Every Tuesday afternoon, the Class 3 children exclaim, “What are we cooking this week?" They gather excitedly around the outdoor table and peek curiously at the fresh ingredients. Like any well trained apprentice chef, they follow good food hygiene practices; they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, wear an apron and even a hair net (yes, there are giggles galore!) We have discussed safe behaviour in the kitchen and demonstrated sensible handling of utensils such as metal graters and knives and cutting boards with adult supervision. Our cooking sessions have become a hands on exploration of food – from grating carrots, to slicing capsicum, stirring lentils, smelling spices, picking fresh herbs and trying new tastes such as Kalamata olives!

The children are enjoying the procedure of following a recipe to completion and then reaping the reward of sharing the meal together, after a blessing is sung and a gentle reminder about table manners. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Then it’s all hands on deck to wash and dry the cutlery and crockery and pack away. At the end of the year, each child will bring home their own Cooking Book that they have been collating from our sessions to share with their family.

Theresa Parisi
Class 3/4 Assistant