Clarkson Primary School sports teacher Andrew Shepherd and students who took part in the rugby league program.
Camera IconClarkson Primary School sports teacher Andrew Shepherd and students who took part in the rugby league program. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Clarkson PS enriched after trying rugby league program

Tyler BrownNorth Coast Times

RUGBY league came to Clarkson Primary School last year thanks to a grant.

The Enrich school grant, provided by Barnardos Australia through Aldi supermarkets, enabled the school to run a rugby league program for 33 children from years 5 and 6 from July to December.

The program aimed to improve student attendance, class work, behavioural issues, social interaction, confidence and self-esteem.

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As well as developing skills in rugby league, it also aimed to develop positive relationships between teammates and self-management skills.

The program included training, exercising and coaching before school followed by a breakfast club, with games played with neighbouring schools.

“The project was a success because we retained a number of students from the start,” sports teacher Andrew Shepherd said.

“As the project went on, students who were not originally part of the team wanted to be a part of it.

“We started to have parents helping in different capacities and the students started to work together as a team and displayed a positive attitude.”

He said other results included improved fitness and nutrition through regular healthy breakfasts, understanding of sportsmanship and an increased sense of school pride through representing their school.

Schools can apply for Enrich grants from www.enrich.org.au.

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