Oatlands Public School was given a taste of the new AFL Parramatta Schools Village model last week with an AFL Extravaganza, celebrating all things education and footy.
The Parramatta Schools Village model will commence in schools across the region in 2024, with last Wednesday’s event serving as an exciting example of the impact and importance of personal development and health in primary schools delivered through the vehicle of AFL.
Oatlands Public School Principal Kim Gould said she was thrilled to have a practical example of how the village model will work and gauge student reaction to it.
“We’re really excited to have an AFL teacher at the school,” she said.
“It’s great that it can be a part of our physical education with the added benefits of communication and social skills and it’s just been really fun.
“What’s been really beautiful to see is that all the kids have joined in – I have even seen younger siblings come in to the school and older kids helping them out.
“The whole thing has had such a community feel.”
The GWS Giants and AFL NSW/ACT were key delivery partners on the day, with all students taking home personal development and football skills, Giants merchandise and access to a free membership to the GWS Giants’ 2024 season.
Assistant Principal Anna Goyen, who was an AFL School Ambassador this year, said she is excited to see the relationship between Oatlands, AFL NSW and the GWS Giants continue in such a rich experience.
“We’re very supportive of getting AFL into schools,” she said.
“We’re excited to have a dedicated teacher to come in and build skills next year and this was a celebration of learning to launch it.”
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.