STUDENT'S SAVIOUR!
THE RENEWED CANTEEN PRICES
CHANGED STUDENTS' LIFES

Saint Ursula High School students felt disappointed with the canteen’s prices. As the new semester came around, the school made a ground-breaking change and students couldn’t have been happier.

Old canteen prices were considered expensive for students. Over the past months, students have complained about being unable to pay the price for a simple lunch meal. Verena Danamaya, a frequent customer of the school canteen said, “The food is not worth it to buy given the small portions and high prices.”Survey shows that every student in class goes to the canteen at least more than once a week. The majority of students show a reluctance to pay more than before as a result of the rising prices brought on by the pandemic. Another student, Shayree Sardjono said, “Before the pandemic hit, canteen prices used to be affordable. But after the canteen opened again, prices were drastically changed and no longer suitable for me and my friends.” Although reasons vary, most are unhappy with the lack of options available as well as prices that are deemed “unreasonable.”Continuously, this has gained a mountain of complaints, resulting in catching the school’s attention about this problem. “I received many complaints from parents and students about the expensive price of canteen food, therefore the school created Google forms to accommodate student complaints as well as the school notifying the foundation regarding the problem so that it can be followed up immediately,” said Mr. Sumardi, Saint Ursula High School principal. The school realized how negatively this “price problem” could impact students’ interest in supporting the school cafeteria. With all the data compiled, the foundation decided to lower the prices and focus on the diversification of food options in the new 2023/2024 semester as a response to the feedback and suggestions.Now, during lunch breaks there are hundreds of students roaming the cafeteria floor, enthusiastically waiting for their delicious meal. “After the prices changed, it became my favorite spot to hang out with friends because the food is amazing and way cheaper now,” said Regina Aprilia, who comes to the canteen 4 times a week now.

In addition, with cheaper prices students are finally able to save up their money for other purposes. “Honestly, I was a little surprised when the canteen prices changed this year. I feel that it has helped me to save more money, so I rarely ask my parents for money. It also makes me very happy that the lower price of the canteen food does not make the portions any smaller,”
Celine Aurel said.There are also students who seem to anticipate even cheaper prices for years to come. “I'm okay with food prices in the canteen now. Even better, I hope the prices could become cheaper. I mean if there's a possibility for prices to come down then why not?”, said Johanna Ignatia.“Honestly, it was a life-changing decision for me. I have never felt more content and thankful for improvements the school has made to the canteen. Now, I happily go to the canteen every day without any worries,” said Verena Danamaya. Based on students’ interviews conducted previously, the change in canteen prices impacts many aspects of their life including their happiness, financial decision, and overall enjoyment.

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