John Paul College's talented Food Technology students showcased their culinary creativity and technical skills at this year's Southern Independent Schools (SIS) Teen Chef Competition, competing against students from 12 schools across the SIS network.
The 2026 competition challenged students to create "Nostalgic Food with a Modern Twist," encouraging them to reinvent familiar favourites using contemporary techniques, flavours and presentation.
Representing John Paul College were Year 11 students Ben T and Ava K in the Main Meal category, and Elana B and Elijah B in the Dessert category. Throughout the competition, the students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity and professionalism as they prepared and presented their dishes under competition conditions. For their main meal entry, Ben and Ava created a refined take on a classic roast dinner, featuring roast pork with apple and sage onions, cheesy potato gratin stacks, parsnip puree and a cider sauce. Elana and Elijah’s dessert showcased a modern interpretation of a nostalgic favourite, with apple crumble choux buns paired with vanilla cinnamon ice-cream.
The standard of the competition was exceptionally high, with judges describing it as one of the most difficult competitions they had adjudicated due to the calibre of the entries. They praised the students for demonstrating culinary skills well beyond what would typically be expected at school level and were particularly impressed by the variety of dishes, advanced techniques and flavours on display. Judges also commended the outstanding sportsmanship and workmanship shown by all competitors throughout the day.
The John Paul College team was awarded a Silver Medal, achieving a score between 80 and 90 marks. The competition assessed both kitchen hygiene and safety, which accounted for 40 per cent of the score, and the quality of the finished dish, including flavour, presentation and execution, which made up the remaining 60 per cent.
Congratulations to Ben, Ava, Elana and Elijah on this outstanding achievement. Their passion, dedication and creativity were evident throughout the competition, and they represented John Paul College with pride.