THREE Limestone Coast schools have joined together to bring community issues to light in a unique education partnership.
Penola High School has joined forces with Kalangadoo and Nangwarry primary schools to identify issues in the community and develop positive solutions.
A lack of activities for 10 to 14 year olds in small towns and encouraging greater sport participation among children were some of the issues highlighted by students.
The Year 5 to 7 students worked together with the help of the high school mentors, nominating an issue to address before forming groups where they brainstormed solutions.
“They looked at the problem first and then they looked at the solution,” Kalangadoo Primary School teacher Heidi Kerr said.
Students are now preparing to present their ideas to key community stakeholders next month.
“Now they are at the prototype phase of the program,” Ms Kerr said.
“Then they will present to parents, staff, local council members as well as Wattle Range Council and mayor Des Noll.
“We have also invited (Member for Barker) Tony Pasin and (Member for MacKillop) Nick McBride to the night.”
Ms Kerr said the program allowed students from the small school to broaden their friendships with the other schools, as well as increase their public speaking skills.
“The program has been great for the students especially the Year 7s who will transition into high school because now they will have a few extra people they know,” she said.
“They have also set themselves goals which they wish to reach by the end of the program and a lot of the goals surround confidence and public speaking.”
The student’s presentation night will be held tonight from 5.30pm at the Kalangadoo Institute.
