Royal serve

By Lia Bichel
TEACHERS were treated like royalty during a special dining experience at Lyndhurst Secondary College last week.
VCAL students cooked a three-course meal for the teacher of their choice as part of a ‘Food Fit for Kings and Queens’ unit.
In pairs, students had to plan the meals, make a budget, grocery shop, write a formal invitation to the teacher of their choice, and prepare and present their meals.
“We had everything from bruschetta and soup, pasta meal entrées, Mexican tortillas, Caesar salads, parmas, and spaghetti bolognaise,” teacher Jeff McMillin said.
Mr McMillin teaches the course with fellow teacher Jamie Sweatman.
He said the course had been successful in helping students prepare for future responsibilities outside of school.
“It’s basically a practical program to get students to see something from beginning to end,” he said.
“It helps them understand the importance of a healthy diet, budgeting, meeting deadlines, grooming and presentation.”
Year 12 student Jason Poole said he was inexperienced in the kitchen and after making a garlic pita bread, a chicken stir-fry, and berries and cream dessert, he now has the confidence to cook for his family.
“I never even cut broccoli before this,” he said. “I felt pretty good when we finished, and we got a lot of good feedback.”
Mr McMillin said he was pleased with the success of the program and hoped to continue it in future years.