Werribee Primary School has been kicking plenty of goals and the latest was being named AFL Victoria’s school of the year.
Along with several other schools in Wyndham, Werribee Primary has been working with the North Melbourne Football Club’s educational outreach branch, The Huddle.
The collaboration between the schools has led to the integration of footy and team sport into their learning curriculum.
Trent Archer, one of the AFL champions at the school who helps ensure the students and teachers are supported during the program, said the award was a pleasant surprise.
“It was pretty unexpected and a very exciting time to be recognised for all the work the teachers and the students have put in,” Mr Archer said.
“It is not exactly something that you strive for, you do it for the students.
“To get that little cherry on top is very nice.”
Mr Archer said the real rewards come from seeing the students gain healthy habits, camaraderie and life skills.
“You get a lot of key learnings from being involved in team sport, I remember growing up and being a part of footy and cricket, getting to know the expectations of the club, but also the key values of other people.
“Sometimes they don’t always align, but it’s a part of the learning.
“It’s not all about winning, but it’s about learning to be part of a community.
He also said that more activity never misses the mark with student wellbeing.
“We see a big impact both on mental health and behaviour when kids are engaged in sports.”
