If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the canteen is the heart of the school. Our canteen builds community and aligns with our flexible learning program to increase school engagement and training for students.
The school canteen is not just a popular option for lunch; it provides a safe space for students to develop personal and work skills.
Over the years, canteen staff have offered work experience and training for students, with the canteen serving as a pathway into the hospitality industry.
It shares a space with BRSC’s Kookaburra Cafe, a flexible learning program that fosters school engagement, connections and skills for students outside of mainstream classes.
At a time when schools are increasingly outsourcing canteen operations in response to growing costs and declining volunteer numbers, the BRSC canteen remains under the control of the school’s governing council.
Its staff serve up warm smiles and first name greetings alongside toasted croissants, fresh salads, rolls, pastries and weekly specials.
Manager Kerri-Ann Butler has been in her role for the past three years but started working at the canteen in 2017.
A parent at the school herself, she understands the value of connecting with students.
“It’s nice because you get to know the students and when you see them on the street they recognise you as the canteen lady,” Kerri-Ann said.
“Everyone’s nice to the canteen people!”
Engaging students through practical learning
Kerri-Ann has been instrumental in shaping young lives through the canteen, including former-student-turned-canteen-worker Samira Harvey.
Samira’s career pathway started as a Year 10 student who, by her own admission, was not interested in school.
She was supported by teachers and youth workers as part of BRSC’s flexible learning program and provided with an individualised learning plan which included TAFE cookery courses and canteen work-experience.
“I enjoyed the canteen so much that I started volunteering the next term and I worked every Wednesday and filled in on other days when they needed a hand,” Samira said.
‘All the things I used to hate, I now love’
After going on to complete a Certificate II in Cookery, Samira now works at the canteen five-days a week, and she describes her experiences with the flexible learning program and canteen as transformative.
“All the things that I used to hate I now love, I love the social aspect of talking to everyone and getting to know the students,” Samira said.
“I love memorising everyone’s orders and their names, especially the Year 7s because it makes them feel more welcome and connected – we even get sticky notes from them about how much they appreciate the canteen staff.”
Youth workers help tailor learning programs
Youth Worker Amy Edson said Samira’s journey through the flexible learning program and canteen work experience demonstrated how schooling could be successfully tailored to students outside of mainstream classes.
“The amount of growth Samira has had is just huge,” she said.
Ms Edson said two flexible learning students were currently involved in canteen processes, including restocking and stock rotation.
She said that being part of the canteen gave students an opportunity to gain transferable skills and build social skills with trusted people and credited canteen staff for providing a safe, supportive environment.
“Kerri-Anne is amazing at meeting people where they are at and guiding them through.”
