Notre Dame College canteen staff feeding community through COVID-19

These parcels, which include a mix of fresh and frozen meals, and desserts, are being delivered on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Notre Dame College deputy principal Kris Walker came up with the idea in the lead-up to the school shutdowns, when thinking about how they could support employees whose jobs relied on students attending school, as well as vulnerable families in their community.

“Our canteen staff and home economics assistant's work has been disrupted,” she said.

“(They) have incredible skills and talents in the kitchen and presented us with an opportunity to support many of our Notre Dame College families that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.”

Ms Walker said the school has been able to identify families who may be needing assistance due to job losses, or difficulties associated with taking care of multiple children at home, through the school's pastoral care program.

Canteen manager Belinda Brown said the families receiving the hampers had been contacting them and thanking them for their work.

“It warms my heart — we do the job we love, but we also get to give back,” she said.

“It's rewarding in that way, and makes us feel so good.”

Principal John Cortese said a similar program was under way at the school's Emmaus Campus through the McAuley Champagnat Programme, where welfare staff were making home visits to families with meals.

He also encouraged Notre Dame College families who needed additional support to contact the school.

While the school has been covering the cost for most of the food, Mr Cortese said is was grateful for fruit donations from Radevski Coolstores, and would welcome further contributions of milk and bread.

FOR MORE STORIES ABOUT EDUCATION:

Mooroopna Integrated Early Learning Centre to lift outcomes in community

Kialla West students head back to school

Guthrie Street Primary School makes fun videos for remote learning