A school in Sydenham will receive a funding boost to help get kids moving as they return to school for Term 2, thanks to the Victorian Government.

Natalie Hutchins MP today congratulated Copperfield College in Sydenham that is among 96 schools across the state to receive a $30,000 funding boost under the Active Schools initiative to help introduce a whole-school approach to physical activity.

Copperfield College will implement new active recreation clubs with local providers and coaches for activities including running/walking, basketball, courtyard games, and yoga.

The cash boost is part of the $24.2 million Active Schools initiative, which is delivering more opportunities for physical activity, sport and active recreation for Victorian students, helping them develop healthy lifelong habits.

As part of the wider Active Schools package:

• all schools will have access to a new Active Schools Toolkit, which will include tips and tricks on how to make their school and their kids more active
• a new team of physical education leaders will provide on-the-ground advice and support to more than 800 schools to improve their approach to sport, physical education and physical activity
• a number of new and innovative approaches to increasing activity will be trialled through several partnerships, including working with the start-up community to explore how technology can get teens moving and adapting Deakin University’s Transform-Us! Program for secondary schools to get adolescents moving more and sitting less
• a statewide communications campaign designed to encourage children and their families to be more active and promote the importance of physical activity.

In November, Minister for Education James Merlino also released a joint ministerial statement with Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Minister for Health Martin Foley, which outlines a new strategy to create active schools, kids and communities.

The Labor Government is committed to meeting the Education State target of increasing the proportion of students taking part in physical activity five times a week to help them be happier, healthier and more resilient.

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The evidence is clear – active kids are happy, healthy and resilient kids, who are able to focus more in class. That’s why we are investing $24.2 million in the creation of Active Schools.”

Quote attributable to Natalie Hutchins, State Member for Sydenham

“Sport and recreation are central to our way of life. These grants will help make sure more young people in Sydenham can get the best start in life with an education linked to active and healthy lifestyles.”