A primary school principal is set to run the equivalent of more than two marathons in a day with the goal of fundraising $50,000, which would equip every student at his school with a laptop or ipad.
Mount Mee State School principal Luke Forbes will run 100km from his home town of Coolum Beach to Mount Mee on December 6. He will literally be running up hill – an elevation gain of more than 1000 metres – to add to the P&C’s efforts to raise $50,000 to provide a learning device for each student.
Mr Forbes sees the anticipated 13-hour undertaking as both a fundraising effort and an opportunity to set an example of resilience and commitment.
“As principals often do, I’m happy to go the extra mile for my students – literally,” he said.
“I wanted to show our kids that when you put your mind to something, you can achieve things that at first seem impossible.”
The school principal sees first-hand how digital access transforms learning.
“Our students are curious, creative and capable, but like many in small rural schools they face barriers in accessing technology that other children take for granted,” Mr Forbes said.
“This run is about more than just covering the distance. It’s about giving our students the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
A triathlon and marathon veteran, Mr Forbes completed the 2023 Ironman Western Australia in 11 hours. He acknowledges, however, there will be physical and psychological challenges in what would be his biggest long-distance running challenge yet.
“Running 100km in the Queensland heat with around 1000 metres of elevation will push me to my limits,” he said.
“Fatigue, dehydration and muscle fatigue will all play a part. Psychologically, there will be moments when it feels easier to stop, but I’ll remind myself of why I’m doing this and who I’m doing it for. That sense of purpose will carry me through.”
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The school was also working with local emergency services to allow students to run the last few hundred metres to cross the finish line with their principal.
All Queensland schools are fully funded by the Department of Education and have access to technology. Mr Forbes said his school could also implement a ‘bring your own device’ program if it wished.
“What our P&C is aiming for, though, goes a step further, providing a 1:1 device program so that every child has access to their own laptop or iPad to use every day,” he said.
“This isn’t about filling a gap, it’s about creating consistency and opportunity. When every child has the same access to quality tools, it levels the playing field and allows all students to get the most out of their learning.”
With a 1:1 device program, students will be able to use technology in a much more consistent and personalised way.
“Instead of sharing or relying on older machines, every child will have their own device ready to go,” Mr Forbes said.
“That means lessons can be tailored to their individual needs, teachers can differentiate more effectively and students can build confidence with digital tools they’ll use throughout their schooling and beyond.
“It’s not about replacing traditional learning, but enhancing it by making sure our kids are equipped for the world they’re growing up in.”
The school has already made inroads towards its target by raising nearly $12,000 thanks to the generosity of local businesses, the school community and Mr Forbes’s own family and friends.
He said to reach the $50,000 target the school was not only looking for financial partners but also for support from running and sporting businesses in the form of goods and gear, which would help make the event possible.
“Every bit of backing, whether through donations or in-kind support, helps us move closer to making this vision a reality,” he said.
