“CLEAN UP KATOOMBA” THANKS STUDENTS FOR FUNDRAISER DINNER
Eighty-five guests from the local community enjoyed a fun-filled and entertaining evening at the Clean Up Katoomba Fundraiser Dinner on Thursday 31 August at the Chambers fine-dining restaurant of the Blue Mountains Hotel School in Leura.
The Blue Mountains Accommodation Association (BMAA) fundraiser was organised as a direct result of discussions with the Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community (KCCC) which is committed to addressing the issue of graffiti in Katoomba.
There has been an overwhelming response to this issue with interest and plans from many groups within the community.The first initiative to come out of these discussions and the objective of the fundraising dinner is to provide a ‘Civic Pride Trailer’ which will be fully outfitted with tools and cleaning products.
The evening was a collaborative effort by many committed people but special thanks was expressed by the organizers to the students of the Blue Mountains Hotel School who provided the stunning ‘graffiti’ themed venue, exceptional food and wonderful service.
Guests included Mr Kerry Bartlett, Federal Member for Macquarie, Blue Mountains Councillors Ms Kerrin O’Grady, Ms Terri Hamilton, Ms Pippa McInnis, Mr Robert Stock President of the Katoomba Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) and Mr Bill McCabe President of the Blue Mountains Accommodation Association (BMAA).
Mr Steve Archer of Archers Auctions Katoomba conducted an amusing and profitable auction after dinner. Enthusiastic bidding for the many generously donated items from local businesses and individuals helped to raise $8500 towards the ‘Civic Pride Trailer’. Entertainment was courtesy of performers Ms Tina Banasiak and Mr Colin Semmler.
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Now a well-established tradition, Level 3.1 and Level 2 students just returned from their Career Development placements held their Career Expos on 8th and 15th August to show-off and share information about their placement properties. The Expos were open to all student levels and staff and both proved very popular.
Companies represented included Accor, Mirvac, Starwood, Marriott, Toga (Vibe, Travelodge, Medina and Adina), Federal Group and Hyatt. Individual properties on display included Hamilton Island in Queensland, Freycinet Lodge and Cradle Mountain Chateau in Tasmania, the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, the Sofitel in Brisbane, Blue hotel, Crowne Plaza Coogee and Vibe hotels in Sydney, and the exclusive Wentworth Club in the UK. The students enthused about their placement experiences and were well-informed about the culture, work conditions and career prospects with their respective companies.
“The Expos continue to provide an excellent forum for students to share information and learn about and think about their Career Development options,” says Career Development Manager Ms Janette Illingsworth, “
CAREER WEEK FOR STUDENTS FROM CHINA ORION PARTNER SCHOOL
From Sunday 20th to Saturday 26th August, 2006, Student Coordinator Ms Andrea Gauntlett hosted a Career Week group of five students, two teachers and one parent from the Suzhou Tourism School (STS) in China, a member of the ORION Hotel School Alliance. The students were all currently studying their Diploma at STS and looking to transfer to the Blue Mountains Hotel School to complete their Bachelor of Business.
The group arrived at the campus on Sunday 20th and were greeted by the weekend Duty Manager before heading off to Leura for shopping and a traditional meat pie from The Bakery for lunch, and then onto Echo Point to see the Three Sisters. Monday began with a tour of the campus with SRC President Kenneth Pettersen, then a meeting with the Principal, Mr Guy Bentley. The students enjoyed lunch in Chambers Restaurant with the SRC Presidents and then began their first practical training class with F&B Level 1 students, assisting to set up the restaurant for dinner. That day finished with shopping in Katoomba, dinner in Chambers Restaurant and activities in the Recreation Room with the Cultural Representatives.
On Tuesday, the students enjoyed a walk to Peppers Fairmont Resort where they were given a warm welcome by Mr Michael Edwards, General Manager and graduate of BMHS, followed by a full site inspection of the property. That afternoon was spent with the BMHS housekeeping staff to complete some practical training. The group then visited Scenic World that afternoon and enjoyed some amazing views of the National Park.
The campus visit finished on Wednesday with the students in a practical class in Front Office, learning to check students in and out, practice in the communications office and seeing the porters in action, followed by a quick dash to Sublime Point for local spectacular views. Based at the Harbourview Hotel, North Sydney, the group enjoyed the rest of the week shopping, dining and seeing the tourist sights of Sydney –the Rocks, Opera House, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Manly Beach – before departing for home on Saturday.
