Testimonials and awards
Read the testimonials from educators whose students have seen a StartSmart workshop.
StartSmart Primary program
“Sabrina, just wanted to thank you for your presentation last Friday. All the children enjoyed it and they learnt a lot, especially about saving money. This morning, [a student] from my grade came and asked me to print off a leaflet for the people in his area. The leaflet was full of odd jobs and the price he would charge to do them. He thought about what you said, asked his mum for her permission and is on the way to his first million. I told him he would owe you (and me) a commission. So congratulations on your visit.”
Helen Adams, Horsham Primary School
“The weekend after [the facilitator] came, I was out driving around Dernancourt and came upon two brothers who had set up a stall on their front lawn. They were selling preloved toys. The older boy had cooked brownies the night before. They had worked out that if they sold everything they could get $30, but [their] mum said she would be happy if they got half that. They surprised themselves and made nearly what their goal was. You had quite an impact! I had quite a few mums come up and talk to me about what [their children] had learnt with you.”
Chris Ratcliff, Dernancourt Primary School, SA
StartSmart Secondary program
“This is an extremely valuable experience for students… This seminar is the only experience some of them are exposed to in terms of tax, super, savings and investment.”
Joseph Nolan, John Paul College, NSW
“I am writing to congratulate you on your wonderful education program for schools on financial literacy. Vanessa Chadwick visited our school and gave a number of outstanding workshops/lessons to our Year 11 Mathematics students. Vanessa related very well to the students and her cheerful and relaxing demeanour engaged the whole range of students. She also challenged them in areas they were not aware of before.”
Mal Hartwig, Pine Rivers State High School, QLD
"...just wanted to say how much our students enjoyed the session. They also got a lot out of it. Our teachers were very impressed with the presentation and Vanessa was an excellent speaker. We would definitely like to have you back next year."
Matthew Hughes, Bundaberg State School, VIC
“I thought Chantelle was brilliant. She had a purpose and a strong hold on that purpose throughout her delivery. [The] material was extremely relevant and presented in such a way that these kids could get it. An entertaining, informative presentation (that I learned from, too!).“
Kempsey High School, NSW
“Just letting you know we had Zey out to speak to our students over the last few weeks and was very impressed. The content was great and she had a fantastic rapport with the students. Looking forward to using your service again next year.“
Narelle McFadden, Scoresby Secondary College, VIC
Pathways program
"Many of our students felt that this was the most beneficial presentation of their induction day. The facilitator was able to engage them in real reflection on many of the decisions they will encounter in the next 5 years making the program very relevant. This is a terrific initiative by the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, catering for this important cohort. There is not enough work done in adolescent ‘rights of passes’ and self awareness in Australia."
Sam Gumina, GForce Employment Solutions, VIC
In 2011, the Commonwealth Bank Foundation was awarded 5-stars for Youth Banking and Education.
Australian Business Awards 2010
The Foundation was also recognised for the StartSmart School program with a 2010 Australian Business Award for Innovation.
Australian Business Awards 2009
The Commonwealth Bank, and specifically the work of our StartSmart program, was recognised with a 2009 Australian Business Award for Community Contribution.