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"With rising obesity rates amongst children, one inspirational
Mum, Sue Barron, decided to fight the war against preservatives
and artificial foods. In November 2004, with the help of Donna
Rodwell and the support of Assistant Principal Perry Kick,
Mentone Park Primary School's 'Kids Café' was born. Sue's
innovative idea was to replace the junk food laden school
canteen of the past … with a café style space providing students
with home-baked healthy nutritious food.
"Through her passion and hard work, Sue, along with
Donna, has succeeded in creating a warm community environment
much loved by students and parents alike, proving that healthy
eating can be fun and nutritious.
"With their children moving on to high school, Donna
has moved on and Sue will move on at the end of 2009 as her
youngest also enters secondary school.
"With this, I would like to nominate Sue Barron for
Canteen Manager of the Year in recognition of her undying
dedication and commitment to the Kids Café and Mentone Park
Primary School.
"Sue has given her time voluntarily, creating and managing
Kids Café since its commencement, only recently (in 2009)
being paid for a nominal four hours a week.
"Each week, Sue has not only overseen the Café operation
on a Friday when we are open, but also the shopping, ordering,
stock takes, recruitment of new volunteers, cleaning, book
keeping, and this list goes on, all amounting to many more
hours that she is 'employed'. With no funding available to
assist, the establishment of the Kids Café was a huge responsibility
to take on, which Sue did with gusto.
"We have seen many changes since the start including
vast improvements to the kitchen, kids' cooking classes, catering
and a veggie garden. Sue has been a main driving force behind
these and the ongoing success of the café.
"Sue's bright smile and enthusiasm have spread to include
a healthy number of faithful volunteers who come every week,
not only to provide lunches for students, but also for a cuppa
and friendship.
"The result - happy healthy kids and happy parents.
"I hope you agree with us that Sue's energy, ongoing
commitment and enthusiasm should be applauded … Kids' Café
is not just a school canteen, it is part of our school's culture
and the whole school community takes pride in it."
- Julia Nadj, Canteen Volunteer
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