Student enterprises raise $700 for Mary Mac's Place
Umina campus commerce students from Brisbane Water Secondary College are donating over $700 to Mary Mac's Place in Woy Woy.
The donation comes as part of an assignment to the Year 9 Commerce class to operate their own small business on campus.
"It was the accumulative profit of each business that raised the money for the substantial donation," said class teacher Mr Robert Brown.
Each business was officially operational for two weeks and saw students offer a variety of goods and services for sale to the rest of the student body.
"Natural care products, handmade bath bombs, perfumes, a book store, a buzz out skills tester, teacher car wash service, spider soft drinks, confectionary, guessing jar competitions and a sports skills tester were just some of the products and services Year 9 were selling," Mr Brown said.
"Students were required to advertise their product or service within school; taking into account the demographic and clientele base that a Year 7 to 9 junior campus would offer.
"Some businesses targeted students as their primary market, some targeted teachers, some did both.
"Students were in charge of organising their own roster, keeping records of their own accounts (including expenditure, cost price, retail price and profits) and ensuring that they met strict deadlines," Mr Brown said.
"I loved the assessment task.
"Seeing everyone's response to the stall and seeing the reward of our hard work, people enjoying themselves, gave you a real sense of fulfilment," said student Maddison May.
"It wasn't always easy though, we weren't prepared for the high amount of sales we got on the first day of our spider drink stall and ran out of stock quickly.
"We bought a lot more for the next day and it was quiet.
"It just goes to show that business can be unpredictable so you really need to think on your feet," Maddison said.
Additionally, prior to business operations, students created a risk management plan.
This included any work health and safety issues that could occur and what measures they have in place, both preventative and consequential, to ensure smooth business operations.
At this time, they also pitched their business ideas to a panel of four teachers, with diverse expertise, in order to receive feedback and implement necessary adjustments.
"We are always constantly reminded of the talent and application of our students at Brisbane Water Secondary College.
"The panel was thoroughly impressed by the ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
"What they achieved is nothing short of inspiring," said science head teacher Mr James Guthrie.
After students had concluded their sales, they came back to the panel and presented their business evaluations to both parents and teachers.
"As a result, students raised over $700 in profit to donate to Mary Mac's Place," Mr Brown said.
Student Guy Cooper said the class wanted to donate their earnings to give back to their community.
"Mary Mac's are a non-for-profit so the donation is going to those who really need it.
"We even got to tour the facility to see firsthand the positive impact it has made for the homeless people in our community.
"They make a real difference," Guy said.
"This task goes to show that the students at Brisbane Water Secondary College are learning and putting into practice real life skills whilst also gaining an understanding and huge sense of appreciation for local and small business," Mr Brown said.
"You have to be dedicated and fully committed to the business to ensure everything is running smoothly.
"Going through this assessment task made me realise that I like a fast-paced work environment and being able to think on my feet," said student Jordan Curran.
Mary Mac's homeless services coordinator Ms Catherine Pantehis said the students' donation would go a long way.
"This effort will help us do a lot of things; provide meals, laundry, showers and other support services for homeless people and anyone else in need," she said.
SOURCE:
Media release, 27 Nov 2018
Robert Brown, BWSC Umina