Year Two

A Visit from the Essendon Footy Club!

The Year Twos have had an exciting few weeks! Last week, we were thrilled to welcome members of the Essendon Football Club to our school oval.

Before the players arrived, the children gathered on the oval to brainstorm thoughtful questions. They were eager to meet the players - including Peter Wright, Matt Guelfi, and Jayden Laverde - and learn more about their lives as athletes. The players introduced themselves, spoke about their team, and answered the students' curious questions. One fun surprise? The children were amazed to learn that one of the players' favourite foods is broccoli!

The students learned that the team had won five matches so far this season, discovered the players’ hobbies, and asked who their top players were. Many were especially interested to hear how Essendon had performed against their own favourite teams. Most importantly, the students practised their inquiry skills and showed great curiosity.

Then it was time to hit the field! Buzzing excitement, the children dashed across the oval, ready for action. They jumped straight into a game of footy - playing alongside each other, the Essendon players, and even some of the teachers, who were just as eager to join in the fun! It was a fantastic scene: children laughing, running, passing the ball, and cheering each other on, with the footy stars offering encouragement and tips along the way.

For some children, it was their very first time playing footy, while others were excited to have just started playing during playtime recently. Regardless of experience, everyone walked away with valuable lessons in sportsmanship - particularly about playing safely, treating everyone with respect (even our competitors!), and including everyone to make games more fun. We were especially proud to see this in action the very next day, when the children made a point of inviting the girls to join in their game. They had a fantastic time playing together and being risk-takers!

At the end of the visit, students had the chance to collect autographs from the players. Some had brought their own jerseys or footy card books from home, while others were lucky enough to win merchandise on the day - all of which got signed. Everyone went home with a special keepsake. Now there's something for the walls!

To top it off, the children shared their experience in last week’s assembly, growing as confident communicators and risk-takers in front of a big audience. We know the children had a wonderful time, and we hope they treasure the memories and meaningful lessons from this special day too.

Aren’t we a lucky bunch?

The Year Two Team

Claire Eadington, Molly Todd, Carole Upton, Laveena Kukanesan and Amy Wirth