School grants can lead to more active kids
Ballina Shire primary schools are being invited to join other North Coast schools in applying for grants to encourage their students to be more active, thanks to a partnership between the North Coast Area Health Service, the NSW Cancer Council Northern Region and the Australian Sports Commission.
Last year Tyalla Public School in Coffs Harbour received a Grant Opportunity for School Health (GOSH) award and worked on an innovative project to improve the physical activity levels of its 434 kinder to Year 6 students.
It instigated two programs, Kinder Fitness Program for K-3 students, and a formal handball competition for Years 4-6 students during lunch breaks. Both programs now run each day and used GOSH funding to purchase equipment .
Tyalla Public School’s Principal, Sue Mackay, said both programs had a very positive effect on students, with improved concentration levels and reduced playground disciplinary incidents.
“The effects have been so positive we are working towards continuing both programs this year,” Ms Mackay said.
According to North Coast Area Health Service’s Healthy Weight Co-ordinator, Jillian Adams, the 2007 GOSH grants will focus on funding projects which help students identify barriers and increase physical activity opportunities in North Coast primary schools.
“Increased physical activity has been identified as a key strategy in addressing increasing levels of childhood obesity,” she said.
The 2007 grant opportunities will be made available to all North Coast primary schools from term one.
For further information on the Grant Opportunity for School Health awards, contact Pam Johnson on 6648 7220 or Margo Johnston on 6562 6066.
PICTURE: Sue Mackay, Principal, Tyalla Public School, Patty Delaney, Northern Region Manager NSW Cancer Council, Bruce Wallace, Regional Program Coordinator, Australian Sports Commission, Pam Johnson, Health Promotion Officer, North Coast Area Health Service, and students from Tyalla Public School.
