St Anne’s College of mini entrepreneurs

By Caitlyn Grant

Jun 14, 2022

Slimy: Year 9 students Harry Beckingham, Cooper McConkey and Cody Taylor selling their creations. Photo by Megan Fisher

Jewellers, bakers, sausage makers — St Anne’s College Kialla is fostering a range of aspiring entrepreneurs showcased through its second Market Day.

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On Tuesday, June 14, the cohort of Year 9 students, with a few Year 8 students involved too, ran their own market stalls at the school selling all sorts of goods from home-made brownies and lolly bags through to gaming experiences and slime.

Students from across the school had designated times to tour the 25 stalls, splashing in their coupons on the sweet treats and handmade bits and pieces.

But not without a learning curve — Year 9 pedagogy leader Adam Zito said the market day had been weeks in the making.

The students gave Shark Tank contenders a run for their money, in groups the students presented their business ideas in a creative presentation, backed by budgets, spreadsheets and further logistics.

Once given the okay by their teachers, the students were allowed a $40 “business loan” to hoist their endeavours off the ground — then the fun began.

“It’s a massive economics and business project for them all, they’re really working on collaboration and communication skills,” Mr Zito said.

Some students even took their business savvy skills and approached business owners to sponsor their stalls, with Donut A-Go-Go and the Chocolate Apple Factory jumping on board.

Year 8 student Olivia Andrews was in a group of 10 students who ran The Bead Studio, selling their own beaded bracelets, charms and keyrings.

She said the jewellery pieces had been basically flying off the table with the amount of popularity on the day.

Students from across the board, and community members later in the day, exchanged their money for the coupons with proceeds going toward a cohort-agreed purchase for the school.

“It all goes back to the kids, last year we raised $3000 which went towards buying two 3D printers, this year we’re going for $6000 so we’ll see what they decide on,” he said.