So while she was “shocked” to discover the morning school buses would be arriving at Greater Shepparton Secondary College's Wanganui campus earlier than last year, she knew she had to be open for breakfast.
“I’ve noticed there was a bus that would be arriving at Wanganui around 8 am,” Miss Stewart said.
“You’ve also got a few kids that will be dropped off at Wanganui, and will then get a connecting bus to Mooroopna.
“I’ll be open, and even if kids feel a bit scared because it’s their first day, I’ve told them to come here.”
She also said recess this year had been moved an hour later to 11.20 am, which was another reason she decided to extend opening hours.
“It’s a bit of a big wait [in the morning], so I’m happy to help the kids have a full tummy before recess.”
Miss Stewart said she believed she was the only remaining privately-owned canteen at a Greater Shepparton Secondary College campus, and the longer and busier days would put a strain on her business.
“Last year, I didn’t start until 8.30 or 9 am, and had enough time to prepare for recess,” she said.
“This year, I’m starting earlier, and they’ve changed recess and lunch, which gives me an hour to prepare lunch for 1100 kids.
“I’m a bit kerfuffled, but we’ll make it happen.”
Miss Stewart, who has worked at the canteen for five years and has owned it for half that time, said she was also frustrated by the lack of communication from school management since the school merger announcement.
“I have not heard of how I’m supposed to run it, or what I’m supposed to put on the menu — not even a letter to say this is the day we start back at school.
“I’ve approached them a few times about the communication.
“It’s sad because it’s a good school and a good canteen.”
Despite the extra work, she wanted to make sure the students were supported.
“I don't see the food for the children as a cost to me — it’s making them feel good in themselves,” she said.
“We’ll make the kids happy.”
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