As you may know, the canteen operator closed at the end of last term due to insolvency.
The P&C resolved to attempt to run the canteen, subject to several preconditions. If these preconditions are not met within the next 14 days, the P&C will not run the canteen, and Ms. Barry will put the operation out to tender for for-profit providers. Tender processes take at least four months, and there is no guarantee that any provider will step in to run an on-site canteen.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME?
- P&C needs a new pool of at least 7 committed volunteers who can commit to and consistently provide support for the canteen operator
- Without these volunteers there will likely be no canteen until 2025
- External contractors will likely not be on site so orders will be delivered to school – meaning emergency orders will not be fulfilled*
- Grandparents and other citizens connected to the school are welcome
- Healthy kids were the only company that applied for the last tender
The deadline to volunteer is Tuesday, 13th August.
The P&C is already responsible for running Kids Cottage, the Uniform Shop, Band, Strings, and all community and fundraising activities (Movie Night, Sparkle, Christmas Fair). We do this with a relatively small but dedicated pool of volunteers who do an incredible amount of unseen work, often on top of their full-time day jobs. This existing pool of volunteers cannot take on another operation without additional new volunteer resources.
Carlotta Annan has stepped up to volunteer to be treasurer for the new venture, Michele Stockley Smith who currently runs out canteen day to day wishes to stay on to run the canteen, but she needs support on heavy ordering days (Thursday and Friday).
For a P&C-led, on-site canteen to go ahead, we need a new pool of long-term committed volunteers. Specifically, we need the following:
- Canteen Coordinator (1 person): This individual will commit for at least 12 months and will be supported by Carlotta as the Canteen Treasurer and Michelle, the employed canteen manager. Responsibilities include compliance with food safety regulations, volunteer rostering, management of ordering systems, and interfacing with the school community.
- Canteen Volunteers (at least 6 people): These volunteers will help on-site in the canteen on Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 2pm, assisting Michele on her busiest days.
If you are willing and able to volunteer, please fill out the following form indicating your interest and availability https://bit.ly/4fu7B4L
The running of the canteen will be discussed and resolved at the next P&C Meeting on Tuesday 13 August at 6:30pm.
We will update the school community on our progress on Wednesday, 14th August.
Thank you for your support.