Clontarf

Kick It To Me

The boys from the Bairnsdale Clontarf Academy recently embarked on an overnight trip to Melbourne to take part in the Kick-Start Program during the school holidays as part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations. The program aims to use Australian Football as a means to promote education, health, and participation among young indigenous youth. With the strong backing of the AFL, it encourages indigenous participants to engage in football development, leadership, and cultural identity. 

During their time in Melbourne, the boys had the opportunity to play a game against a formidable All Nations Team. Although they were ultimately defeated, their performance was commendable against a superior team. The camp provided an excellent platform for our boys to show case their skills and gain valuable experience in a highly competitive football environment. 

Attending the camp proved to be a truly enlightening experience for the boys, as they returned home with a new found desire to improve their game and seek out more opportunities for growth. 

We would like to express our gratitude to the fellow teammates in the Kick-Start program, as well as to the All Nations Team and all the volunteers who contributed to making this event an enjoyable and memorable experience for all the players and their families.

After School Activities

Bairnsdale Clontarf Academy have always had strong connections with the local football team Lindenow. With about 25 boys playing in the juniors, the buses are always full for training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights. It's also great to see some of the younger boys now playing for another local team Lucknow,.

Clontarf have ran a couple cooking sessions this semester. With attendance of over 15 boys going to the sessions. Snag rolls and spag-bol were the hits. Next on the list of after school activities for term 3 is some artwork that needs to be done around the school and around town. 

The Clontarf boys helped perform a 'Yard make-over' on a well deserving community member, who goes above and beyond helping the boys coordinate many things that support them in our local community. 

The last activity we did this semester was the Blitz Program, it provides an opportunity for students to show some appreciation to the community, along with learning life skills that may help them in their own homes. Trimming bushes, picking up branches, weeding garden beds and removing the green waste to the tip were all part of the after-school activities which the boys helped with. The participants always feel good about helping out and look forward to the next household we help in Term 3. The Elders wood run is always popular in community at this time of the year.