Ocean Grove Rotary and four local primary schools recently celebrated Grade 6 students who completed a community program this year.
Surfside, Ocean Grove, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Wallington primary schools participated in the program and 46 students completed the award.
Current Grade 5 students interested in the program can speak to their teachers early next school year.
“The Rotary Junior Community Award encourages young people to use their skills and abilities in meaningful ways that benefit both themselves and the local community,” Ocean Grove Rotary president Lyndy Stagg said.
“It has been a pleasure to watch the students grow in confidence and deepen their understanding of their community. A highlight of the Rotary year is welcoming the students to a Rotary meeting, where they proudly represent their schools and share their impressive achievements.”
The program includes 10 hours each of community service, physical recreation where students learn a new sport or develop an existing one, and skill development, such as learning a musical instrument or to cook.
Also included are six social experiences: community commemoration experience, such as attending the dawn Service on Anzac Day; attending a community
meeting; a spiritual experience; a cultural experience; or the arts, such as attending a theatre performance or visiting an art gallery; and an environment project.
“As a first-time facilitator, it was incredibly rewarding to watch them step outside their comfort zones and grow throughout the year,” Wallington Primary School’s Dan Anderson said.
“The Rotarians were outstanding in their support and it is a program I would gladly facilitate again.”
