From Beakers to Bakers: Bassano School Debuts New Dedicated Foods Lab
If you’ve walked past Mr. Miller’s former science lab lately, you’ve likely heard the sounds of hammers and drills instead of lectures. It is "all hands on deck" as the Grasslands Facilities and Maintenance crews work their magic, transforming the space into a brand-new, dedicated Foods Lab.
Room to Breathe (and Bake!)
Until now, our aspiring chefs have been practicing a high-stakes game of "kitchen Tetris." Sharing the cafeteria servery and the staff room kitchenette with Mrs Clarke’s lunch prep meant that 16 students at a time were manoeuvring in very tight quarters. While they’ve managed to produce some truly delectable delights (and a few "near-miss" learning moments!), the new lab offers the space our students need to truly sharpen their culinary skills.
A Strategic Investment in Bassano
This renovation is a direct result of the Grasslands Public Schools Strategic Plan, which emphasizes trades skills and hands-on learning. Navigating the financial realities of modern education isn't easy, but the Grasslands Board, Senior Admin and our Facilities Supervisor made it a priority to find a way. Their commitment ensures that rural schools like Bassano have the facilities to thrive, giving our students every reason to stay, learn, and graduate right here in their home community.
What’s Cooking in Semester 2?
Starting in February, the "Open" sign officially flips for both Junior and Senior High:
Junior High (CTF): Students will dive into the Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) program twice a week, exploring the basics of kitchen safety, measurement accuracy (no more "guessing" the salt!), and the science of leavening.
Senior High (CTS): These students will have a massive 90-minute daily block (plus 60 minutes on Fridays) to master the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) curriculum. We’re talking professional knife skills, complex sauce reductions, and perhaps most importantly, the art of the "clean-as-you-go" method.
Real Skills, Real Tools
The Foods Lab is just one piece of the puzzle. Soon, the CTS Trailer, helmed by the intrepid Mr. Zagorsky, will arrive to further expand our trades offerings. Between the sizzle of the kitchen and the spark of the trades trailer, Bassano students are moving out of their desks and into high-demand, real-world skill sets.
Whether they are aiming for a Red Seal certification or just want to make a legendary batch of cinnamon buns, our students are getting the tools they need to succeed.