Now where this impressive stack of money come from? Well, it came from a familiar source.

This impressive fundraising tally came from the school’s canteen and the money will be used to help the students in many ways.

Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) member Carole Hawkins said the canteen staff, led by supervisor Mary Nelson, did a tremendous job.

The canteen donates heavily to the P&C which allows them to provide sponsorships and give back to the students.

The P&C, without the canteen, could support the students as much as they do.

“We don't have to try to get parents to do fundraising through the year because it’s done by the canteen,” Mrs Hawkins said.

“We would not be able to raise nowhere near the funds that the canteen brings in. We would have to get a lot of volunteers in which would take a lot of work.”

Because the parents are not fundraising they can also attend more P&C meetings.

It took the canteen one year to raise $54 000 and one year the canteen made $60 000.

Running such a successful canteen takes teamwork, dedication and commitment.

Mrs Nelson has been in the role for 10 years and is a part of a great team.

She shops around for groceries in her own time which makes a difference when it comes to making a profit.

She used to be a volunteer before taking on the paid position.

The canteen is run by a mix of paid staff and volunteers.

“It (the successful canteen) is definitely a team effort and we all jump in and help each other,” Mrs Nelson said.

Mrs Nelson said the canteen promoted the importance of eating healthy food.

“We make a lot of homemade food here - or canteen made food,” she said

“We have things like chicken and vegetable soup, pea and ham soup and pumpkin soup on the menu.”

The students love the pumpkin soup and the pasta bakes are always popular as well.

“We have quite a variety of foods that we make here,” Mrs Nelson said.

“The students love the fresh food and we are also trying a few new things as well.”

They also have gluten-free and vegetarian options for the students.

Chickens from the school’s farm provide the eggs and the food scraps go back to the farm.

The canteen is also trying to reduce its waste and is getting rid of plastic straws and using paper cups.

Principal Ken Bates, who started at the school just a few months ago, said he was impressed with the canteen and its staff.

“The canteen provides a wonderful service for our students. It’s one of the best run canteens I have seen in operation and I have worked in a lot of schools,” Mr Bates said.

“What it provides back to the school has blown me away. The amount of income that comes back into the school to supply students with the materials that they need for different activities is amazing.

“I have just put in an order for 40 new blazers for our representative teams, including our debating team and students representative council, to wear when they are out at events.

“Our staff have been encouraged, if they have special programs in place, to ask for funding and support.

“Any special programs that we have around the school that needs funding the canteen staff have gladly supported them through the P&C.”

He said the canteen has supported the school and the students for many years.

The hearty food also serves a role.

“Lots of healthy foods helps feeds lots of hungry students,” Mr Bates said.

He added the canteen also caters for school meetings and events.