Furlong Park School for Deaf Children will use a $5000 windfall from Credit Union Australia’s Airport West branch to build on a circus of new skills.
The money will go towards the school’s ‘Get them moving, learning and loving it’ program – a literacy, numeracy and science program promoting physical activities through circus skills, dance and movement.
Furlong Park School beat 11 neighbouring schools for the cash after a four-week public vote. All entrants in CUA’s Airport West locale had participated in an Adidas fun-run this year as part of fundraising efforts. The CUA Community Care program rewards schools helping to fight childhood obesity through fitness, sport and good nutrition.
Furlong Park School physical education co-ordinator Marion Treiber said it would have taken the school four years to raise that sort of money.
“It was a real community effort,” she said.
“When the kids heard they needed to go online to vote, they all thought it was wonderful, and were very excited.”
Ms Treiber said Furlong Park School’s circus program would now be extended from a six-week program to run over two terms.
The program helps develop physical skills, such as hand-to-eye co-ordination, and teaches taking turns, responding to non-verbal cues and other motor skills.
CUA Airport West regional sales manager Brad Gosstray said the school was an example of what community spirit could achieve.
“It is really humbling to see how the community has got behind Furlong Park School for Deaf Children,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this program provide more opportunities to engage.”
Ewen McRae
