50p
Meal Time Monitoring
Leaving Grade 11 to become a Brentwood Prefect comes with many new privileges: no breakfast sign-in, spare block sleep-ins, seniority in the house, and of course, the crowd favourite, Crooks Hall meal duty.
Meal duty is a common responsibility that comes with the Prefect title. It involves supervising the cafeteria during meal times to ensure that Crooks Hall is being treated respectfully and that students are not acting like hooligans. While it may not be the most glamorous task for a Grade 12, it is an important part of creating a safe and welcoming environment for students. So, for any future Prefects out there, listen up because I am about to bestow the wisest of wisdom upon you.
First, knowing what the job entails would be a great place to start: supervising lunch lines, directing students where they should be, and making sure no one is clapping after smashing plates on the ground. It would also be beneficial to be visible and approachable. Mr. Wardrop, an avid Crooks Hall duty supervisor, mentions, “Students are more likely to behave when they know an adult is watching. Don’t be afraid to walk around and engage in conversation, it makes the time pass faster.” And by adult, he means Grade 12!
In addition to this, be sure to stay aware of any potential problems. These could include something as simple as someone looking for friends to avoid sitting alone, or a large table of Grade 11 boys throwing food and seeing how high they can stack their cups. Maxine P, Alex ‘23 sarcastically recalls “There’s just nothing better than enjoying peaceful dinnertime conversation while sitting between two tables and getting hammered in the back of the head with falafels.” It may even be tempting to sit passively and let the supervising teacher do the disciplining or even give your friends special treatment but the fairer you do the job the easier it becomes.
By following these tips, you can become a model mealtime monitor and pristine Prefect. Remember to take care of yourself as well and enjoy a delicious meal afterwards because as Oscar L, Ellis ‘23 says, “There's nothing more rewarding than a hot Crooks Hall meal after a long day of duties!”
Christine L, Mack ‘23
Meal duty is a common responsibility that comes with the Prefect title. It involves supervising the cafeteria during meal times to ensure that Crooks Hall is being treated respectfully and that students are not acting like hooligans. While it may not be the most glamorous task for a Grade 12, it is an important part of creating a safe and welcoming environment for students. So, for any future Prefects out there, listen up because I am about to bestow the wisest of wisdom upon you.
First, knowing what the job entails would be a great place to start: supervising lunch lines, directing students where they should be, and making sure no one is clapping after smashing plates on the ground. It would also be beneficial to be visible and approachable. Mr. Wardrop, an avid Crooks Hall duty supervisor, mentions, “Students are more likely to behave when they know an adult is watching. Don’t be afraid to walk around and engage in conversation, it makes the time pass faster.” And by adult, he means Grade 12!
In addition to this, be sure to stay aware of any potential problems. These could include something as simple as someone looking for friends to avoid sitting alone, or a large table of Grade 11 boys throwing food and seeing how high they can stack their cups. Maxine P, Alex ‘23 sarcastically recalls “There’s just nothing better than enjoying peaceful dinnertime conversation while sitting between two tables and getting hammered in the back of the head with falafels.” It may even be tempting to sit passively and let the supervising teacher do the disciplining or even give your friends special treatment but the fairer you do the job the easier it becomes.
By following these tips, you can become a model mealtime monitor and pristine Prefect. Remember to take care of yourself as well and enjoy a delicious meal afterwards because as Oscar L, Ellis ‘23 says, “There's nothing more rewarding than a hot Crooks Hall meal after a long day of duties!”
Christine L, Mack ‘23