Demons footballers inspire students
THREE players from the Melbourne Football Club inspired students of Leongatha and Tarwin Valley primary schools students to become excellent leaders on Thursday afternoon.
Sam Frost, Kade Chandler and Oscar McDonald met with the school’s Grade 6 leadership team, which included the school, library, arts, languages, ICT (Information Communication Technology), music, environment and sports captains.
The students were challenged to list the qualities of a good leader.
Good sportsmanship, enthusiasm, respectfulness and resilience were identified, which align with the school’s values.
Parents and emergency service workers were identified as admirable leaders in the community.
“It was excellent for the students to be able to hear this sort of information from their sporting idols,” teacher Megan Sargant said.
In Meeniyan last Thursday, students from Tarwin Valley Primary School welcomed Demons footballers Harrison Petty, Max Gawn, Austin Bradtke and Meeniyan Dumbalk United Auskick coordinator Stuart Mackie, teaching gratitude and leadership.
Auskick runs for five to 10 year olds at the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve on Wednesday nights. The sessions aim to be skill based and fun at the same time, with Demons players quick to remind students they themselves started their football careers at Auskick.
Max spoke of the importance of being grateful every day in our lives. He mentioned his dog who smiles at him upon waking each morning and his parents as examples of his gratitude.
Students were given the task of completing a gratitude journal, listing what their favourite things are and why they make them happy.
“The AFL requires players contractually to complete a certain amount of hours at schools for community work,” community coordinator of educational programs for Melbourne Football Club, Olivia Toms, said.
“We have Demons players also attending Shepparton, Foster, Alberton and the Morning Peninsula.
“The community clinics teach health and well being in general, focussing on proper diet and gratitude.
“The schools have a say with question and answer sessions fostering positive discussions.”
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