Tiny school having a big impact

Students at Cadoux Primary School have raised money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service while making gifts for mums and learning about businesses.

The Wheatbelt school of just 14 students embarked on a business journey at the end of last year, with the Year 4 to 6 students creating their own business plan, logo and business name, in the aim to make items to sell at this year’s Cadoux Mother’s Day Markets.

They made their own items to sell and raised $600. 

Principal Shannon Wasmann said it was one of the staff’s goals to get the students involved and visible in the community’s annual Mother’s Day Market. 

“[With the students] we looked at wants and needs, we utilised the Mini Dreamers Launchpad resource from Project Gen Z to work through the steps of creating a business plan, logo, name,” Mrs Wasmann said. 

“Part of the process was to research items that the students could make (with support) with resources we already had at the school. 

“It’s hugely beneficial for students to learn the business side of a project, especially when they’re involved in the entire process from planning to creating and selling.  

“This is where real learning happens, because they’re not just watching, they’re doing.” 

Every student from Pre-primary to Year 6 was involved in making the items, from sifting sand for the indoor snakes to sewing and painting.  

They made lupin heat bags, door snakes, hair scrunchies, I Love Ewe cards, tic tac toe travel games, jewellery jars, and plants.  

Volunteer Mrs Nixon taught the students how to sew and helped make some of the items. 

The market was a huge success and a great experience for the students, with them taking turns to take care of the stall and sell the items. 

“For me, it was wonderful to see our students take on a leadership role and develop their confidence speaking to the public,” Mrs Wasmann said.  

They all had their own sales technique and shared their economic journey with customers. 

Year 6 school captain, Liana Basham, said it was really fun, especially counting the money at the end to see how much they raised. 

“I created door snakes, heat packs, scrunchies, jewellery jars and more things other children made,” she said.

“It was really fun and exciting and also great to be doing maths outside of school. 

“[I learnt] that there is more than just selling products, it is making them as well and doing the whole process and it feels so good at the end.” 

Mrs Wasmann said the market day helps students practice their money skills, social confidence and how to interact with customers. 

The combined effort of the students led to almost selling out of everything. The money will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). 

“At the beginning of each year, the student council chooses the different charities we would like to fundraise for throughout the year,” Mrs Wasmann said. 

“We have not donated to the RFDS in recent years and decided on this charity.  

“After we had decided, we found out that some of our students have a close connection to the service, it means more to our students when they have a personal connection as well. 

“It’s very important for students to get involved with a community service like the RFDS, not just for the organisation, but for the students themselves. The RFDS is one of Australia’s most respected and essential services, especially in rural WA.” 

Liana said it was amazing to have raised so much money for the RFDS. 

“It’s so good helping and being part of helping kids and adults,” she said. 

Mrs Wasmann said they plan to participate in the market day every two years. This way, there is a student who has participated before who can be a role model for the younger students. 

“At Cadoux Primary School we are small but mighty and we take pride in providing our students with opportunities to not only broaden their educational experiences but to develop a sense of where they fit in their community,” she said.  

“Participating in the market day has left all of us feeling proud and grateful for the support from all our customers.”