Blue Edge Program

Blue Edge

Over the past eight weeks of term two, a selected group from across year levels, endured a program called Blue Edge.

Blue Edge is a youth program intended to build a community within schools, that is a collaborative space, with the presence of Police.

Myself and approximately 12 others, starting at 7:15am, engaged with 30 minutes of exercise, followed by breakfast; to then enter an enclosed space to be asked an open ended question, finishing at 8:40 am.

The question asked was followed by a range of activities that challenged assumptions, required empathy, as well as thinking about choices in life and potential consequences.

The program was twice a week in the morning, with two police officers from Heidelberg police station.

The idea of police can be intimidating, by introducing two officers to our group, made every participant look beyond uniform. Whilst simultaneously creating relationships with law enforcement, who don’t always have a positive response from youth.

The exercise was conducted by a personal trainer that supplied cardio and weight training. In the final weeks of the program there was an elected week where all participants had a special visit from the K-9 unit, where we met a sniffer dog.

We were also informed about potential pathways within police, and finished by having the opportunity to ask questions to our officers.

Overall, the program accommodated everyone’s individuality, of experience, background and identity. As well as instilling personal discipline of early morning exercise; while teaching all participants that we are the future, and how we go about our lives retrospectively.

A huge thank you to all the teachers and officers who attended the early morning sessions, and a huge well done to all Blue Edge participants.

Jane Hand

I would like to extend my gratitude to the students who attended the Blue Edge Program for Term 2, 2023 (and their parents who also had early starts).

We were lucky enough to have Tracey training us for each of the morning workout sessions together with John, Nicole and Mark representing Victoria Police.

Our facilitator, Morgan ensured each session was relevant and engaging.

Thanks also to Ms Grimes and Ms Cleghorn who made regular early morning appearances.

The ‘Longest Day’ activities at Lake Dewar in Myrniong topped off a great term of collaboration, good humour and fun team building activities.

Seeing the personal development and confidence grow in each of the students involved was a highlight.