Celebrating our GPS Café Year 12 Volunteers

This week, a special celebration took place at Encounter’s much-loved GPS Café, as Café Manager, Michael Duchow, recognised nine incredible Year 12 students who have generously volunteered their time throughout their Middle and Senior School years.

The GPS Café - open to Senior School students and staff, offers far more than just coffee. It provides a real-life learning environment where students can gain hands-on experience in customer service, teamwork and hospitality. For many, it’s also a place where confidence grows and friendships flourish.

In his heartfelt thank-you speech, Michael shared how proud he was to see the transformation in each student over the years.

“It’s been wonderful to see how much each of them has grown in confidence,” he said. “Some started off nervously making coffees or taking orders, and now they’ve become wonderful role models and mentors to our younger café volunteers.”

Each graduating student received a bespoke GPS Café apron and one of Michael’s famous chocolate brownies, beautifully gift-wrapped as a token of appreciation and a memento of their time behind the counter.

The GPS Café holds a special place in the Encounter community. Its name comes from a quote by Greek Roman philosopher Gaius Plinius Secundus (GPS):

“Home is where the heart is, and the heart is in the kitchen.”

This spirit of warmth, generosity and community continues to make the GPS Café one of Encounter’s most loved features - a place where skills are learned, friendships are made, and hearts are full.