You're In Good Hands

Sick Bay News

I had the absolute privilege to watch the first Malvern Primary School Human Powered Racing Team compete at Marybourgh Victoria on November 24th. 

To be honest I didn’t know what I would be walking into. With the current professional narrative buzzing about a crisis in children’s mental health, and a lack of social and emotional resilience. With our students being well out of their comfort zone, I was keen to see how they were coping in an unknown environment that was highly competitive.

What I felt was infectious. The atmosphere was highly charged with excitement, nervousness, triumphs, and exhaustion. How could this event possibly have such a positive impact? The answer is simple: This event

1.      Enabled each student to find an inner strength to keep going and to push themselves past their own perceived limitations.

2.      Gave the student a sense of ownership for their actions and that their actions impacted the entire team.

3.      Enabled each student to rediscover the real meaning of team-work. How being united for a common course can dilute negativity, bullying and prejudices.

4.      Encouraged the development of new friendships and a level of respect for each person.

5.      Cultivated a level of belonging, confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem, achievement, and pride.

6.      Provided the students with the confidence to give support and encouragement to the whole team. 

 

The smiles, the laughter and the positive chatter would be strong indicators that this event was a true success.  One student stated that she felt that she could achieve anything now.

 

So what happens from here?  I have my fingers crossed that this event stays on the Malvern Primary School Calander for years to come. From a mental and physical health perspective I feel that the benefits for the grade 5 and 6 students are positively unmeasurable.