After more than 10 years, Pakenham Secondary College’s canteen has shut down before the end of the school year.
On Monday 21 November, Kerry Atkinson of Fishes and Loaves Catering made a statement on Facebook that the company would stop running the canteen “effective immediately”.
It comes after police were called to the school Sunday 20 November following a burglary around 5.55am.
Police said investigators believe offenders broke into the premises and stole food and drinks before leaving the property. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In the Facebook post, Ms Atkinson said the canteen staff had not been advised of the break-in until Monday morning when they arrived to work at 7.30am.
“It has been very disappointing and frustrating the lack of security that all parties concerned have afforded us, especially when our concerns have been raised repeatedly around such break-ins,” she said.
“We can longer justify the cost to our business and the possible further costs that another break in may occur.”
Ms Atkinson said it was disappointing to leave without having the chance to say goodbye to the school community.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank those students and staff that we have had the pleasure of serving in the last 10+ years at Pakenham Secondary College,” she said.
“It has been a pleasure and wish you all well in future endeavours.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Training said the school’s canteen services would continue and was currently in the tender process.
“Expressions of interest close at the end of next week,” they said.
