An innovative morning running club is driving school attendance and community participation at Caloundra State School.
The Cal 100km Club is offered twice a week, before school for 20 minutes, with students either running or walking laps of the school oval and achieving progress reports and certificates along the way.
The parent-led initiative offers the opportunity for parents and students to exercise and start the school day in a positive way.
Parent Jocelyn Elliott started the program and said the results during the last two years had been encouraging.
“It is so rewarding to see the kids enjoying themselves, being active, and working towards their personal goals, which are different for them all.”
“Just turning up a bit earlier is a big achievement for many. Making 1km is a goal for others, and for some kids getting a medal is a big incentive.”
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Students receive a certificate for 5km milestones, with medals for 25km milestones and a trophy for 100km.
Cal 100KM club is run in two 10-week blocks and has students across the school participating.
The program for Prep to Year Six students, as well as parents and staff, has proved a hit with the Caloundra State School community.
School principal Stephen Logan said his team had also seen the benefits in the classroom.
“Our teachers have told us the students who participate are really ready to go at the start of the day and settle in quickly to morning lessons,” he said.
“The Cal 100 club is a great example of the engagement of our families and our P&C in supporting us to make things happen.
“We want our students to be passionate about their day at school.
“We have seen through Cal 100 that our attendances, including through the winter months, have been remarkably strong.
“Cal 100 is yet another great reason for our students to be up and ready to go in the morning for the school day.”
Caloundra State School has 500 students and is accepting enrolments inside its catchment and from outside the area.
