'I wrote this in my last job, to encourage the youngsters in my charge to observe the correct etiquette while eating their lunch. It may sound remarkable to a lot of people but, these days, many children miss out on learning these skills at home. For some, sitting round a table was not the norm and the fabulous fare on offer at the school (the chef came from the Ritz!) was the only decent food that passed their lips. While writing, it dawned on me that a lot of my colleagues could benefit from brushing up on their table manners too!'
Can you count from one to 4?
Will you leave bad manners at the door?
Come dine with us, if you are able
To sit down nicely at a table.
But if your language is quite poor,
Or you like to drop food on the floor,
Or shout out loud and stuff your face,
Then do please litter another place!
Thoughtful people are welcome here,
But if you like to burp and lear
Then do us a favour, stay away!
Go spoil someone else’s day...
Oh, and please don’t be a lazy loafer,
By trying to eat while on the sofa.
Even if at home it’s ‘OK’,
It simply isn’t the Foster way!
Staff, be sure, you’re welcome too,
To sit in here and have a chew,
But please, keep your mobiles out of sight,
And sit with the students, ‘coz they’re alright!