COVID no threat as 200 sit down to Beenleigh State High’s Paddock to Plate annual lunch
A southside high school has braved the tough coronavirus restrictions to host one of the state’s largest sit-down lunches during the pandemic, an eight-course feast for 200 people last week.
Logan
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A southside high school has braved the tough coronavirus restrictions to host one of the state’s largest sit-down lunches during the pandemic, an eight-course feast for 200 people last week.
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Strict COVID-19 rules did not deter Beenleigh State High School’s year 10 and 11 catering students from putting on the sixth annual foodie event, Paddock to Plate.
The highly popular culinary extravaganza went ahead despite threats of cancellation after fears of the stringent COVID regulations.
Principal Matt O’Hanlon said students had to work three times as hard to ensure they complied with the tough COVID rules.
That included students being briefed regularly on changes to the public health direction and ensuring all students and staff had completed a TAFE certificate in Work Training for Dining.
The virus limited the numbers in the dining hall, the distance between guests, cutlery and serving conditions and inflexible hygiene standards.
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“We didn’t think it would be possible and it was no easy feat to cater to 200 industry leaders during the COVID pandemic but the event was a massive success,” Mr O’Hanlon said.
“It is always popular but this year was different and the school pulled out all stops to make sure our guests were safe but also fed our top-quality beef grown locally.
“We had leaders in catering, hospitality, and beef and produce industries and the students knew how important it was to maintain high standards and meet the regulations.”
But they had some help behind the scenes from master chef and Beenleigh High mentor Matt Golinski who made sure the eigh courses were a recipe for success.
Mr Golinski said the experience would hold the school’s students in good stead, as many were already working in the hospitality industry.
“The students took up the challenge and accepted the additional responsibility of maintaining hygiene practices in the COVID environment,” he said.
“As well as consistent hand sanitising, they were temperature tested each day at the start and during their shifts.”
A highlight of the day, other than the food, was the auction of a Don Waters painting Front Runner which raised more than $5000.
Don Waters paintings have been very popular at local auctions, with one of his works allegedly selling to a Chinese buyer for $5000 to raise money for former Logan councillor Russell Lutton’s election campaign in 2016.
Beenleigh High P & C will use the funds from the auction to support the catering program.
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Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Kimchi, Carambola, Miso Glaze Braised Lamb Shoulder, Chorizo, Chickpeas, Eggplant, Watercress, Tomatoes
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