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"In Term 2 2005, St Mark's Primary School began a process
of changing the canteen menu over from highly processed 'standard'
menu items to fresh nutritious food that is mainly made on
the premises. This was done in consultation with Jacqi Deighan,
a children's food educator, the school board, the parent community
and Carmel Ahern, the canteen manager.
"Carmel has been instrumental in developing the menu
in consultation with Jacqui and has been the driving force
in providing nutritious items that she makes on the premises
- muffins, anzac biscuits, fruit balls, yoghurt with fruit,
fruit salad, pizza and salads in addition to the usual sandwiches,
rolls and wraps.
"It is providing this level of commitment and service
that clearly sets Carmel apart from most canteen managers
in that she is actively involved in shaping the menu and making
much of the food as opposed to providing prepackaged, highly
processed food.
"The menu is seasonal - Terms 1 & 4 (summer menu) and
Terms 2 & 3 (winter menu). Special days are also promoted
such as fried rice once a month. Each week in the newsletter,
she promotes tasty treats available for the week, for example,
banana and apple muffins or yoghurt with fresh strawberries
which keeps the range of food variable and interesting for
the children. As new items are introduced, Carmel visits each
of the classes and provides samples for the children to taste.
"It is on this basis that I nominate St Mark's for the
category of VSCA Most Improved Primary Canteen of the Year."
- Debbie Darvell, Principal
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