Cheesy grins for camembert

More than 70 students put on their cheesy grins when they were recognised for their cheese making efforts for the Cows Create Careers – Camembert in the Classroom program last week.

Students from Marist-Sion College, Warragul Regional College and Lowanna College attended a presentation day for the program at the Warragul Country Club last Monday.

Lowanna College claimed the $300 prize for winning cheese, Warragul Regional College won the $200 prize for runner up cheese, while Marist-Sion College won the $250 prize for producing the winning multimedia advertisement, “Why Dairy is an Important Part of Our Diet.”

Camembert in the Classroom is a Dairy Australia program designed to encourage secondary school teachers and students to learn about the Australian dairy industry, while introducing students to dairy manufacturing careers and pathways.

Teachers from four schools across region participated in the program including Warragul Regional College, Marist-Sion College, Maffra Secondary College and Lowanna College.

Teachers were trained to make camembert cheese by program presenter and deputy chief judge of the Australian Grand Dairy Awards Russell Smith. They then transferred this knowledge to teach their students.

Over a term, students made their own camembert cheese in the classroom and completed assessment tasks, including a multimedia advertisement.

Upon completion of the program, Russell Smith, along with accredited judges, awarded the region’s winning and runner up cheeses.

Camembert in the Classroom program manager Mani Iyer said the Dairy Australia program was a great hands-on platform to introduce both teachers and secondary students to the Australian dairy industry, dairy processes and dairy products.

“Since its launch in 2011, the Camembert in the Classroom program has grown significantly in its popularity,” Dr Iyer said.

“In 2015, over 101 schools from Victoria, South Australia, NSW, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia participated in the program, with all of the schools incorporating the program into their school curriculum.”

The Cows Create Careers program is funded and managed by Dairy Australia and conducted by Jaydee Events Pty Ltd.

“Why Dairy is an Important Part of Our Diet” was the theme of the winning multi-media presentation by Marist-Sion College students Molly Ryan and Ben Lawrence with assistance from teachers Kathy Barson, Cathy Sweeney and Sue Haeusler.

Warragul Regional College’s “Deidre” cheese won second prize in the completion. Some of the students involved in the making of the second prized cheese were Jess Sanders, Kiera Weeks, Alan Draper and teacher Ann Humphries.