Every Thursday afternoon, the kitchen at Clyde Creek Primary School fills with the sounds of chopping, mixing, chatting and laughter.
Students and their families gather around the table to cook together, but it didn’t take long for staff to realise the Cooking Class program delivers much more than healthy recipes.
Small steps, big confidence
One student’s journey perfectly captures the impact of the program. At first, they were reluctant to join in, preferring to watch from the sidelines rather than get involved. But with gentle encouragement from family, staff and friends, their confidence began to grow.
Week by week, they move from observer to participant, helping prepare ingredients, contributing to group tasks and proudly sharing the meal they had helped create. The biggest surprise? Discovering they actually like vegetables they had never tried before. “It was a big win for mum,” said Dimple, Acting Assistant Prinicpal. “The Cooking Class program was a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to learn, connect and grow together.”
It was one of many moments that shows just how much students gain from the program. Alongside practical cooking skills, they are building independence, communication skills and confidence, all while having fun
One of Dimple’s favourite parts of each session comes at the end, when students share their creations with their families. “Seeing students proudly take ownership of the cooking process is so special. They’re excited to share what they made and proudly tell their families, ‘I made this!’ It’s wonderful to see their confidence grow as they measure, mix, prepare and share the food they had created.”
The program also became a powerful way to bring families and the school community together. Parents, carers, students and staff spent time connecting in a relaxed and welcoming environment and shared a new experience.
Some parents commented that they were using vegetables they wouldn’t normally cook with at home. Others loved watching their children try new things and develop skills they could take beyond the classroom. Most of all, families appreciated the opportunity to be part of their child’s learning. “The enthusiasm was incredible,” Dimple said. “Students loved having their families involved, and families loved learning alongside their children.”
By the end of the program, it was clear that the most meaningful moments weren’t necessarily about what was being served on the plate. They were the chats across the table and the pride students felt in what they had achieved.
“It created a genuine sense of belonging within our school community,” said Dimple. “The smiles, conversations and pride we saw during each session showed us that some of the most meaningful learning happened when we came together around a table. Our families and students were so grateful every Thursday.”
At Clyde Creek Primary School, a few simple ingredients helped create something far greater than a meal. They created confidence and a community that grew stronger, one Thursday afternoon at a time.
In fact, Acting Assistant Principal Dimple rated the experience so highly, she was already asking when the school could sign up again – sorry Dimple, we have lots of other schools to get to!