At Orana Steiner School, healthy eating is at the heart of our canteen’s mission, lovingly led by Murray, who has been the driving force behind our canteen’s success for over six years. Starting in early 2018, Murray took over the canteen operations after hearing from his daughter about students’ dissatisfaction with the previous food offerings. With support from the school, he embarked on creating a canteen that prioritizes fresh, wholesome meals, with nearly 90% of the food prepared right on site.
“From the very beginning, my goal was to serve nutritious, home-cooked meals that kids enjoy,” says Murray. “We make almost everything here, from the low-sugar drinks to the vegetable-rich snacks and meals.” Drinks are crafted in-house and low in sugar, while dishes like sausage rolls feature hidden vegetables such as celery, carrots, onions, apples, and lentils. A standout favorite, the “Berry Good Brownies,” are packed with puréed black beans, zucchini, and topped with juicy berries, making them a deliciously nourishing treat.
The canteen operates Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., covering both recess and lunch. Parents are always welcome to lend a helping hand, even if it’s just for a few minutes at pick-up time. “Every bit of help counts,” says Murray. “There’s always something to do, and the students really love being a part of it, too.”
Involving students in the canteen isn’t just about learning practical skills; it’s a valuable part of their education. Children assist with food preparation, serving, handling money and debit card payments, and even managing recycling. Through these responsibilities, they learn that they’re capable of much more than they might realize.
Orders can be placed conveniently through Flexischools.com.au, with a civilised daily cut-off time of 10:00 a.m., allowing families plenty of time to place their orders.
With his dedication and focus on health, Murray has transformed the Orana canteen into more than just a food service—it’s become an integral part of the school community, emphasizing wellness, responsibility, and teamwork. Keep an eye out for upcoming photos of our canteen’s delicious offerings!
