Title

Clontarf Academy kicks healthy goals at Notre Dame's Broome Campus

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 23-5-2011

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Broome Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Living ‘healthy’ was the focus of a series of interactive sessions delivered to students at the Clontarf West Kimberley Academy as part of the Broome Senior High School (BSHS) ‘Fit for Life’ program.

‘Fit for Life’ is an initiative of staff at Broome Senior High School. As part of this initiative, staff from The University of Notre Dame Australia and the Clontarf Health Academy collaborated to deliver a course which promoted ‘healthy living learning experiences’ to Year 11 and 12 male Indigenous students.

Associate Dean of Rural, Remote and Indigenous Health, Professor Jenny McConnell, wrote the curriculum but the sessions were delivered by senior male students from the University’s Schools of Nursing and Arts and Sciences and the Rural Clinical School of WA.

Male staff from BSHS and the Clontarf Academy also attended the sessions.

The sessions covered a range of topics such as the importance of keeping active, good nutrition and the health threats of smoking and excessive drinking.

Professor McConnell said feedback from staff and students had been overwhelmingly positive.

“As part of the mission for the University’s Broome Campus, we are committed to community engagement,” Professor McConnell explained.

“We were delighted to partner BSHS and the Clontarf Foundation in this important initiative. We applaud their dedication to improving the education and life skills of these young men.”

Mr Phil Docherty, Director of the Clontarf West Kimberley Academy, was very impressed with the response from the students.

“The boys have really enjoyed the sessions and gained a great deal from them,” Mr Docherty said.

“All the staff developed a fantastic relationship with the boys over the five weeks and the lessons they have learnt will play a big part in their future. Congratulations on an outstanding program.”

Students from the Clontarf Girls’ Academy will have the opportunity to participate in a similar program in Semester Two.

Media Contact: Leigh Dawson (+61) 8 9433 0569, Mob (+61) 0405 441 093

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