Primary schools have two weeks left to apply for their share of $2 million worth of funding as part of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s Healthy Tasmania Five Year Strategic Plan.
Today’s visit to the Moonah Primary School shows how well students can reap the rewards of the Student Health Initiative.
The Student Health Initiative is part of the Government’s wider education agenda to link schools with the greatest need with community organisations, to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the school.
Moonah Primary School is a leading example of how a wellbeing initiative can give students the opportunity to learn new skills, have fun and play, and gain an understanding of the need for healthy food thanks to their bountiful kitchen garden.
Play based and inquiry led learning such as this is the foundation of lifelong learning, and these early years are critical for the development and success of our children.
Through the new Education Act, which is being debated in parliament this week, we will see the structural changes and targeted investments necessary to give all Tasmanians a better education and access to equal opportunities in life.
Schools have a critical role in supporting students to make healthy lifestyle choices and now, for the first time, these important years will receive the funding and structural reform they need to succeed.
The new Education Act will ensure every Tasmanian child has the opportunity to access two years of quality, play based, enquiry-led learning before starting formal schooling in year one.
It also means in excess of $100 million in additional resources for schools that Labor opposes, and will bring Tasmania in line with our interstate counterparts.
For information on the Student Health Initiative and the application process go to www.education.tas.gov.au/Students/schools-colleges/Pages/Student-Health-Initiative.aspx
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