Agriculture, Enterprise, School And Community Make History

In a first for Canowindra, the agriculture faculty of Canowindra High School, has showcased the talents of its students, the quality of its produce, its links with agribusi­ness and investment and its new venture as a social enterprise.

Last Friday 19 September, the Canow­indra High School Farm, Market and Agri­business Pitch Day, was held highlighting years of behind-the-scenes dedication to the importance of local agriculture and ag­ribusiness, combining these with relevant learning, innovation and collaboration, with support from local businesses and organi­sations.

In a further educational collaboration, Year 9 students from Canobalas Rural Technology High School also joined in on the day.

Alongside these existing much valued relationships, two national partners have added energy, support and expertise to school efforts: the Sally Foundation and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneur­ship (ACRE) through its Social Enterprise Schools program.

The day provided the opportunity for visitors to see agribusiness enterprises in action with farm tours, presentations, and a market, connecting students and com­munity to industry partners, other schools, businesses, potential supporters and do­nors.

Cano ACRE Angels, the social purpose arm enabled through the students’ agribusiness enterprises will be launched to provide community support and services.

An important part of the day was the pitch, where senior stu­dents will presented their enterprises and their goals. Importantly, they spoke about the legacy they are hoping to create within the School and the opportunities for both those in the audience and further afield to support their initiatives.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion that en­couraged the free flow of questions, answers and ideas.

Head Teacher Technology and Applied Studies, Mrs Karen Stut­tle is passionate about the Social Enterprise Schools heartbeat.

“Students are truly connecting to a cause and understanding the power they have to change the course of rural communities for­ever, with their knowledge and skills they are learning at school,” Mrs Stuttle said.