Stewarttown Public School in Georgetown was a busy place just before the Christmas break as it held its 15th annual Busy Bee market.

Students rented tables and sold many creative and inventive gifts and items including pillows, homemade dog treats, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, cards and notepaper. Used books and DVDs were also for sale. Certain clubs used this opportunity to raise money for their endeavours and to promote a positive message. For example, the Environment Club made gift tags out of recycled paper from its own blue boxes. The tags contained wild flower seeds that can be planted in the spring.

Many students donated their earnings to their favourite charities.

“This event allows students the opportunity to build rapport and connect with others, and practice how to present persuasive ideas and concepts,” says Vice Principal Dan Albrecht. “Students were provided with guidance about entrepreneurial skills such as marketing, advertising, display set-up and handling money. The event was very well supported by students, staff and the extended school community.”

Students are getting an opportunity exploring a potential career though Busy Bee, says Principal Lisa Coffey.

“Students do the planning during extracurricular time and the only school time that is spent is actually the day of the market. Students must be up to date on their school work to participate,” Coffey explains, crediting staff members Michele Buist and Lezlie Pettit for their hard work in helping organize the event. “Students are getting an opportunity to explore a possible career for themselves – which is part of the guidance curriculum – and they are gaining experience in developing a product, marketing and sales and customer management.”

"I created a hairclip made of ribbon, and put my school mascot, a bee, on it,” says Grade 6 student Emmerson. “You can wear this on your belt, shoe, collar and in your hair. I learned a lot about money and giving change to our customers and how to run a business.  It was a very fun experience and I am looking forward to it in the future."