St Albans students have won a $1000 grant for a perceptual motor program – basically an obstacle course of perception/motor skills. Shown here are Jovana, Jada, Janet and Devyani. Picture: Kristian Scott
By Laura Wakely
BRIMBANK schools have received a $3000 boost in health from Nestle and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
St Albans Heights, Deer Park North and Kororoit Creek primary schools received $1000 each through the Healthy Active Classroom challenge, which aims to increase the health and physical activity of students.
St Albans Heights teacher Travis Gray said students entered the program hoping to introduce a perceptual motor program (PMP) for the younger year levels.
Mr Gray said PMP was an obstacle course, where a set of activities were designed to develop co-ordination and motor control.
“They (students) will grately benefit as we work to further develop their language skills, fundamental and perceptual motor skills, overall confidence and help them enjoy living an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Mr Gray.
“It’s very exciting for us to introduce this program.”
Grades 5 and 6 students at Deer Park North will cash in their prize money on sporting equipment so that they can set up lunch time sports competitions.
Teacher Melissa Kloss said the school had recently had synthetic turf installed and said students were looking forward to testing out the sporting fields.
Meanwhile, Kororoit Creek teacher Robert Bess is hoping kids will find their green thumbs, with the grant funding a fruit and vegetable garden for the school.
Acting AIS director Phil Borgeaud said the Healthy Active Classrooms challenge gave teachers motivation to find time for physical education in the “crowded primary school curriculum”.
“Nestlé and the AIS are proud to continue our commitment to helping Australian students learn more about healthy lifestyle choices,” Mr Borgeaud said.
“We are working hard to give schools the tools they need to advance their education offerings.”
For more information on the program visit www.healthy-active-classroom.com.au.
