MARMION Primary School’s oval became a field of obstacle courses yesterday for its annual fundraiser.
The school’s Jack the Wagtail Physical Challenge has been raising funds for the Fiona Wood Foundation and its Burn Injury Research Unit since 2005, with students taking part in an obstacle course across the school grounds.
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READ NOWThe whole-school event brings students, teachers and parents together to remember former student Jack Dunn who suffered burns to 97 per cent of his body when a car exploded on the farm he was doing work experience on.
Despite several weeks of surgery and treatment, he passed away.
On that day, his father Gary was given a small card that said, “Jack, you are as tenacious as a willy wagtail” and since then the small bird has appeared at different times including at Jack’s funeral and when swimming at Hillarys Boat Harbour, which Gary and Jack would do together.
“Jack the Wagtail has become a mantra at the school and over the years $230,000 has been raised by our amazing students,” teacher Claire Rafferty said.
Students who take part in the physical challenge seek sponsorship to raise funds for burns research.
The event also aims to promote the importance of exercise and having a positive lifestyle and attitude through health and wellbeing, and it is a “celebration of our commitment to practising kindness”.
This year it was held on World Kindness Day, with students taking part in other activities including yoga, mindfulness and art during the day.
The school also invited special guests from the West Coast Eagles, Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club and Fiona Wood Foundation.
