The Andrews Labor Government is helping more Eastern Metropolitan Region students become physically active by easing the financial pressures schools experience in relation to interschool sport.

Shaun Leane MP today announced the five Croydon Schools that are among 300 government schools to share in the $1.1 million Active Kids initiative. The five Croydon schools and the amount they will receive are as followed.

 Melba College $5,500  Yarra Hills Secondary College $5,500  Croydon Community School $2,800  Croydon Primary School $2,800  Pembroke Primary School $1,000

Funding will be provided to disadvantaged primary, secondary and specialist schools to support them overcome cost barriers to participate in interschool sport. This will ensure help is provided to students who need it the most.

The initiative will help schools pay for costs such as equipment, uniforms, transport, entry fees, coaching, venue hire and coverage of relief teachers.

The Active Kids initiative, announced as part of the 2018-19 State Budget, will encourage more students to reap the benefits of participating in sport and physical activity.

It’s all part of the Labor Government’s drive to meet the Education State target of increasing the proportion of students taking part in physical activity five times a week.

By encouraging students to be more active, we can increase the proportion of kids staying active and make students happier, healthier and more resilient.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Happy, healthy students are better students and interschool sports are a great way to engage children in physical activity.”

“We know that the cost of interschool sports can be a barrier for students participating in sports, which is why we’re helping schools such as Melba College, Yarra Hills Secondary College, Croydon Community School, Croydon Primary School and Pembroke Primary School cover those costs.”

Quotes attributable to Shaun Leane MP

“This funding will help Maroondah schools pay for things such as equipment, uniforms, transport so those costs aren’t a barrier for students participating in interschool sports.”