Benalla deputy mayor Justin King got involved in Benalla P-12 College's new lunch-break activities which are helping to build a more socially connected school community.
Benalla P-12 College is creating connection, building community and making school a place students genuinely want to be.
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A simple observation that students were spending too much of their lunchtime sitting around with little to do, turned into a vibrant new approach to student engagement across the Faithfull Campus.
Kym Rankin from the attendance office, teacher Tegan Vogel and the Year 11 and 12 VET Community Service students, have been working to create opportunities that make school more enjoyable, social and connected.
Every Friday, students can drop in for free soup and toasties, giving them the chance to enjoy lunch, catch up with friends and meet other students in a relaxed environment.
The initiative has quickly become about much more than food.
It’s creating a space where students can come together, build relationships and feel connected to their school community.
The administration team, under the guidance of Ms Rankin, has also transformed lunchtimes by introducing games and activities across the campus.
Benalla deputy mayor Justin King talking to Benalla P-12 College students about how lunch-break activities are creating a more social and connected school community.
With more than 15 different games available, students can choose to get involved, try something new and spend their lunch break being active rather than simply sitting around.
Volleyball has become a particular favourite, with students from years 7-12 regularly joining in.
An unexpected bonus has been the number of teachers getting involved alongside students.
Teachers aren't out in the yard because they have to be, they are there because they want to be part of the fun.
The result is a campus that feels more energetic and connected, with students and staff laughing, playing and building positive relationships together.
Benalla deputy mayor Justin King visited the campus on Friday to experience the program first hand.
He didn't just watch from the sidelines he joined students for a game of volleyball and got involved in the action.
The initiative is a great example of the atmosphere being created at Benalla P-12 College.
People are coming together, having fun and creating connections.
For students, these opportunities provide more than just something to do at lunchtime.
They encourage students to be active, try new things, develop friendships and learn how to work together.
Executive principal Sheri Parkhouse could not be prouder of what has been achieved during her first 12 months at Benalla P-12 College.
“The changes are helping create a school culture where students feel connected, engaged and valued and where being at school is about more than simply attending classes,” she said.
“The message is simple. School doesn't have to be boring.
“With good food, games, laughter, sport and, most importantly, people coming together, Benalla P-12 College is creating a campus where students can connect, be active and enjoy being part of their school community.
“And judging by the number of students lining up for a game of volleyball, a bowl of soup or simply a chance to spend time with their friends, the new approach is already making a difference.”
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