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"Jane Smith has been a part of the Toorak College Canteen
for over 13 years. From humble beginnings as a volunteer mum,
Jane has experienced all levels of managing a Café.
As a volunteer mum
Jane has felt the anxiety and apprehension of being a new
mum in an unfamiliar territory.
She has felt the joy and seen the delight on her daughter's
face as she eagerly brings in all her girlfriends to 'show
off' her devoted mum.
She has found security and familiarity through her interactions
with other mums, sharing knowledge and experiences whilst
preparing a salad roll.
She witnessed her daughter interacting with her friends in
an environment not open to most parents: a secret world!
She met her daughter's teachers, with opportunities to interact
and converse. A rare privilege indeed.
She was exposed to the individuality of children opening
her eyes and change her perceptions: what's normal?
As a part time canteen assistant
Jane has experienced the support of being part of a team.
She has also provided support. Happy to help when those last
minute phone calls for assistance come through.
She has learnt to be flexible, accommodating, understanding
and dependable.
She understands that it's so much more than just making lunches!
She is always underpaid and overworked.
As a café manager
Jane has shown leadership and strength in an environment
that is unpredictable and fast paced.
She is in tune with both the students and teachers and is
willing to adjust her directions accordingly.
She understands the importance of providing nutrition and
sustenance whilst still being creative and resourceful.
She nurtures the café as she would her own home, ensuring
that all feel welcome, safe and secure.
Financial targets and restraints do not cloud her focus on
ensuring that all girls can access the café at any time.
She represents the school's guiding values in all that she
does: Excellence, Courage, Integrity, Leadership Through
Service and Learning.
She never has a bad day.
She never loses her cool.
She always gives 200%.
And she will come back tomorrow and do it all again!
13 years of excellence is well overdue for recognition!"
- Kristy Russell, Catering Manager
"Not often in life do we cross paths with people that
can give so much and expect nothing in return. 'Jane' offers
not only lattes, fine food, quality service, smiles and loyalty,
BUT friendship. Visiting Toorak College's Café Pavilion is
made a pleasurable experience because of the person behind
the 'latte' - JANE! Thank you."
"Beautiful smile, fabulous eyes, effervescent, friendly,
mother, counsellor, patient, friend, good listener. An absolute
asset to Toorak College. There is an immediate sense of warmth
and welcome when you walk into the Pavilion Café - Jane is
always there to listen, offer advice, give you a hug and a
bloody good hot chocolate. She has introduced a good variety
of dishes for the girls to choose and has become a popular
spot for parents to catch up and have a coffee - a real meeting
place. She is fabulous."
"I really enjoy visiting Jane for a coffee - she is always
bright, cheerful and welcoming. I also like the way she treats
the girls - especially the Junior School students."
"Jane is a warm, friendly and supportive member of the college
community, who knows how I like my coffee and always makes
it with a smile! She is understanding of the teachers' role
and busy schedule and accommodates for our specific requests.
Jane also makes sure that we are well looked after when we
have our year 9 English meeting in the café. Jane is Wonderful
and often makes my day."
"There are probably over 200 staff & students who drink
cappuccinos at our school and Jane knows exactly how each
one of us likes our daily treat to be served. Some like it
warm, some like it hot, some like it weak, some like it strong,
some like sugar, some don't, some like a sprinkle of chocolate,
others don't, some like their takeaway without the lid, and
me, I find real comfort in sipping mine slowly through the
hole in the lid. Jane deals with all of our eccentricities,
she is the 'Cappuccino Queen' of Toorak College, not to mention
her freeze dried permanent welcoming smile and cheerfulness."
"Very special to Junior School children who take lunch orders
every day. Always smile and a treat. Also sorts out if forgot
lunch orders. Writes funny messages on bags etc."
"I would like to say that as a new staff member to Toorak
College, Jane has made me feel very 2008 VSCA Canteen of the
Year Awards Nomination Category (F) Secondary/P-12 Canteen
Manager of the Year Jane Smith, Toorak College welcome and
she always remembers how I like my coffee order."
"Jane always has a smile and a story for anyone who has time
to stop - she always makes time in her busy day. Jane knows
how everyone has their coffee and what they have for lunch
- people don't even have to ask and she knows what they want.
She knows that if I am having a good day it's hot chocolate
and if I am having a bad day then it's a coffee and that I
need to vent - and she lets me. I've seen her with the younger
kids and she is caring and listens intently to their very
serious lunch issues before easily solving their problems
for them in the sweetest way. Without Jane, the work day is
definitely less bright."
"Always takes an interest; genuinely likes the kids, forms
positive relationships with them and staff. Never see her
without a public face, a smile. She must get tired but she
never shows it; always well groomed, makes fantastic coffee,
knows exactly what different coffees we all have."
"…Jane is a listener, confidante, friend and colleague to
staff and another mum to students. She is warm and welcoming
and very efficient. Her understanding of a school and the
various roles within it are very evident. She appreciates
that my role means immediate action, no warning and tight
deadlines and she always attends to me with the greatest speed
even though she may be helping someone else but she does it
in such a way and so professionally that the person she is
serving is happy to accommodate any interruption…She will
perceive if I am having a stressful day by the number of coffees
I drink (usually one per day) but never asks questions. In
short, she is a gem and every school should have a Jane!!!!!!"
"I always make sure that when I tour prospective parents
that I stop in at the café. Not only do I know that the facility
will 'wow' parents but I also know that Jane's bubbly personality
will make them feel welcome. Jane has chatted to many prospective
parents and reflected on her journey as a parent of a Toorak
College student which has been so beneficial to the tours
I do. I had no idea that she had become a personal Dietician,
Psychologist, Counsellor, Physician. What an amazing woman!"
"Jane has given me my daily nutrients for many years, she
made sure I was eating well throughout my two pregnancies
and made sure my children gained a nutritious lunch when they
were at the school. Now she maintains my caffeine addiction
and I couldn't start the day without her friendly words of
wisdom."
"There is no café manager with wit, beauty and engaging smile
like Jane has."
"Jane is a mother confessor, counsellor, advisor, source
of all the news and friend to all. Despite her own difficulties
and tragedies, she remains resolutely cheerful, interested
in the lives and stories of all her customers. Jane appears
to know the name of every student in the school from Prep
to Year 12 as well as the coffee preferences of every staff
member. She is unashamedly proud of her daughter Nicky and
at the same time credits all the teachers she had at Toorak
College for her successes. She has boundless energy and a
determination to inject her enthusiasm for life and fun into
the hearts and minds of all the people who come into the caf."
"Warm and friendly, always has time for a quick chat or a
longer one if you need to solve the problems of the world.
Knows how everyone has their coffee! The most glamorous tuck
shop lady I've ever met."
"Jane is a wonderfully accommodating and cheery face in the
café. Her attention to detail, willingness to accommodate
ALL requests, never flustered, never displays any inkling
of inconvenience requests might cause. She manages to create
a most professional approach along with a most convivial atmosphere.
You always come out feeling better than you went in and that's
not just because of the food!"
- feedback from staff and students of the school
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