On behalf of all the girls who attended the netball clinic that Bianca , Josie and Kerby ran, I would like to say a big thank you.
The girls were very well spoken and their stories were such an inspiration to the girls at my school. Thank you.
Regards
Sophie Szabo - Governor Stirling Senior High School
Dear David, Troy, Bianca and Shannon,
I'm writing to express my deepest thanks for inviting our indigenous children's group to the Foundation at Subiaco Oval on the 15th of July.
It was a very special occasion for the children and staff. The visit exceeded my expectations as I was not aware of the fact that we were to meet four high profile indigenous people, who have been successful in their various professions.
No doubt the occasion made a big impression on both the boys and the girls in the group. Thanks for sharing your stories with us, spending two and a half hours with us and providing morning tea and lunch. The patience you showed in autographing the various articles was admirable.
I wish you continued success in your various fields. I'm sure that what you are doing through the Foundation is making a difference in the lives of many of the indigenous children that you meet. You are great role models.
Personally it has encouraged me to keep doing what I can to ensure that the children get a chance to make something of their lives. I have seen many pleasing changes in the way they view the world they live in. Many have great talents and I enjoy their love of activity and their ability to adapt to any challenge that presents itself.
Once again, thanks to all you!!
Yours sincerely,
Phil O'Loghlen
PS- The children loved the show bags!
What a sensational 3 days! We had 107 students on Wednesday, not quite sure for Thursday and Friday, but it would have been close. The community BBQ was great. We did close to 150 lunches which is unheard of. It was the right decision to have the community lunch The mentors were fantastic, it's a shame you missed it.
We will send you photos in the next few weeks.
Regards,
Julie Loader – Principal, Onslow Primary School
The visit from the David Wirrpunda Foundation to Onslow School was a great success. The students really enjoyed meeting their sporting (and dancing/modelling) role models and participating in a well run series of activities. The students got to learn valuable skills from experience professionals which they would normally miss out on due to their remoteness. The staff from the Wirrpanda Foundation were excellent, showing a keen interest in the children's lives and encouraging them to make good lifestyle choices. The students of Onslow Primary School look forward to the Wirrpanda people coming each year and the emphasis placed on attendance is a great incentive for students to come to school. The support from the David Wirrpanda Foundation has aided Onslow Primary School in achieving their attendance targets.
James English – Teacher Onslow Primary School
I am writing to express my thanks for such a wonderful first visit to the Wirra Club. It was an experience that our students and staff will never forget. I also thought I'd share with you how the Wirra Club was implemented into our school plan.
How we got to the Wirra Club
Once we had set our target audience we had to set our targets. We set our sights high with our target being 90 per cent in a range of key areas. They were: 1) Attendance at school, 2) Being on time to school, 3) Correct school uniform, 4) Behaviour in class, 5) Behaviour in specialist classes (eg PE, Music, etc). The goal was to achieve a 90% performance in a 6 week period. The numbers worked out that the students were only allowed 3 warnings in any of the areas to be able to attend.
We invited 33 students initially and held a meeting with them where we promoted the initiative and set the goals. The students filled in the contract and signed it with their parents. Each classroom teacher was given a tracking sheet where they needed to fill in only if a child on the list breached one of the agreed targets.
In the week preceding the visit, the tally sheets were collected and analysed. 21 out of the 33 students invited achieved their result. Those that missed out were very close to achieving their goals. We held another meeting with the students to tell them who had achieved their goal. We urged them to help support those that didn't if they get another opportunity. We also praised those that just missed out for trying their best, but urged them to keep on trying.
Our experience
The following are my thoughts on the visit to the Wirra Club.
The mentors-
Troy: Troy obviously knows how to talk to a crowd. He was very sincere and had a great story to tell. He had a great manner with the children and was keen to answer any of the questions posed to him. It was a real highlight to be personally shown around Subiaco's 'inner sanctum'. The children were really respectful of where they were at and delighted to be given such a wonderful opportunity. Troy is a wonderful role model to all our students and conveniently happens to be playing football in our district.
Anthony: Anthony also has a great story. I really think a lot of our students could relate to what he was saying. He really spoke from the heart and you could sense that he meant what he said. During the rest of the activities he joined in and had a laugh with the students. It was a really touching moment when he was talking to the students, telling them that he believes in them.
Bianca, Josie and Kirby: The students were excited to see the girls when they returned from the tour with Troy. It was really relevant to our student as many of them are participating in the West Coast Fever cup and the school had organised for a group of students to attend a Fever game coming up. Bianca led by example and had an excellent rapport with the students. Josie was very bubbly and related well with the students. The student's marvelled at Kirby's skills.
Short term effects:
The students were very proud of their achievements and were still excited on the trip home. They were keen to share their experiences with other students at the school. Within the hour we were back at school I was approached by some student who were not involved who were enquiring how they can become involved. The students that didn't achieve the goal set out were spoken to in a positive manner. I showed them the photo's from our excursion and encouraged them to try their best next time to make it. They were very motivated and positive.
Longer term:
I will now report back to the Health committee and promote that this continue to be a regular inclusion in our school plan. With support from the committee and the David Wirrpanda Foundation I'm sure this can continue to be a positive experience for our school.
So thank you all so much. Our school looks forward to our next visit to the Wirra Club,
Clinton Isard. (Teacher, Gibbs St Primary School).
The Foundation has been great for my students as it has built on their self esteem and encouraged them to participate in group building activities. The students really enjoy coming to the Foundation and they love having the Indigenous role models there. The Foundation is very supportive and the role models address various issues that the students may be experiencing back at school e.g. bullying. It has been a pleasure to a part of the David Wirrpanda Foundation program and I look forward to coming back soon.
Amber Waters – Teacher, Tranby Primary School
We would like to thank you for organising
the west coast fever girls josie, kirby & bianca
to come to our school and teach the students
great skills. The students learnt so much from them.
They are so much more confident in playing netball.
The west coast fever girls interaction
with our students was so personal.
They were always punctual and well prepared,
i have been telling any one who will listen about
the great things the wirra netball clinic is offering.
Thank you so much again.
Im looking forward to having them back again.
Kind regards,
Chelsea Stewart Aieo & Brookman PS Students
Dawul Remote Community School Students Visit to the David Wirrpanda Foundation
On a recent trip to Perth for a camp, my Years 4-7 class had the privilege of attending the David Wirrpanda Foundation. According to the kids, it was the highlight of their week, along with the West Coast Eagles / Collingwood footy match they attended.
For several years, the students at Dawul School have participated in a programme called 'You Can Do It'. The purpose of this programme is to develop young people's social and emotional capabilities, including confidence, persistence, organisation, getting along and resilience.
It was wonderful for the students to hear the stories of the outstanding, young, Aboriginal mentors who are an integral part of the DWF. They could identify with the struggles and triumphs experienced by the mentors in working towards achieving their goals and were totally inspired by their successes. From each mentor's story, the children were able to identify how they developed, and used, the five tenets of the 'You Can Do It' programme, and were particularly inspired by the confidence shown by each one.
Playing footy with the mentors in a nearby park, the fabulous 'feed' prepared by Jude and, of course, meeting their footy heroes David Wirrpanda and Troy Cook capped off an absolutely wonderful experience.
Thank you again to everyone concerned. You are all truly inspirational.
Kaye Wheeler - Dawul Remote Community School
Thanks for the opportunity for our kids to meet Kirby. Some of them are carrying her autograph around with them today. We had a busy day with other things going on but she still managed to get around and have a chat with everyone. She is a quietly determined young lady who certainly made an impression on the students. Boys and girls were listening to her advice about what is required to be a role model and elite athlete. Her message was very well received and we look forward to similar opportunities.
Bernie O'Hara, Principal
Moorditj Nyoongar Community School
