A market day with heart: Year 10 commerce makes a difference
There was a real buzz around James Fallon High School during Term 1 when the Year 10 Commerce class turned their learning into something truly special. What began as a classroom project quickly grew into a vibrant Market Day fundraiser, one that combined entrepreneurship, teamwork and compassion, all in support of the Sunshine Trust.
From the very beginning, students embraced the challenge. Tasked with creating and running their own market stalls for an entire day, they took ownership of every step of the process. They brainstormed ideas, planned budgets, promoted their stalls and engaged with customers, gaining firsthand experience in how businesses operate in the real world. Along the way, they built confidence, problem-solving skills and a strong sense of responsibility, often stepping well outside their comfort zones.
A key part of the project was choosing a charity to support. The class unanimously selected the Sunshine Trust (formerly the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund), recognising the profound impact the organisation has on the local community. With cancer touching so many lives, the decision resonated deeply with the students, who were motivated by the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
When Market Day arrived, the school grounds came alive. The air was filled with the smell of sizzling BBQs and the excitement of students serving up homemade baked goods, ice creams, spiders, mocktails and lollies. The stalls drew enthusiastic support from both the school and wider community, turning the day into a true celebration of creativity and generosity. By the end of the event, students had raised an impressive $1,087 for the Sunshine Trust, a result they could all be incredibly proud of.
Business Studies teacher Mr McMaster praised the students for their enthusiasm and initiative throughout the project. “We are always encouraging students to give back when possible, so to be able to include community giving within a subject was fantastic,” he said. “The students were engaged from the beginning and really took the initiative to get the most out of the Market Day.”
Sunshine Trust Manager Andrew Mackinlay echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of fostering community awareness from a young age. “The students of James Fallon High School should be extremely proud of their efforts in raising this significant amount of money,” he said. “Their contribution will help fund our major pillars of investment, the Wellness Centre, Research, Equipment and Education. We are very grateful they chose our charity and can’t wait to see where these entrepreneurial minds end up in the future.”
The Year 10 Commerce Market Day was more than just a fundraiser, it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when learning, community and compassion come together.
