There’s something very special about the tuckshop at Oonoonba State School in Queensland’s north… and it’s not just the delicious food on offer.
Behind the roller doors every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you’ll find friendly faces that greet you with a smile, a kitchen that has a warm, homey feel, and a hive of activity that goes beyond making a profit.
Leading the charge is convenor, Emina Shailer, who took on the role in 2022 after initially starting out at the school as a teacher aide.
She was immediately drawn to the potential of the tuckshop and since taking it over, hasn’t looked back.
Emina hit the ground running from day one, making changes to help improve productivity and timings, and adjusting menu items to create an offering to students and teachers that is as healthy as possible.
The food is the beating heart of this tuckshop, and Emina puts her heart and soul into creating appealing, healthy, homemade and delicious meals and snacks for the school community.
“Our signature dishes would have to be the mac ‘n’ cheese, quiches, zucchini slice and our muffin surprise,” Emina said.
“When I first started, orders were slow with the mac ‘n’ cheese and the zucchini slice, but with a little tweaking of the ingredients to remove the pork and add more hidden vegetables, orders started to increase.
“I introduced the quiches as a way of ensuring all our fresh ingredients, like milk and eggs, were consumed each week. They were instantly a hit. We provide three options: chicken and cheese, ham and cheese, and a vegetarian option. They are also very popular with our staff, and served with a side salad are perfect for a hot summer’s day.
“The muffin surprises have also proven to be very popular with the children, and unbeknownst to them, contain lots of hidden fruit and vegetables. I ensure that our leftover fruit is puréed and used up, which has transformed them from red to amber menu items as well.”
Recently, Emina has also introduced chicken poke bowls, chicken burrito bowls, and homemade chicken, cheese and pesto scrolls.
The tuckshop also benefits from the fresh produce growing in the school veggie patch, with the fresh tomatoes incorporated into Emina’s spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne, and fresh wraps and sandwiches.
A lot of this wouldn’t be possible without Oonoonba’s trusted team of tuckshop volunteers.
Emina has a volunteer program that would be the envy of many tuckshops throughout Queensland, and says that being yourself, providing a welcoming and fun environment, and seeking input and feedback have been the key to its success.
“It’s important that volunteers don’t feel pressured to have to turn up every week. It’s all about ensuring they don’t overcommit,” she explained.
“I ensure that our volunteers know that I’m grateful if they can contribute 15 mins to pop labels on lunch bags once a week, or stay for the duration of the day, knowing that there is no pressure to commit to a set duration of time.
“I also have a group chat which allows us to share our weekly experiences which reinforces that everyone is part of the team.”
“I also feel it’s important to seek volunteers’ input and ideas to create a sense of team and community.”
In terms of recruitment, Emina regularly advertises callouts in the school newsletter, via their social media channels and class rep pages, and group text messages when they need volunteers for big school events.
The Oonoonba State School P&C Association is also supportive in Emina’s recruitment endeavours, with members regularly helping in the tuckshop too.
A strong relationship with the Principal, Business Manager and school staff has also contributed to the winning formula.
But the role isn’t without its challenges, many of which are experienced by all convenors working within school tuckshops.
“My biggest challenge is not being able to do it all. There are days where you are all by yourself and the pile of orders can seem overwhelming,” Emina said.
“I have had days where thankfully our school team will step in to assist, if possible, when we have been unable to get volunteers, and their support means a lot.
“It can also be challenging in having to put the manager hat on and advocate for the tuckshop’s needs while understanding that budgets are tight, and negotiating is necessary.”
But the good far outweighs the challenging, with Emina recalling many wonderful moments and memories throughout her tenure.
“Creating long lasting connections and lifelong friends has been an absolute highlight,” Emina reflected.
“Also, the children. They continue to make me smile and receiving their hand-written cards delivered to tuckshop is something that will stay with me forever.”
