Canteen Proposal
Need/Desire for a canteen
In order to determine the desire for a canteen, a number of opinions have been sort and a survey of
the parent community has also been undertaken. The survey received 188 respondents out of a
parent community of 400. Although there has not been any negative comments about the lack of a
canteen by the parent community to the school, the students have noted to the school council they
would like a canteen and the survey results were generally very supportive of having a canteen
operate at least part of the week. The survey results are included as Attachment 4.
Structures
If the school was to operate a canteen there are three main ways to structure the canteen:
1. Volunteers only (School or P&C operated). This option has not been assessed as part of this
proposal. As a large portion of the school has working parents (as evidenced by OOSH usage)
who would be unable to volunteer. Past experience as well as other research (such as Birchgrove
experience and information available from Healthy Kids Association) also suggests that this
option may be difficult to operate successfully
2. Volunteers with Paid Canteen Manager (School or P&C operated)
Pros
 Quality control
 Control over menu
 Someone responsible for day to day
operation
 Not relying solely on volunteers
 If canteen makes profit, goes to school
 Volunteers are only needed to prepare
and distribute food, not for all the
administrative work as well
Cons
 Lead time to develop policy and procedures
 Need to ensure canteen makes enough money
to cover a wage
 Still quite reliant on volunteers
 Need to educate people about the need for
volunteers even though have a paid employee
 Food wastage issues if only open 2 days
 Set up costs (utensils, containers etc)
 Financial risk if makes a loss
 Management of an employee – sick and annual
leave cover, replacement and potential gaps in
service if manager leaves.
The next steps for this option are:
 Develop Canteen Policy
 Determine hours of operation
 Develop menu
 Develop procedures (ordering, timelines, portion controls, volunteers)
 Determine financial record keeping methods
 Marketing considerations
 Employ Manager (job description, advertise,interview)
3. Licensee
This would transfer the risk of operating the canteen to the operator of the canteen. They would
pay rent or a license fee to the School. As the school ‘owns’ the property, any contract with a third
party needs to be via the school, not P&C and therefore we would need to go through the tender
process for this option.
In investigating this option we contacted The School Canteen as they provide a canteen service to
nine other inner west schools. They currently operate from Kegworth, Ashbury and Dobroyd Public
Schools (ie pay rent) and deliver and distribute for the other six.
Pros
 No financial reporting burden on P&C
 No financial risk (ie if canteen makes a
loss)
 Known source of income (from rent)
 Still have some control over menu
 Don’t need to organise volunteers
 Principal maintains control over all
aspects of the licence agreement
 Able to choose an applicant experienced
in operating canteens or a food business
Cons
 Paperwork
 Time frame for approval from Dept of
Education (8+ weeks)
 Potential to lose out on profit if turns out to be
successful
 Potentially won’t be accepted into the school
community
The next steps for this option are:
 Request Education Department – Schools Finance approval for tender process
 Prepare Canteen Licence Agreement and Package for prospective applicants (can charge an
application fee)
 Advertise
 Assessment of applications
 Send successful applicant details to Schools Finance for approval
 Sign Canteen Licence Agreement
Issues to be considered in selecting a structure
Issues Raised
There were a number of issues raised in the canteen survey, the P&C and School Council. Each of
these can be mitigated by either structure chosen to operate the canteen.
Issue
Canteen available for fundraising
activities eg sushi days once a
week/fortnight/month
Children having money at school
Children late for class/lining up all of
their break time
Creation of excess of rubbish
Mitigant
85.5% of survey respondents indicated they would use a
canteen between 1-5 times week. So a 2 day per week
canteen would allow for other activities still to occur
Limit orders to on-line or bag orders only ie children will
not be able to purchase food over the counter
As above
The School Canteen only use biodegradable and
recyclable packaging. This will be a non-negotiable
requirement for all applicants as part of the tender
process.
The same packaging would be sourced for Canteen
Manager Option, however would increase costs
substantially.
*See below for discussion on rubbish
*Rubbish
 The school uses Remondis for the removal of rubbish. The school has a general waste and
mixed recycling bins.
 As lunch is eaten predominantly in the classroom a small mixed recycling bin would need to
be available in each room. A small number of larger recycling bins would also be placed in
the playground.
 The Green Team could be enlisted to help spread the message regarding the correct usage
of the bins.
 Canteen Committee will need to engage further expertise and advice from Remondis in
relation to costs and optimal collection solutions.
As a result we believe a two day a week canteen providing lunch and recess orders with on-line
ordering would be the best way to proceed.
Financial considerations
On the basis of a two day a week canteen option, the following sets out as estimate of the financial
impact of each structure.
Volunteers with Paid Canteen Manager (School or P&C operated)

The cost of employing a canteen manager on a permanent part-time basis two and a half
days per week is approximately $20,000 including all associated on-costs.

Attachment A provides a very high level analysis of the levels of orders required to
breakeven as well as some sensitivity analysis over a number of different order levels over
40 weeks of operating. The table below summarises the results of this analysis.
Weekly numbers
Breakeven Predicted 25% loss
25% gain
Lunch orders
120
200
150
250
Recess orders
52
80
60
100
Net annual surplus $
$ 13,504 $ 1,062 $ 22,144
The analysis shows to breakeven the canteen would need to receive 120 lunch and 52
recess orders over the two days per week at an average cost of $6 per lunch order and $3
per recess order. Attachment 3 includes the Term 4, 2013 menu and pricing from The
School Canteen which supports these average assumptions. These prices were also the
averages indicated by parents in the canteen survey. In terms of number of orders the
previous canteen operator, Cafe Rozella, was receiving an average of 60 orders on a
Thursday and 120 orders on a Friday, so it is not unreasonable to achieve these levels.
On predicted levels the canteen could make a small surplus of $13.5k, however if levels are
lower there is little ability to offset the income shortfall and thus the P&C would need to
underwrite the canteen for any potential loss being no more than $20k.
Licensee
The School Canteen currently pays rent of $1,100 per quarter to Dobroyd Point Public School which
has approximately 300 children for a five day a week canteen. The pro-rata fee for a two day a week
operation would be $1760 per year, which could assist in covering the cost of any additional waste
and recycling costs and/or on-line ordering set up and administration costs.
On-line ordering
On-line ordering allows parents/carers to submit orders at any time up to 8:30am on the day of the
orders being placed with most providers.
There will be costs to parents of operating an on-line ordering system. Two providers of on-line
ordering systems have been contacted in regards to provision of on-line ordering – Schools 24 and
Flexischools. The flexi-school model keeps the monies in trust but as a result charges the school a
3% transaction fee, while School 24 appears to potentially involve more administration on the part
of the school in administering funds but no on-going transaction fees are charged. The table below
sets out the charges that have been advised by each provider.
Schools 24 FlexiSchools
Parent Costs
Top Up Fee Credit Card
Top Up Fee Direct Deposit
Top Up Fee Pay Pal
Per order fee
School/P&C cost
Set Up
Transaction fee
Estimate transaction fee
$
$
$
$
$
1.50% $
$
0.30
0.25 $
0.29
0.25
250.00 $ 350.00
3%
1,728.00
Under a licensee arrangement – it is likely that the tenderer will have a preferred online supplier
that integrates with their other operations.
Recommendation
From the discussion at the P&C in November there does not appear to be an appetite to take risk in
operating a canteen. However there is clearly a portion of the school community who is interested
in having a canteen. We also acknowledge that any structure entered into will create more work
both in administering and managing a canteen and it associated issues for all of the staff.
After consideration of the issues raised and discussions both at the P&C and School Council, the
following proposal is put forward for consideration of the P&C and the School in regards to the
operation of a canteen at Rozelle Public School. The canteen should be:




Open 2 days per week
Online ordering with a solution for the 30 families without internet access TBD
Recess and lunch orders only
A trial may not be possible as a provider may not want to invest the time and money
associated in building the profile of the canteen only to have to withdraw or be subject to a
full tender. Therefore a one year contract with option to extend may be a better option with
operation commencing in Term 2, 2014.
Actions arising from recommendation


Discuss proposal with school
Have The School Canteen present at February 2014 P&C meeting so that everyone can
obtain an understanding of what they can provide
If the school consents to move forward


Ask for volunteers to help with preparation of tender documentation and sit on tender
assessment panel;
Start the tender process.
Attachment 1
P&C Run Canteen - Canteen Manager and volunteers
Income
Orders
per day
Days/
Week
60
26
2
2
Lunch orders
Recess orders
Costs
Hours
Days/
week
7
2.5
Canteen Manager
Breakeven Point
Total
Orders Av. Price
Per week
120 $
52 $
Total
Hours
6.00 $
3.00 $
$
720.00
157.35
877.35
Weeks
operating
40
40
Total
$
$
$
Weeks
operating /
Per week
paid
Rate
28,800
6,294
35,094
Weekly
$
877
Total
17.5 $ 21.82 $
381.85
52
$
19,856
$
496
40% $
$
350.94
30.00
40
40
$
$
$
14,038
1,200
35,094
$
$
$
351
30
877
$
0
$
0
Food costs - 40%
Waste removal
Total cost
Potential surplus
Prediction
Per day Days/wk
Income
Lunch orders
Recess orders
100
40
2
2
Hours Days/wk
Costs
Canteen Manager
Food costs - 40%
Additional Recycling
Total cost
Potential annual surplus


7
40%
2.5
Total
Orders Av. Price
200 $
80 $
Per week
6.00 $ 1,200.00
3.00 $ 240.00
$ 1,440.00
Weeks
operating
40
40
$
$
$
Weeks
operating /
Per week
paid
Rate
Total
Weekly
48,000
9,600
57,600
$ 1,440
Total
17.5 $ 21.82 $
381.85
52
$
19,856
$
$
$
576.00
30.00
40
40
$
$
$
23,040
1,200
44,096
$ 576
$
30
$ 1,102
$
13,504
$
Canteen manager assumed to be permanent part-time and will be paid all year – all oncosts have been included superannuation, workers compensation, annual leave and long
service leave.
Assumes all other labour required are school community volunteers
496
338
Attachment 2
P&C Run Canteen - Canteen Manager and volunteers
Income
Lunch orders
Recess orders
Breakeven Point
Orders
Days/
per day
Week
60
26
2
2
Total
Orders
Weekly
120
52
$
Costs
Canteen Manager
Food costs - 40%
Waste removal
Total cost
Potential surplus
Weeks operating
Annualised
Hours
Days/
week
7
2.5
Orders
per day
Days/
Week
100
40
2
2
877
Prediction
Total
Orders Av. Price
200
80
6 $
3 $
$
Total
Hours
Total per
week
Orders
per day
1,200
240
1,440
75
30
25% loss of orders
Days/
Total
Week Orders Av. Price
2
2
150
60
6 $
3 $
$
Per week
Total per
week
Orders
per day
900
180
1,080
125
50
25% gain of orders
Days/
Total
Week Orders Av. Price
2
2
250
100
Total per
week
6 $
3 $
$
Per week
1,500
300
1,800
Per week
17.5 $
496
$
496
$
496
$
496
$
$
$
351
30
877
40% $
$
$
576
30
1,102
49% $
$
$
527
30
1,053
40% $
$
$
720
30
1,246
$
0
40
0
$
338
40
13,504
$
27
40
1,062
$
554
40
22,144
$
Total weekly surplus
Weeks operating
Annualised
$
Total weekly surplus
Annualised
$
Total weekly surplus
Annualised
$
Attachment 3
The School Canteen Term 4 2013 Menu and Pricing
PASTA
Traditional Italian pasta at its best
Plain Pasta
(Gluten Free Option Available*)
Napolitana
(Gluten Free Option Available*)
Bolognese
(Gluten Free Option Available*)
Creamy Pasta
(Gluten Free Option Available*)
Beef Lasagna
$3.30
$4.00
$4.50
$4.50
$5.50
* Gluten Free Pasta $1.00 extra
PIZZA
Pizza bases made from scratch using fresh ingredients topped with house made tomato sauce, your
choice of topping and mozzarella cheese that melts in your mouth
Choose from Margherita, Ham, Mushroom or Ham & Pineapple
$4.00
VEGETERIAN
Vegetarian Lasagna
Vegetarian Wrap (Fresh veggie pattie with lettuce and mayo on a tortilla bread)
Sushi – Teriyaki Tofu & Cucumber rolls
$5.50
$4.50
$4.40
SUSHI
Sushi Nori rolls made to order daily
Chicken Teriyaki, Cooked Tuna, Avocado or Cucumber
$3.80
LUNCHTIME FAVOURITES
Homemade Sausage Rolls with tomato sauce (2 to a serve)
Chicken Strip Wrap with lettuce and mayo
Crumbed fresh Chicken tenderloins (2 to a serve)
$4.00
$4.80
$4.00
SANDWICHES
Made with fresh ingredients to order on your choice of wholemeal or white bread we do not use butter
unless requested (gluten free bread available for $1.00 extra)
Vegemite or Jam
$2.20
Cheese
$2.50
Chicken, Ham or tuna
$3.50
Salad Sandwich
$4.00
Egg Sandwich
$3.50
Extras; Cheese, Mayo, Lettuce, tomato, bread roll, tortilla bread, toasting
$0.50
SALADS
Garden Salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber and grated carrot)
Add Shredded Chicken Breast, Tuna or a fresh hard boiled egg to your salad for
$1.00 extra
$2.50
$1.00
SNACKS
Popcorn
Cheese & spinach tortilla
Cheese Tortilla
Garlic Tortilla
Snack Pack- fresh carrot and cucumber sticks served with crackers and cheese
Banana
Fresh Mixed Berry Yoghurt Cup
$1.00
$2.50
$2.00
$1.50
$2.50
$1.50
$1.50
DESSERT
Apple Slinky
Seasonal Fresh Fruit per piece
Frozen Grape Cup
Fruit Salad
Biscuit of the day (2 to a serve)
Muffin of the day
Strawberry jelly cup
Chocolate Pot (low fat house made chocolate custard)
Smooze Frozen Ice Treat (Mango, Pink Guava, Pineapple or plain coconut)
Gelato – freshly made gelato assorted flavours each week.
Flavours include Vanilla Lemon, Milo and Caramel
Juicies – 100% fruit juice frozen available in Apple , apple and blackcurrant or
Tropical Flavour
$0.50
$0.80
$1.00
$3.50
$1.00
$1.50
$1.50
$2.00
$1.50
$2.00
$1.50
DRINKS
Water (300ml)
Plain Milk (250ml)
Flavored Milk (250ml) Low fat milk mixed with fresh house made Chocolate or
Strawberry flavour
Nudie 100% Kids Fruit Juice (250ml) Orange, Apple, Real Lemonade or Tropical
$1.00
$1.00
$2.00
$2.50
If you have any queries regarding our menu, special dietary needs or would like to
suggest an addition to our menu please contact us on
0416 786 603 or email: orders@theschoolcanteen.com.au
Thank you and we look forward to being of service to your family.
www.theschoolcanteen.com.au
Attachment 4
Canteen Survey Data Summary
Number of respondents – 188
Number of children
at school in 2014
Response
Percent
Response
Count
0.5
53.2
42.6
3.7
0
1
2
3
1
100
80
7
188
Breakdown of what year the respondents’ children would be in for 2014
Year
P
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Count
6
52
55
52
34
34
20
24
% of
total
% of total by
stage
2.17
18.77
19.86
18.77
12.27
12.27
7.22
8.66
59.57
24.55
15.88
67% used the canteen before, mostly for lunch (97.5% of respondents) and recess (63.9% of
respondents)
33% had not used canteen before. Most of these indicated it was because it was their first year at
the school this year, and the canteen had not been available.
Reasons for ordering in the past
Answer Options
Treat for child
Convenience
Break for parent
Nutritional Variety
Other (please explain)
Response Percent
Response Count
76.2%
83.6%
68.0%
18.0%
4.1%
93
102
83
22
5
122
answered question
Frequency of use in the past
82.7% respondents used the canteen at least once a week or more often.
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
5.7%
25.4%
51.6%
11.5%
4.1%
1.6%
0.0%
4-5 days/week
2-3 days/week
1 day/week
Fortnightly
about once a month
about once a term
less frequently
answered question
7
31
63
14
5
2
0
122
What is important to you when ordering?
People are prepared to pay more for high quality, nutritional food.
What is important to you when ordering from a canteen? Rank the following
attributes from most important to least important.
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
First
Second
Third
Payment
Options/Flexibilit
y
Hours of
Operation
Ease of
Use/Ordering
Nutritional Value
Food Quality
Menu Variety
Price
Fourth
How often would you use the canteen?
85.9% of respondents would use the canteen at least once or more often per week.
Answer Options
4-5 days per week
2-3 days per week
1 day per week
fortnightly
once a month
once a term
less often
Never
Response
Percent
6.9%
31.2%
47.4%
9.2%
3.5%
1.2%
0.0%
0.6%
answered question
Response
Count
12
54
82
16
6
2
0
1
173
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
How important is having a canteen?
Answer Options
Very
important
Important
Somewhat
important
Not at all important
How important is
having a canteen
57
60
44
13
Price Expectations
Lunch
Recess
Average
6
3.23
Maximum
12
10
Minimum
3
1
Median
5
3
Canteen Opening Expectations
The majority of people don’t expect the canteen to be open every day.
Answer Options
a. 1-2 days per week
b. 3-4 days per week
c. 5 days per week
Response
Percent
22.4%
46.0%
31.6%
answered question
Response
Count
39
80
55
174
Ordering Preference
Answer Options
a. Online in advance
b. Online on the day
c. In Person
Response
Percent
47.1%
29.3%
23.6%
answered question
Response
Count
82
51
41
174
Other Comments
Responses were broadly catergorised as follows:
Category
Community
Don’t want one
Food/Menu
Frequency
Packaging
Payment
P&C
Quality
Size of school
Structure of canteen
Willing to volunteer
Grand Total
Total
17
3
40
1
1
4
2
1
4
6
8
87
“I would expect that a school the size of Rozelle Public should have a canteen.”
“It is an important aspect of the school community to have a canteen - supports parents and is fun
for the kids”
“We really miss the school canteen - it provided a break from the monotony. I dont mind paying
more money than previously so that it is financially viable.”
“Would support if canteen re opened and purchase once a week”
“I would rather have a canteen that operates less days per week that has quality of food and menu
diversity as opposed to one that operates all week with lesser quality food.”
“Having a canteen is worthwhile but difficult unless it is professionally run (ie not relying on
volunteers)”
“I think it's really important that there be no soft drink or other really sugar heavy food and drink
options.”
” the canteen is a great addition to the school and makes the life of working parents so much easier,
we appreciate the efforts and the people working/volunteering behind the scenes! Thank you!”
“Also, the school is not well prepared to deal with the rubbish and need for recycling the canteen
generates. I would think that needs to be addressed before the canteen operates again - it is crazy
for all the cardboard boxes that hamburgers were sold in, were then thrown in the bin along with
milk cartons, etc.”