Wellbeing

Year 5 Students Step onto the Mats with Confidence – Jiu-Jitsu at Holy Cross

This term, a group of our Year 5 students have had the unique opportunity to participate in a Jiu-Jitsu program, thanks to the generous support of Macedon Ranges Health. This fully funded initiative, including equipment and weekly coaching, was offered to two local schools as part of a broader wellbeing initiative and we were thrilled to be one of them!

The sessions are run by Andrew, a Blue Belt Jiu-Jitsu coach from Limitless MMA, who has experience delivering similar programs in primary schools across the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury area. Andrew has been training since 2019, competes regularly, and is passionate about supporting students through structured physical activity. His calm and encouraging approach has helped our students feel safe, supported, and motivated to give their best each week.

Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art known for promoting discipline, focus, and resilience, has been tailored at our school to support student engagement and wellbeing. Each week, students have taken part in dynamic sessions designed not just to teach basic techniques, but also to develop skills that extend well beyond the mat.

Over the course of the term, students have:

• Built confidence through mastering new skills
• Improved their focus and self-discipline
• Gained greater body awareness and coordination
• Strengthened social connections through teamwork and respect
• Grown in enthusiasm for school and learning

Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how much they've enjoyed learning something new, challenging themselves, and having fun along the way.

We see this as a wonderful opportunity to support student wellbeing and confidence, particularly as our Year 5 students begin to prepare for the transition to secondary school. We’re grateful to the team at Macedon Ranges Health and to Andrew from Limitless MMA for partnering with us on this enriching and empowering program.