Healthy Kids School Canteen Recognition Awards 2009
The Healthy Kids SCA is aware of all the skill, hard work and dedication that goes into running school canteens across NSW. The School Canteen Recognition Award Program is an opportunity to reward and recognise the “best” amongst NSW school canteen workers. We received 55 nominations from parent groups and Principals from 38 schools across the state.
An independent judging panel selected the winners from 23 finalists. The judges commented that it was inspirational to hear about all the amazing work that goes on ensuring that the young people in our schools receive great food with a smile. Our congratulations go to all who provide this service.
We would like to thank the sponsors: Cancer Council NSW, Sydney Markets and Woolworths.
Canteen Volunteer Roster Worker of the Year - to recognise volunteers who work in the canteen
Winner
Margaret Ann Smith, Maclean High School
Margaret has been volunteering for the last 34 years. Initially this was as a parent on the weekly roster, she is now a grandparent and still comes along to serve. This 34 year service has been continuous, even though she has not always had a connection to the school.
Joint Runner Up
Betty Cain, Grays Point Public School
Betty is a grandmother in her 80’s who takes the bus to and from her volunteering duties.
Lorraine Halliday, Ross Hill Public School
Lorraine has been volunteering for 31 years, and at present she is on the roster 3 times a month and is happy to help with extra days if needed.
Betty Freeman, William Bayldon Public School
Betty is a local grandmother with no connection to the school, other than she loves to volunteer in the canteen
Highly Commended
Norma Dietrich, Monaro High School
Kathy Tranter, Telarah Public School
Canteen Volunteer Committee Member of the Year - to recognise volunteers who work on canteen committees
Winner
Michele Stewart, Caves Beach Public School
Michele took on the job that no one else wanted, President of the Canteen Committee. Whilst in this position she redesigned a healthy menu recognising that the menu is a nutrition education tool for the students. Michele has also made the canteen an enjoyable place to work which has started to increase the volunteer numbers.
Joint Runner Up
Jane Chew, Lisarow Public School
Jane is the Treasurer and also a talented artist, who designs colouring in competitions, promotional flyers and has recently decorated the menu blackboard with an outstanding fruit and vegetable mural.
Julie Masters, Pottsville Beach Public School
Julie has been volunteering in the canteen for over 10 years and is always looking for ways to improve the menu and is a leader in making the canteen GREEN.
Highly Commended
Sue Murphy, Coonabarabran High School
Michelle Palombi, Jerrabomberra Public School
Julie Crawford, Willoughby Public School/Girls High School
Canteen Innovator of the Year - to recognise any person who has contributed to the canteen in an innovative way.
Winner
Edwina Hession, Grays Point Public School
Edwina mentioned that she was interested in gardening and that she had started a small vegetable patch at her own home. She was then asked if she would be interested in helping start a garden for the school. After attending conferences and talks on gardening, she has become very passionate and has taken this challenge on. It is planned to use the produce in the canteen.
Highly Commended
Fiona Thompson, Ross Hill Public School
Paid Canteen Manager of the Year - to recognise canteen managers
Winner
Serena Copley, Berry Public School
Serena recognises that not all parents read their weekly school newsletter where canteen information including up and coming specials is displayed. In the current technological age, Serena has started sending SMS text specials. She has brought order and efficiency to the running of the canteen including comprehensive information sheets for volunteers.
Runner Up
Christine Wisemantel, Tea Gardens Public School
Christine has turned the canteen from financial crisis into financially viable within 2 years.
Highly Commended
Lee Mackie, Adamstown Public School
Dawn Lee, Grays Point Public School
Riedell Perrin, Kempsey East Public School
Shirley Rutter, Willoughby Public School/Girls High School
Unpaid Canteen Manager of the Year - to recognise canteen managers who are not paid
Winner
Liz Adams, Ironbark Ridge Public School
Even though Liz has no children at the school she runs the canteen on a fulltime voluntary basis, ensuring a healthy menu is provided and that all policies and procedures are in place. She also organises food for school activities such as athletics/sports carnivals, Grandparents day and social nights.
Highly Commended
Kylie-Ann Lysaght, Coal Point Public School
Tina Smart, North Nowra Public School
