Welcome to the Spring/Summer newsletter from Bluearth.
We have been very busy over the past few months so we hope you enjoy the read.
Dr Jeff Simons, Professor of Kinesiology, California State University and a specialist in the psychology of physical activity, delivered the Physical Literacy seminar on September 10.
Bluearth was delighted to host this FREE seminar addressing the Physical Activity Crisis in Australian Schools, and how embracing Physical Literacy is key to getting our children moving.
The 39 minute seminar had guests engaged and many asked questions afterwards. Physical Literacy is a relatively new concept and language for most educators and Bluearth are at the forefront with the Active Schools program.
Principals, teachers, parents and families can learn more about what Jeff had to say about this and the challenges with the current system. It is evident that we can all play a part in getting our children moving.
Topics included:
- Physical Literacy: What it is – How it looks
- The Bluearth Approach: Philosophy and Methods
- A new way to sustainable change
- Promoting and evaluating progress: Parents, schools, leaders, and students
Did you know that Bluearth is based on the four recognised key elements of a healthy and challenging learning environment:
- Self awareness
- Self acceptance
- Purposefulness
- Self responsibility
From the field… Our Active Schools Program Update
Term 4 sure is busy and Bluearth coaches are in full swing around this great country.
Some of the Bluearth action included locations such as:
- Princess St. Primary , Tasmania
- Kiewa Valley Primary in regional Vic
- St Patricks Primary School, Wangaratta
- Oxley and Milawa Primary Schools and the Annual Fox Run Community Event where Bluearth stepped in to motivate and warm up the crew
St Patrick’s PS Bluearth Gr 6 student leaders did a superb job at continuing on with this terms Bluearth theme of exploring “Bringing positive experiences into people lives”.
The group helped the Foundation students move and have fun by partnering up with the younger students while leading them through Bluearth activities and then spent the rest of the day visiting St Catherines aged care home where the group continued to generate positive experiences through caring for others by listening respectfully and sharing some fun modified Bluearth games.
Meet & Move and Bubs in the Bush groups operate out of Canberra
From the field… Our Early Childhood Program Update
The month of October was busy in Canberra hosting a pop-up nature play stand at two Children’s Week events National Children’s Week™ Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 October 2019 – PlayFEST and Celebrating Our Children (with Meet & Move in between).
Tuesday was outdoors with nature kitchen, slack line, ninja line and tent fun. Today was bringing nature indoors with forest inspired sensory trays, tent play, willow teepee (the babies loved this one for mat time) and imaginative/explorative play with lots of lovely natural items. These events help to introduce Bluearth and the Meet & Move program to a broader audience, they strength our relationship with the community, our partners and government, and connect us to other community services.
Meet & Move offers the community more than increased physical activity.
Meet & Move groups held regularly in Canberra only help locals discover Canberra. It might sound silly, but many mums are isolated or new to the capital and getting out with a young bub is never easy.
In the photo above, no participant had visited this beautiful green space before that Meet & Move day.
One mum commented “I visit clients along this road every week. I never knew this was here”, another “This is so close to our home, we could come here often”. The benefits of spending time in nature are well researched, but many people still need help in connecting to green spaces, and that’s where Meet & Move offers extra value.
Partner Update
In the past few months we have had some amazing collaboration with partners such as The Cancer Council – Achievement Program , Physical Activity Australia at the Fitness Show, Melbourne and Osteopathy Australia. The Melbourne Fitness Show was a fantastic opportunity to meet like minded people in this industry.
Acknowledgments
Bluearth would like to acknowledge the generous support and donations from its supporters in the past few months and during Walktober.
In particular:
- Endeavour College and its teachers , South Australia
- Swisse staff, Victoria
- Yr 5 students from Oxley PS and the Bluearth Coach helped conduct a fun filled Bluearth experience for some of the Brown Family Wine Group employees in the historical Old Barn venue
These supporters have run a range of activities to fundraise or support Bluearth Programs on a local level at local schools or child-centres, in staff rooms or at staff events. Thank you to them all.
If you have space for a nominated charity at your workplace , we would love to work together. If you would like to know more , please contact us at [email protected].
Bluearth supports the Achievement Program
Bluearth joins more than 1000 early childhood services, 550 schools and 750 workplaces already signed up to the Achievement Program.
The Achievement Program is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by the Cancer Council Victoria.
The Achievement Program provides schools with a simple approach to identifying strengths and weakness’ in establishing an active healthy school. Make sure your school is registered.
DONATE NOW AND HELP KIDS LIVE BETTER TODAY
Five minutes with a Bluearth Coach
Q. What attracted you to Bluearth?
A. I was previously a trekking guide for many years here in Central Australia and one of my last trips was for a Bluearth Foundation fundraiser. Seeing how passionate these people were about physical activity for our young people really resounded with me as I have always led an active life and believe the cure to most of what ails us is a good diet and lots of physical activity.
Q.What are your qualifications?
A. I have studied nutrition and I come from a diverse background employment wise with skills such as trek guiding, cave guiding, hospitality and operation roles.
I think perhaps my best qualification is my passion for inspiring people to move!
Q. What is your favourite Bluearth moments with the kids?
A. Everyday!!!
The joy when they succeed and surprise themselves and the look of pride. The genuine affection they show me and knowing that the time I’m with them maybe the best moment of their day.
Q.What’s your favourite food?
A. Hmm that’s a tough one. Pavlova with all the trimmings or a juicy steak!
Q. How do you chill out?
A. Haha what is this??? I hike. I sit atop mountains and get perspective. I camp and swag under the stars to feel insignificant. I race speedway,rally and drag race but number one I spend time with my three blue heelers – Patterson, Parker and Tiny Pie.
Bluearth in your school
Are you a teacher or Principal ?
Have you considered a Bluearth Active Schools Program for 2020?
Please call 1300 784 467 or email [email protected] for information and to guarantee your place for next year.