Hughie Palmer impresses with bubbles bigger than himself. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Students from Rochester’s schools got together for a day promoting physical and mental wellbeing in conjunction with a combined cross country event.
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On Friday, March 28, Rochester Secondary College hosted students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Nanneella Estate School and Rochester Primary School.
Beginning the day with a run by the Campaspe River, students then enjoyed a range of activities and food vendors.
Among the fun on offer were inflatable obstacle courses, zorb balls, a teacher dunk tank, a petting zoo and games.
Maddy Weedon, Ruby Connelly, Aliza Beer and Hailey Johnstone.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Rochester Secondary College recovery officer Holly Thompson planned the day, inspired by students’ requests.
“The kids had a lot of opportunities to write their responses and what they wanted to do today, so that’s what we based it around,” she said.
The event was supported by a Campaspe Shire Council flood recovery grant and Rochester Rotary Club.
The grant was among the last of the recovery fund.
“You think about how much has actually been offered to the community in terms of the recovery process, it’s good,” Miss Thompson said.
“Especially when events like this happen for the kids.
“After the report the other day, we talked about putting kids at the top of the list at the moment is really good to see.”
The kids were all smiles on the Meltdown ride.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Youth of Rochester: A Voice in Flood and Recoverysituation report, released on Tuesday, March 25, was an important reminder to the school community about the need to centre young people’s input.
“When you do listen to their voice, things like this can come about,” Miss Thompson said.
“It’s been a massive week, but it’s been really great.
“It makes it all worth it, all the feedback from the community, the support of the community with the report.”
Staff from local services providers Rochester and Elmore District Health Services, headspace and Anglicare were at the fun day.
Billabong Ranch staff brought their petting zoo along.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The inclusion of students from surrounding schools was another enjoyable part of the day for Miss Thompson.
“Being able to invite the primary school kids ... was really nice too,” she said.
“This is what is going to help us, having people like Anglicare here.
“You can see the kids actually flock over there and be involved with the organisations.”
Miss Thompson emphasised the importance of the event in promoting multiple aspects of health and wellbeing.
“It was so nice to have the cross country today too,” she said.
“Physical (activity), it really hits all the different dimensions of the day.”
Mebin Baby, Linda Riding and Meaghan Douglas from REDHS were in attendance.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Teacher Brendan Moyle waits to be dunked.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Students gave the zorb balls a good go.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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