A TEAM of Penola High School Year 10 students are creating a stir in the community with the reopening of the popular Cafe 43.
Students are manning the cafe kitchen as part of the school’s hospitality skills centre, which will help them develop their food handling and preparation, customer service and workplace hygiene practices.
Home economics teacher Gavin Kernot worked with students to host a soft opening of the cafe experience for staff and senior students ahead of its broader opening.
The menu is based on a range of burgers and curries, with plans to expand into winter favourites.
“This training is giving students valuable real life, employability skills which prepares them to start casual work in the area,” Mr Kernot said.
“The hospitality industry is a valuable partner for the students to gain not only work and life experience, but also regular income and it is exciting to see the number of our students who are already working in our local businesses.”
Taking part through the school home economics program, student Brianna said the experience differed from what she had been exposed to while working in a local cafe.
“It has been kind of tricky because we are always the ones who have to be on the coffee machine because not everyone knows how to use it yet,” Brianna said.
Fellow student Kasey, who also works in a bakery, said despite the different environment the experience had been positive.
“I enjoy working with people and I enjoy working in hospitality and the community have responded really well to it lately, we have not had any complaints,” Kasey said.
The cafe is open Wednesdays from 12.15pm to 1.40pm.
Bookings can be made by contacting 8737 0000.
