Their role:
The canteen committee reports to the sponsoring body (Parent Body or Principal).
The canteen committee proposes major decisions on the operation of the canteen. These include long and short-term goals, policies, employment, legislation matters and finance. Recommendations are reported to the sponsoring body prior to adoption. A committee not only allows the workload to be shared as a team, but also provides a wider forum so that different views and ideas can be considered.
The chairperson and treasurer of the canteen committee will liaise directly with canteen staff and volunteers on matters relating to the day-to-day management of the canteen and report matters of importance to the canteen committee.
Responsibilities checklist:
Implement the canteen policy and initiate annual review of this policy.
Plan, organise, control and evaluate the needs of the canteen.
May employ and dismiss staff according to legislation.
Provide job descriptions, work agreements and performance reviews for paid staff.
Ensure a healthy and safe work environment.
Ensure the legal requirements of the canteen are maintained (eg tax, superannuation, long service leave and insurances).
Make sure all financial records are in order and an audit is performed at the end of each year.
Present a monthly and yearly financial report to the sponsoring body.
Support, encourage and acknowledge the efforts of paid and voluntary staff.
Foster support for the canteen from the school community.
Make decisions on the items to be sold in the canteen and approve the sale prices of new items.
Establish the required profit margin and appropriate control.
Produce a canteen menu and price list.
Develop new ideas and activities to link the classroom with nutrition education.
Monitor, and if required, upgrade the condition of the canteen’s facilities and major equipment.