VET Hospitality

Last month, a group of Kilbreda College staff enjoyed dinner at the Cilantro Restaurant at Holmesglen TAFE, Moorabbin. One of our Year 10 students, Taylah Devenport, is currently completing her Certificate II in Hospitality at Holmesglen. As part of their course, hospitality students gain valuable hands-on experience working front-of-house at Cilantro, a training restaurant open to the public. Under the guidance of industry professionals, students learn and practise essential skills such as greeting guests, managing reservations, delivering excellent customer service and handling payments in a real-world setting.

On the night, Taylah was working front-of-house and did an outstanding job greeting us, taking our orders, serving our food and drinks and clearing the tables. Well done, Taylah. Please read her reflection below.

Christine Vaughan

Learning Leader: Visual Arts, Design and Technologies

Student Reflection

My experience in VET Hospitality so far has exceeded my expectations. With a creative and diverse approach to learning, I have learned invaluable skills in a remarkably short amount of time. The course structure, combined with the supportive staff and vigorous demonstrations, makes learning new tasks a breeze. Skills such as making coffee, taking orders, and stacking plates are only a handful of tasks we learn confidently in VET Hospitality. In a safe environment where mistakes are encouraged and questions are welcomed, the Cilantro restaurant at Holmesglen mirrors the workings of a real restaurant, allowing students to grasp the behind-the-scenes operations, build practical skills, and gain confidence in a professional setting. VET Hospitality has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn new things I wouldn’t have tried by myself. This experience not only has broadened my knowledge of cooking, a hobby that I love, but it has also allowed me to make new friends and lasting memories. VET Hospitality was a great decision for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering it. Cooking skills aren’t required for it – only a positive mindset and the ability to learn new things. 

Taylah Devenport

Year 10

Art Creative Practice Excursion

Student Reflection

On 26 June, the Year 11 and 12 Art Creative Practice classes had the opportunity to visit Vincent Fantauzzo’s studio and gallery in South Yarra, where we were given the chance to view his paintings up close and see the intricate ways he creates them. I was struck not only by the technical skill and emotion behind his portraits but by how genuine he was when speaking with us. Hearing about his challenges and journey in the art world was incredibly motivating. His story reminded me that creativity isn’t a straight path but a winding road of persistence, where expressing visually becomes a powerful tool for navigating life. The excursion also included a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria at Federation Square, where we explored the contemporary and historical Indigenous collections. It was inspiring to see how culture, identity and history are embedded to communicate powerful symbolism.

This excursion guided me to understand the importance of creating art with personal meaning. It encouraged me to never lose sight of my passion and to keep creating, even through challenges.

Gigi Hillier

Year 12

Product Design and Technologies

Student Reflection

In Product Design and Technologies, Year 12 students have been working on toiles (prototypes) of their garments, bringing them one step closer to final pieces for the Fashion Show! Each student has an end-user need they’re looking to fulfil and accommodate through clothing, allowing them full ability to be creative in both their problem-solving and design skills. By making toiles, students overcome challenges and roadblocks that may appear in their final garments, practising resilience through trial and error. The classroom is a collaborative and supportive environment, with students learning from each other and developing necessary skills from Ms Cresp. Students are adjusting patterns, cutting fabrics, sewing and overlocking to handcraft detailed and practical pieces that solve and respond to real problems, aiming to make a difference.

Scarlett Leeds

Year 12: Design and Technologies Leader

Christine Vaughan

Learning Leader: Visual Arts, Design and Technology