Hospitality teacher Margaret Beagley said that for this year's special occasion assignment, pupils invited business people, retired teachers, and others who had helped the school, to thank them.
The "special occasion" assignment was required to earn a unit standard for the year 13 course. Pupils planned the whole event, including menu, invitations, and presentation. Meals also had to be on budget.
About 20 guests were served a chicken and kumara filo tart, or roast vegetable and chickpea filo tart, followed by chocolate brownie, or lemon shortcake.
Former school secretary Denise Harrison was most impressed with her "lovely" meal. She had also been involved in fundraising for the school.
Parent Malcolm Fleming, who had been involved with school sponsorship, joked the lunch was better than what he usually had at that time of day.
Pupil Tabitha Comins (18), who intended pursuing a career in hospitality, said organising the luncheon had been "enjoyable", and it was good to see it come together yesterday, with guests savouring the food and each other's company.
Mrs Beagley said the hospitality course was becoming more and more popular.
As well as those intending a career as a chef, some pupils saw it as a way to secure part-time employment while at university. The course included barista training, which was an added drawcard, she said.
