IT’S the start of a new school year and Beverford Primary School students have hit the ground running.
And it’s all thanks to a State Government Active Schools Grant which has seen the school transform its grounds after securing $30,000.
The Active Schools initiative aims to ensure all Victorian students have the skills, confidence and motivation to be active in life, with schools going beyond traditional physical education and sport to ensure students are provided with opportunities to be active.
Beverford District Primary School has taken up the challenge and principal Phil Cox has seen an increase in the uptake of physical activity, not only within the school grounds but after hours as well.
The transformation of the grounds over the past 12 months included the installation of new play equipment, shade sails, an obstacle course and the school’s newest instalment – a 660m running and fitness track.
Mr Cox said the new equipment was a wonderful asset to the school.
“It’s great to see the students jogging and walking laps before school with smiles on their faces,” Mr Cox said.
“The track zig-zags around the trees and runs along the whole boundary of the school.”
With a big focus on health and fitness, the school is also gearing up to take part in Jump Rope for Heart for the first time.
Jump Rope for Heart ensures primary school students are meeting the mandatory weekly requirements for student participation in sport and physical activity, and encourages students to build a positive attitude towards exercise, healthy eating and heart health.
“It’s been a welcome sight to see the students jogging laps and skipping during break times,” Mr Cox said.
“It’s a great social thing and we’re seeing improvement with their health and wellbeing. It’s great to see the focus on health and fitness before school and once the school bell goes, everyone is ready to learn.”
Mr Cox said the school continued to flourish with nine Prep students welcomed to the school this year.
“We’ve had another big intake for a small school,” Mr Cox said.
“We’ve continued to see an increased number of Prep students being enrolled and that’s great to see.”
