Jump Rope for Heart Week

Emmanuel students take a wholehearted approach to exercise.

There was lots of jumping going on at Emmanuel Christian School in Rokeby recently as they supported the Heart Foundation's Jump Rope for Heart campaign to promote health and fitness and save lives.

The school launched their week of skipping with an assembly which included some skilful demonstrations of skipping from visiting students.

"This was a motivating start to our week of activities for the students," said Emmanuel Primary Teacher, Mrs Susan Foster. "They couldn't wait to get started."

The Primary classes used their Daily PE class to practice skills and learn new ones. An additional benefit of these skipping lessons was an extra opportunity to improve fitness and agility and develop confidence and self-esteem. The skipping program encouraged students to be creative and work together with friends and peers to develop routines.

"At Emmanuel we are committed to inspiring our students to always live a healthy lifestyle," said Principal Mr Geoff Hewitt. "We run the Active After School Programme for students twice weekly and have an impressive outdoor gym that students are encouraged to use daily."

"In preparing children for their future it is important to start early in showing them the importance of exercise and good nutrition in a healthy way of life."

As part of the Heart Foundation's event Emmanuel held a Jump Off Day. It commenced with a demonstration to music by all primary classes of the skills and routines they had learnt and practised. Some students had decided to collect sponsors to support them in this community event. This resulted in a great effort from the Emmanuel school community to collect money for the Heart Foundation to improve and save lives.

After lunch, all students participated in an exciting circuit of jumping activities including skipping relays, bouncing ball relays, hoop races, trampette and pogo sticks and of course long and short rope skipping. Oranges provided a healthy snack for all students during the afternoon.