River School Year 7 teacher, Ann Donoghoe (left) with students holding their new business logo & their shopping voucher
Year 7 students at the Ananda Marga River School are already learning to problem-solve and think laterally. Wanting a class trip to Canberra and the snow, they quickly realised it would cost $900 per student. That was cash outside the resources of some families and they agreed it was important that, “we all go or none of us go!” So, rather than give up, the students formed themselves into a business – Red Cedar Business Enterprise (RCBE) and, with teacher guidance, eagerly took on learning the requirements of operating a business.
Their first step was to write a group commitment, decide on job roles and write down their own responsibilities. The class business set up it’s own bank account and have raised just over $1000 from canteen and ice block sales.
At their first formal meeting, students faced the challenge of raising $14,000 for their trip. Apart from canteen sales, they wanted to do something unique which would support and promote their community. With service in mind, the exciting concept of a local, voucher booklet was born.
“We have been delighted with the response” says Year 7 teacher, Ann Donoghoe. “There is strong support from our local business community with over forty businesses taking part and more than $1000 in discounts being offered.”
River School shopping voucher
The voucher booklets will go on sale during the first week of April. Each booklet costs $20 and is valued at over $1000 worth in savings.
With a little help from a local artist, the business logo (cow on skis), has been designed by Jessica in Year 7.
It has become a feature on the vouchers with the cow, representing Maleny and the skis the children’s dream of reaching Canberra and the snow.
“We are hoping this win/win project can be repeated on an annual basis to help each Yr 7 class get to Canberra”,
says Ann Donoghoe. In this sense, the students in the class of 2009, are building the foundations from which future students will benefit.”
Voucher booklets will be available through the school, local businesses and street sales. The Red Cedar domain name is www.rcbe.biz and is linked to their Wordpress blog.
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