Through the Guildford Connect program, Social Enterprise students at Guildford Grammar School are discovering that service is not just about volunteering. It is about taking action, making meaningful contributions and understanding the real-world impact of their efforts.

Over the past eight months, these students have worked together to design, make and sell candles, raising an impressive $3,092 in support of Foodbank, a new community partner in the School’s service learning program. The funds were generated through events such as the Preparatory Sports Day, lunchtime pop-up stalls and parent-teacher evenings.

Learning by Doing

Each student contributed $50 to purchase materials, gaining practical experience in budgeting, creativity and enterprise. Alongside these skills, they developed an understanding of how business initiatives can align with purpose-driven goals.

Last week, the students saw their work come full circle. They visited Foodbank to pack food parcels to the value of their donation, and also supported retail operations on the ground. This opportunity allowed them to engage directly with the organisation they chose to support, deepening their understanding of community need and the social impact of their project.

Service in Action

Guided in 2024 by Ms Donnovan, supported by Mr Minchin and now led by Ms Whan, the Social Enterprise program is a compelling example of how purpose and practical learning go hand in hand. The recent visit to Foodbank offered students a powerful moment of reflection as they saw the tangible outcomes of their fundraising and community engagement.

This was a return visit to Foodbank, building on the partnership established earlier this year through Guildford Connect, where students supported retail operations onsite. These direct connections with community partners are central to the School’s service learning model, which aims to foster empathy, leadership and a lifelong commitment to contributing meaningfully.

Preparing for a Purposeful Future

Through the Friday Afternoon Enrichment Program and initiatives like Guildford Connect, students are supported to step beyond the classroom and into the community. Whether they are creating social enterprises, partnering with local organisations or exploring social justice issues, they are learning to lead with compassion and act with purpose.

At Guildford Grammar, we are proud to see our students using their creativity, initiative and empathy to build a better world – one candle, one conversation and one act of service at a time.