It was in the midst of Covid lockdowns that NETschool received a generous grant from what was then the Kirkland Lake Gold (now Agneco Eagle) Community Partnerships Program.

Today, Felicia and Tim from Agneco Eagle visited NETschool to see firsthand the great results of the funding and how it has supported learners to grow academically, creatively, socially and emotionally.

Felicia and Tim toured the NETschool campus, including the Tech room media hub, the music room, and the impressive laser cutting machine that has resulted in learners creating a micro business producing and selling earrings and other jewellery.

Pheobe Cox and Bliss Priest-Young demonstrated the laser cutter by creating a souvenir keyring for Felicia and Tim to remember their NETschool visit.

NETschool mentor, Emma Smart, said the funding to purchase the equipment had made a huge impact on learners’ skills and confidence.

“The learners are building skills for life,” she said. “It’s given many the opportunity and confidence to lead a program and build a business—something that wouldn’t have seemed possible otherwise.”

BSSC Assistant Principal, Kylie Hand, agreed that the benefits of the Community Partnership Program were immeasurable.

“Designing, manufacturing, selling… the social interaction and business skills… these experiences have encouraged learners to take on other VCE subjects at the main BSSC campus,” she said. “These things can change a young person’s life trajectory. We’re incredibly grateful for the support.”

Felicia from Agneco Eagle said that NETschool was the perfect example of the program’s objectives, in supporting the disadvantaged, education and training, social health and wellbeing, inclusion, and economic development.

“Building capacity in our community is the core of the Community Partnership Program,” she said. “It’s great to see that happening here at NETschool.”

More photos on the BSSC Facebook page

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