breakfast program.
Glenda has regular meetings with School Council to ensure
that nutritious healthy food is served to the children. She
ensures food served is of a high standard and all rules and
regulations for handling and serving food are strictly followed.
In 2005 Glenda put together a food safety plan which was approved
by the local Health Inspector, outlining all aspects of handling,
storing and cooking food as well as cleaning and sanitising
the canteen. She ensures record sheets are done daily and
that all volunteers are not only aware of the rules and regulations
of the plan, but follow them as well.
Late orders or children without food are never a problem
in the canteen, a sandwich or piece of fruit is always available.
When a teacher is running late and forgotten their lunch or
has playground duty, a quick sandwich can be made or food
can be left to keep hot until they are ready.
Glenda is always researching for different recipes and ideas
that may suit the canteen. Volunteers often enjoy a nice cappuccino
to relax with in between the busy times."
- Sharon Pitches
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