Authentic Learning – HSIE Business Breakfast Workshop

Successful business students are able to engage with innovation and to think creatively and critically to foster future-based entrepreneurial solutions. The authentic learning instructional model of the application of textbook theory within the contemporary real world encourages students to better understand business relationships and apply business concepts.

On Tuesday 5 March, Year 11 and 12 Business Studies and IB Business Management students were invited to attend the HSIE Business Breakfast Workshop at Santa Sabina. The HSIE Faculty was very lucky to secure Mr Michael Karakatsanis, Managing Director – APAC, Faber-Castell Australia, as the keynote speaker. Thank you to Mrs Vikki Cummins for developing this relationship with Faber-Castell Australia. 

Mr Karakatsanis generously gave very detailed answers with warmth and good humour to student questions about marketing strategies, operations and the key external and internal influences upon Faber-Castell in a post-COVID and highly digitalised world. This presentation including an interactive workshop was highly engaging and many of the ideas will be explored further within Business classroom lessons. This before-school event was a huge success and was attended by over 60 students and HSIE Business teachers. Thank you to Mr Karakatsanis for his time and 7:00am availability.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Science)

Student Reflections

The Business Breakfast offered a rich blend of insightful discussions and networking opportunities that fueled my enthusiasm for professional growth. The engaging atmosphere and diverse perspectives shared during the event left me both inspired and motivated to implement new strategies in my business endeavours.
Akyra Thai

Mr Karakatsanis kept us engaged and provided us with insights into his work within Faber-Castell. He acknowledged how the business must remain cost-effective while providing environmentally sustainable products. 
Sabrina White

This morning’s HSIE Business Breakfast was enlightening and engaging. We delved into the complexities of a global business, gaining valuable insights into its internal and external influences. It was a hands-on application of what we’ve been studying in our business studies course. 
Tina Cassimatis

The Business Breakfast was a very informative experience, it allowed me to see the operational strategies and influences behind the Faber-Castell business. Mr Karakatsanis provided business students with the strategies used by his business to maintain the quality of products while taking into account environmental considerations. 
Sienna-Marie Maroun