Canteens  

    When a P&C association operates a school canteen it is recommended that the P&C establishes a sub-committee which is responsible for its management on a day to day basis. However, the sub-committee will still be ultimately accountable to the P&C Association for the canteen, including its financial affairs.   The canteen sub-committee should include in its membership at least one member of the P&C executive committee. The P&C president and/or principal may be included as ex-officio members. The canteen manager may be invited to attend committee in an advisory capacity.   The canteen sub-committee can be given responsibility for:

  • overseeing, with discretion, the general operation of the canteen
  • deciding the basic policy in relation to the serving of suitable food at reasonable cost
  • reviewing prices, menus and goods for sale on a regular basis
  • the adherence to guidelines regarding hygienic food preparation, 
    serving and storage
  • recruiting and encouraging volunteer helpers where 
    necessary
  • appointing and paying employed canteen staff and defining their duties (these should be ratified by the P&C association)
  • ensuring regular stocktaking is conducted
  • reporting to the P&C association at their general meetings and 
    submitting an audited financial statement at the AGM .

The canteen committee should aim for open and clear communication between the canteen and the P&C and should be supportive of all employed staff. The P&C through the canteen committee has certain obligations with regard to current award ( The Retail and Wholesale Industry - Shop Employees - Award 1995 ) rates, superannuation and long service provision and a legal obligation to carry workers compensation.

Even when the operation of the canteen is leased out on contract by the P&C, the P&C should still require certain conditions to be met. When employing staff, it is important to follow correct procedures with regard to providing duty statements, carrying out interviews, signing contracts, etc. Employees who work 30+ hours per week are considered permanent part-time and qualify for holiday and sick-leave pay. Casual employees must be given a minimum of three hours pay with a percentage loading.   To minimise physical hazards in the workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, contact ACT WorkCover on 62050200 and ask for an OH&S inspection of the workplace.   The publication, Building Better Workplaces , is an employment guide for P&C associations and is available for $10.00 from the P&C Council office on 62415759. (Although this is not completely up to date, it contains much useful information for P&Cs.) Also, the ACT School Canteen Association provides valuable support for canteens and can be contacted on 62822158 or 62813763.

 

     

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