MELBOURNE FOODIES CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
MELBOURNE FOODIES
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Senior Homestead Melbourne Foodies Camp will take place from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2025.
Our aim is to develop within the students an understanding of the unique and wonderful food culture the city of Melbourne has to offer, as well as discovering the many people and processes it takes to put food on our plates each day.
You will enjoy experiences not normally available to the general public and gain a new and wonderful insight into the Hospitality, Food & Tourism industry. The camp experiences will be varied and the group will visit a range of markets and attend cooking master classes. We will also be touring the different Food precincts of Melbourne as well as the South Melbourne Market and Epping Wholesale Market. Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp, so please read through this carefully. If there are any further queries you may have in relation to this camp, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Ms Elspeth Cooper Melbourne Foodies Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Boonwurrung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO E-FORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at your own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
MELBOURNE FOODIES
CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 3 March until Friday 7 March 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 18 February 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is approximately $1,200, which will be charged to student accounts. This cost includes activities, admissions, most meals, and accommodation.
Students will need to bring extra money for their own expenses throughout the week. They will need about $10/15 per day for some drinks and snacks as well as lunch on Friday. Students will also need a fully loaded Myki for the week. Please remember to bring your concession card with you on camp!
TRANSPORT
Departure: Students will need to meet at our city accommodation (Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne, Ph. 9662 3888) on Monday 3 March at 10am. If you are travelling independently to Melbourne you must do so in at least a group of 3.
Return: Students will be dismissed from the city at approximately 3.00pm on Friday 7 March and can be collected or make their own way home. If travelling independently you must be in groups of at least 3.
Each day we will use public transport to get to and from venues. As a part of the experience of this camp, students, in groups, will be the daily organisers for the group. Their job will be to get the group up in time in the morning, navigate their way to and from any activities, make sure they get to all of the day’s activities on time and to make sure the group stays together. To assist with this, there will be no use of headphones whilst we are moving to and from our activities. All students must be alert, particularly to traffic and transport as well as the group when we get on and off public transport.
Of course, the teaching staff will be on hand to assist, but for the most part it will be up to each group to decide how we get to where we need to go (train, tram, and bus), what time we need to leave and what we may need to bring with us. Each student will be supplied with a detailed program for the week and a map of the city as well as a transport map. It is also essential that you download the PTV app onto your phone. Trust us, it will not be as easy as you think and careful planning will need to be involved! Meeting times must be strictly observed and students must meet staff at each venue 30 minutes before the starting time.
LOCATION
We will be based in the city of Melbourne and we will be touring the different Food precincts of Melbourne as well as the South Melbourne Market and Epping Wholesale Market.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying at the Space Hotel, 380 Russell Street, Melbourne, just near Victoria Street. The closest train station is Melbourne Central.
Space Hotel, 380 Russell Street, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9662 3888
You will sleep in dormitory style rooms of 4/6 beds with shared hostel facilities. The hostel also has several Common Rooms, cooking facilities, gym and a dining room. Our linen is supplied so no need to bring pillows or a sleeping bag. You must remember that the Hostel will be very busy when we are staying there and we need to be mindful of others, particularly when using the facilities. Once we return to the Hostel at night you must remain in your allocated room, unless you need to use the bathroom. It will be treated as a serious breach of discipline if you are found in others’ rooms or any other area of the hostel after our return.
The hostel has Security Key Cards to obtain access to the elevators, common areas, bathroom facilities, kitchen and of course your room. There is a $20 deposit for these keys. Please note that if your key card is lost you will need to pay the $20.
MEALS
You will be required to bring with you breakfast for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Along with this, bring appropriate equipment such as cutlery, a plate, bowl and mug. Tea and coffee will be available at the Space Hotel, or you may purchase your breakfast in the morning if you wish.
We will be eating out each night whilst in the city, discovering some more unusual cuisines. These meals are included in the camp cost.
Whilst most of our activities include tastings, cooking and eating, there will be opportunities for you to purchase additional food if you require. You may also consider bringing extra money to purchase food produce from the gourmet producers we will be visiting during our activities.
FOOD HANDLING
Maintaining a high level of food handling hygiene is important for health reasons - this is particularly important on a school camp. Please note the following:
• You must ensure that care is taken when transporting and storing food - be aware of any temperature requirements.
• Your hands need to be washed before and after handling food.
• Any meat products that are to be cooked must be cooked sufficiently so that food poisoning does not occur.
• You should tie back hair, wear limited jewellery and clean clothes when food handling.
• Do not share unwashed plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, etc.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
It is very important that you bring appropriate clothing for this camp. You will need to have comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking and they need to be closed-toed and sturdy for when we participate in the cooking sessions, Barista Course and Tours. Closed toed shoes are required particularly for our cooking sessions in the kitchen at Luv-a-Duck and Otao, for the Barista Course and for the Market Tours.
All clothing must be in good repair and follow the principles of the schools dress code, and these also need to be SunSmart.
Shorts, singlets, skimpy tops and thongs are not appropriate. Students need to wear clothes in keeping with the Homestead dress and appearance guidelines.
Things you should bring on camp
• Mobile phone (with the PTV app pre-downloaded onto your phone) and charger.
• Travel Concession card.
• Fully topped up Myki card.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, tops with sleeves: BE SUNSMART – this is your responsibility.
• Waterproof jacket or umbrella (VERY useful for Melbourne downpours! Remember Melbourne is known for 4 seasons in one day).
• Good walking shoes.
• Respectable clothing - clothing needs to be in line with Homestead Dress Guidelines and suitable for going out to dinner.
• Towel and toiletries.
• Camera.
• ID for student concession / discounts.
• Water bottle.
• Cutlery and equipment for eating breakfast.
• Breakfast – Note that it is now school policy to avoid all nuts and nut products on school camps due to the risk of allergic reactions.
• Reusable or disposable face masks.
• Hand sanitiser.
NOTE : Sheets and bedding are provided however you must bring a towel!!
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, electronic devices, laptops or iPads.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone Policy will be in effect throughout the week.
Mobile phones are ONLY to be used for contacting staff/other students on this camp. They are NOT to be used for any other purpose and will be collected at venues should this be necessary. All care will be taken, however no responsibility will be accepted for confiscated phones. Mobile phones must be switched off at venues
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If you are going to be late for any scheduled meeting time (and that includes not being at the venue half an hour before the starting time), you should:
• Ring one of the accompanying staff on TEAMS.
• If you cannot contact any of the staff, call: School hours - School Reception: (03) 5971 6100 After hours - 0482 888 022 You must realise that if you fail to arrive by the meeting time without notice, we will begin ringing your number (on TEAMS), and if you have not left a message and cannot be contacted, we will call the police and your parents.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this city-based camp, where students will be learning cooking skills, staying in a youth hostel, and using public transport. While safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Injuries related to cooking, such as cuts, burns, or exposure to hot surfaces and equipment.
• Illness due to improper food handling or allergies.
• Risks associated with staying in a shared accommodation with the general public.
• Safety risks when navigating city environments, including pedestrian hazards and potential interactions with strangers.
• Risks associated with public transportation, including delays, crowding, or becoming separated from the group.
• Exposure to weather conditions during outdoor activities or transit.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to adhere to all safety protocols when cooking, including the proper use of knives, heat sources, and food hygiene practices.
• Ensure accommodation arrangements at the youth hostel prioritise student security, with adult supervision and protocols for interaction with the public.
• Conduct safety briefings on city awareness and using public transportation, including group management procedures.
• Monitor daily activities closely and adjust the program if needed for safety or security concerns.
• Check student medical records and dietary requirements prior to camp, and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted if there are any questions or concerns.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a Senior Student at Woodleigh School participating in the Homestead Camps Program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• Particular adherence to the advice of staff and specialist providers is required. This is especially important in relation to workshop safety and accommodation security.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important.
• During set periods of unsupervised time, you must remain in a group of 3 (inform staff of the members of your group). You must have your mobile phone turned on and have TEAMS App downloaded on your phone (as discussed in the camp meeting).
• It is courteous to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Never leave the accommodation without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's bedroom/dorm room before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's bedroom/ dorm room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Students are not permitted to eat, watch TV or hang out in the bedroom/dorm room. The sleeping areas only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff so respecting each other’s privacy and being quite in the accommodation is of the utmost importance.
At the accommodation, there may be videos etc. that are left for the use of guests. This means that students may be exposed to DVDs and other materials that may be rated inappropriately for their age. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students at the accommodation. The School’s policy governing what students may see, the Appropriate Material for Public Performances does affect the camp in that M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent. From our experience many of the DVDs at any accommodation are ones that secondary students can view without being exposed to inappropriate material.
As part of the camp, there may be a movie night scheduled during the week. The movie for that night has not been selected yet. The film could be rated M or PG. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view a M rated film, there will be alternate provisions made.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
Whilst in Melbourne we will be using the public transport system for all travel. Staff will be in attendance at our accommodation, at each of the activity venues, and during dinner. However, as an important aspect of the camp is to encourage independence, there will be times when students will be unsupervised. This will occur essentially in the afternoons but also at other times as indicated by the program. You may use this time to visit other sites of interest. You will be given explicit directions and emergency procedures:
• Be in groups of at least three people during unsupervised time (give names of group to staff before departure).
• Have own mobile charged and on (staff will carry the list of all student phone numbers).
• Stay within designated area.
• Report by designated time.
• Students are not to use e-scooters during unsupervised times.
MELBOURNE
FOODIES PROGRAM
Please be advised that for most activities we will travel as a whole group to the venue, but in some cases students will be asked to travel to the locations independently in groups of at least 3. There will always be a check-in with staff on arrival at any venue.
Day Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday
Tuesday
10.00am Meet at Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
Ph. 9662 3888
11.00am Otao Kitchen - 393 Victoria St, Abbotsford
Ph. 0408 217 899
Tram 30 to St Vincent’s Plaza, Tram 12/109, Stop 21
8.00am Morning Meeting
9.30am Luv-a-Duck - Cooking Session
228 Ingles St, Port Melbourne , Ph. 8645 1201
Tram 109, Stop 127
11.00am Free To Feed - 205- 211 Queens Parade
North Fitzroy
PH. 0413 998 240
Bus 251, Rathdowne/Victoria St to Stop - Clifton Hill Int/Queens Pde
7.00am Morning Meeting
9.00am – 11.00am
Wednesday
South Melbourne Market - Sustainability Tour
Ph. 9209 6295
Tram 96, Stop 127
8.00am Morning Meeting
9.30am Luv-a-Duck - Retail and Duck Education
Showroom 228 Ingles St, Port Melbourne, Ph. 8645 1201
Thursday
Lunch at Otao Kitchen
Check into Space Hotel
7.00pm Dinner at Stalactites 177 – 183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Ph. 9663 3316
12.30pm –3.30pm
Lunch at The Conservatory (Crown)
8 Whiteman St, Southbank
6.30pm Dinner - Citrus
252 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy Tram 30 to St Vincent’s Plaza, Tram 11 Stop 22
5.30pm Meet at Hostel 7:00pm Dinner - TBC
Friday
Tram 109, Stop 127
11.00am Free To Feed - 539 High Street, Northcote
Bus 251, Rathdowne/Victoria St to Stop - Clifton Hill Int/Queens Pde
4.30am Depart Hostel
5.00am – 8.00am
Wholesale Market Tour
Breakfast at Market 8.00am
Ph. 0430 507 019
Return to Hostel to check out and store bags.
11.00am – 2.00pm
Lunch at Taverna
434 Lygon St, Brunswick East Ph. 9036 4949
Tram 1, Queensbury St/Swanston St Stop 4 –
Stewart St/Lygon St Stop 126
Return to Space Hotel and dismissed. Approx. 3pm for de-brief
6.30pm Dinner – Moroccan Soup Bar
47-51 Boundary Rd, North Melbourne Bus 402 Rathdowne/Victoria St to Boundary Rd/Canning St
On Friday night, students are encouraged to invite their parents to meet them at the accommodation to pick them up and stay in the city for Afternoon Tea/Dinner.
Please Note: Activities / venues and experiences may need to change at short notice.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
