ST Patrick’s Primary School hosted it annual walkathon on Thursday, helping to raise money for future school events while promoting fitness and togetherness for students and families.
The event has been disrupted in previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions, however the school was able to invite families for 2022 with an impressive turnout of families and students across all year levels.
The walkathon was also held on St Patrick’s Day, with students dressing in green to celebrate the Irish patron saint and the school’s namesake.
Principal Michael Bourne said it was good to be able to have a wide range of people across all ages taking part.
“For me, the most important thing is seeing an opportunity for the families to come, grandparents and parents, they’re walking with the children and just connecting,” he said.
“In 2020 and 2021 there weren’t those opportunities. This year it’s a real celebration and reconnecting, and it’s such a simple activity, just doing some walking.
“It’s very wholesome and there’s so much social interaction that happens – that’s the real benefit for us, seeing all the friendships.”
The money raised from the walkathon this year will be put towards promoting more social occasions such as barbecues and family events.
The school has so far hosted get-to-know-you interviews with parents, a welcome barbecue and a ‘pancake Tuesday’ event with families invited to attend after school for freshly-made pancakes.
“The focus this year is all about reengagement and coming back together,” Mr Bourne said.
“We’ve been hungry for the opportunity to have lots of these social occasions and it’s been good to see the huge attendance [at the walkathon] and all the enthusiasm and energy from the students.”
