A student-run cafe has officially opened at St Pat鈥檚 and is proving a hit with students and staff alike. Part of our VET Hospitality program, the cafe is giving our boys a taste of the industry in a real-world setting.
The Shamrock Caf茅 has quickly become one of the busiest places at St Patrick鈥檚 College, with students and staff flocking to the student-run caf茅 since it officially opened in the Whelan Food Centre earlier this term.
Run by VET Hospitality students under the guidance of teacher Mr Brett Earl, the caf茅 is giving students the opportunity to develop practical, real-world skills in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.
The boys typically prepare the food during their VET Hospitality classes and open the cafe on Fridays鈥攂efore school, at recess and at lunchtime.
Profits from the cafe are being reinvested into the VET Hospitality program to further strengthen learning opportunities, with a portion also donated to the Ballarat Soup Bus to support those in need within the local community.聽聽聽
Mr Earl said he had been incredibly proud of the way the boys had embraced the opportunity.
鈥淭he students have shown great enthusiasm and professionalism since opening day,鈥� he said.聽
鈥淭hey鈥檝e worked hard behind the scenes preparing food, serving customers and learning what it takes to operate a successful caf茅. It鈥檚 been fantastic to see their skills and confidence grow so quickly.鈥�
Year 11 students Aiden Atherton and Nash Cleary said the experience had already taught them valuable lessons and helped them grow in confidence.
鈥淚鈥檝e been working front-of-house taking orders and making coffees and it鈥檚 definitely improved my communication skills because you鈥檙e talking to so many different people all the time,鈥� Nash said.
聽鈥淵ou learn how important teamwork is too because everyone has to work together to get the job done.鈥�
Aiden agreed, saying the popularity of the caf茅 had been one of the biggest surprises.
鈥淲e didn鈥檛 realise how busy it would be,鈥� he said.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 been really good seeing everyone around the school support the caf茅 and come in to buy a toastie or a milkshake.鈥�
The boys said they were especially proud that the caf茅 was not only providing students with hands-on experience, but also helping raise funds for those in need.
鈥淚t feels good knowing we鈥檙e giving back as well,鈥� Aiden said.
Both students encouraged others considering studying VET Hospitality in the future to give it a go.
鈥淵ou learn a lot and it鈥檚 really hands-on,鈥� Nash said.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great experience and a lot of fun.鈥�
And the most popular item on the menu? 鈥淐hocolate milkshakes, definitely chocolate milkshakes.鈥�
