Country Air Is The Best

Fresh air, fun, fitness – and a love of  Sports Challenge. That’s what the kids at Bayles Regional and Pakenham Hills Primary Schools have in common.
Just ask principals Sue Goodall and Lynelle Broekhoff of the schools situated 55km and 70km south-east of Melbourne. And if their enthusiasm doesn’t convince you, then ask SCA coaches Narelle Patterson, Marita Payne, Rhett McLennan, Steven Lynch, Michael Atkins and Chelsea Thompson.
They agree it’s much more enjoyable driving through paddocks with horses, sheep and cattle grazing than it is looking at high-rise apartments.
“After the hype of American basketball, the peace and tranquility of Bayles gave me a renewal of energy which was infectious with the kids,” Marita remarked.
“Country kids value and appreciate the time you travel to be with them. And that’s something which makes me feel very privileged.” Bayes Principal Sue Goodall has been associated with the SCA program for three years.
Originally a country girl, she knew it would make a difference at Bayles.
“Because we’re a little school out of the way it is so important to have good role models teach important life skills to youngsters, so that they can cope when they enter larger schools and leave this caring community,” Sue said.
At Pakenham Hills, Lynelle Broekhoff has had a five-year involvement with SCA.
“The program is an integral part of our Pastoral Care Management and every year we can see the great benefits – not only in our school but in the community also.”
And this is how Rhett McLennan describes the end of his day.
“The 140km round trip is nothing when you can smell that clean country air and see those smiling faces,” Rhett says. “The smiling faces certainly make it worth the effort.”
Similar success stories are being reported from others programs at Frankston and Ballarat.