Dining Hall News

Chef Nick and his team have been managing the requirements of a busy kitchen since the beginning of term. Some staff changes have occurred and we look forward to sharing some new staff members with you in the next Buzz. Chef Nick will be busy during National Boarding Week as he is planning a lovely afternoon tea for Wednesday afternoon. The senior boarders were very excited by the return of the in-house dinner on a Wednesday night and they shared Nick’s lamb shanks in the first week. We may have heard a comment along the lines of “Best boarding dinner ever”. High praise indeed for Chef Nick and his amazing team.  

This week in boarding, we invited Mrs Teresa McAllister, Hospitality Teacher and Head of Technologies in to give a lesson in etiquette to our Middle School boarders. This was the first of two sessions with Mrs McAllister talking about how to sit while eating, how to use your knife and fork and the basics of eating etiquette. We plan on inviting Mrs McAllister back to join us in having a formal dinner at the end of the term to practice these skills. 

Here are some of Mrs McAllister's tips for good table etiquette:

• Bring your best YOU to the table. 
• Dress neatly, wash your face and hands, brush your hair. Do not play with your hair or touch your face while at the table.
• Keep your phone and other devices away from the table – ALWAYS! It is disrespectful to touch/use it while at the table.  Put it on silent, no vibrate, in a bag. Check messages after you have eaten, in private.
• Sharing a meal is a time to take part in conversations about the day.  Treat everyone with respect.
• Sit comfortably.  Do not slouch.  Do not rest elbows on the table.  Rest the hand you are not using in your lap.
• If a napkin is on the table, place it in your lap.  Use it to wipe/dab spills from your hands and/or mouth.
• Hold utensils (knife, fork, spoon) correctly. Avoid using them like a shovel, or to stab your food and they should not be used to ‘point’ or ‘wave around’ during a meal.
• Never use your fingers when eating.  On occasions, some foods can be eaten with your fingers but you must ask for permission to do this, don’t assume.
• Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you, saying ‘please’ at the end.
• Use your manners:  please, thank you, excuse me.

The outside area of the dining hall is nearly complete with the ramp being replaced, gravel being laid, and some repurposed seating being put outside. We look forward to returning to our all boarding dinners when COVID restrictions allow.

Mrs Tara Ball | Head of Middle Boarding