Students at Winmalee High School ended the school term in a flurry of sweet and savoury treats after the school held The Great Winmalee Bake Off on Thursday, September 16.
Young bakers from years seven to 12 competed from home in the event, which was then judged by former Winmalee High student Brendan Garlick, who came fifth in the television series The Great Australian Bake Off in 2013.
"We had a great time judging the bake off," said Garlick, who donated some of his own baked goods as prizes. "I was particularly impressed with the junior years, seven and eight, who entered pretzels and bagels - both of which I've never attempted!
"There were lots of strong, innovative ideas as well as old-school classics, like melting moments. All in all a great night and lots of star bakers in the making!"
The winners of The Great Winmalee Bake-Off were: Zoe Wiessner (sweet) and Lucy Roediger (savoury) in the years seven and eight category; Holly Garrett (sweet) and Karla Bernays (savoury) for years nine and 10; and Hanna Brandenburg (sweet) for years 11 and 12. Jemima Addison (sweet) was highly commended in the years 11 and 12 category.
"It was terrific to see students across different year groups get involved and share in the joy of this event," said Winmalee High principal Voula Fracas. "The results were just spectacular and it was a wonderful way to end the term.
"The focus of the final week of term, as a no-new-work week, was to encourage students to get involved in some activities away from their screens and promote connecting with others. The applied technology teachers did a great job of organising and promoting this event, and having our guest judge, Brendan, just made it all the more special."
Since leaving Winmalee High, where he was Dux of Year 12 in 2009 and achieved first in state for hospitality in the HSC, Garlick has gone on to work in TV production on Masterchef, My Kitchen Rules and others, as well as competing on The Great Australian Bake Off. He also runs a 'side hustle', Mr Messy, a small bakery service offering cakes and desserts.
A key instigator of The Great Winmalee Bake Off was Garlick's former hospitality teacher Narelle Brown, who recruited him as judge.
"It was great to catch up with my old hospitality teacher, Narelle," said Garlick. "Or as we called her back in the day, Nezza!"
