By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
STUDENTS at Beaconhills College have skipped their way to a personal best.
The junior school of the Pakenham campus recently raised $22,911 in the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart program, a significant increase from the previous sum of $15,000 raised in 2013.
Physical education teacher Renyce McConnell said the amount was a “huge achievement” for the students.
“They loved being part of it and also enjoyed the fact that it was helping others,” she said.
“Heart disease doesn’t affect just one group of people in our community and I think this cause really resonated with our families.”
Jump Rope for Heart challenges students through a series of sponsored skipping activities as well as providing an opportunity for them to learn about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.
Heart Foundation CEO Mary Barry said the program was an effective way of uniting school communities for a worthy cause.
“It’s a fantastic initiative for schools to be involved in – it’s great for confidence, strength, co-ordination, teamwork skills, cardiovascular health and fitness, and heart health knowledge,” she said.
“The program is uniquely positioned to educate families, school communities and students about the importance of keeping their hearts healthy through regular physical activity and balanced nutrition.”
