By Alesha Capone
Pupils and families at Tarneit Rise Primary School have participated in a virtual sports carnival, which included hearing from some legendary Indigenous Olympians.
Physical Education teacher Kain Wilson said the carnival, which ran for three weeks before the end of term three, was held with the aim of engaging pupils and bringing the school’s four sports houses together.
Mr Wilson said that for each week of the carnival, pupils filmed themselves taking part in sports-related activities and uploaded the videos to Google classroom to win points for their house.
“We have had huge success and engagement from all students and families competing together,” he said.
The school’s four sports houses are named after First Nations women who have won an Olympic medal – Peris (named after Nova Peris), Riley (named after Samantha Riley), Porter (named after Stacy Porter) and Freeman (named after Cathy Freeman).
Mr Wilson said that before the virtual carnival began, the school’s PE team decided to contact each of the sportswomen, to see if they would make a video of encouragement for the whole school and the houses that are named after them.
Ms Porter and Ms Riley both sent videos to the school, while Ms Peris held a digital question and answer session for pupils.
The school is still hopeful of hearing back from Ms Freeman.
“We have created wonderful lasting relationships with these amazing role models and are extremely proud to have them as our sports house names,” Mr Wilson said.
