Girri Girri students in Bathurst and Orange have had a fantastic start to Term 2 with seven students selected as part of the Loyd McDermott Country NSW U/16's Aboriginal Rugby Union Representative team. These talented players will attend the Centre of Aboriginal Excellence in Redfern and spend a couple of days [17-18 June] training and competing with the opportunity to progress into the NSW U/16's Aboriginal Rugby Union Representative team to play in the Australian National Championships.

Welcome to the Girri Girri Sports Academy Newsletter.

GGSA is a sports based initiative for Aboriginal students in Western NSW. A projected target enrollment for 2010 in lower secondary student numbers is 180; senior secondary student numbers is 16. Currently enrolled in GGSA are 92 lower secondary students. No senior students yet.

The key objectives of the initiative are to improve:
• Attendance rates,
• Retention rates,
• Literacy/ numeracy skills of Aboriginal students.

Activities and initiatives GGSA students have undertaken or had the opportunity to be in, are mentioned here.

What’s happening…

• Planning for the Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Camp for GGSA members is well on the way for week 11, Monday 28th June! Thanks to Nathan and the team.

Girri Girri Academy members at Kelso have put their hands up to participate in the AFL Basic Umpiring Accreditation Course. This course is bound to be both informative and great fun! Students involved will also develop life skills (great things to mention in their resumes!) including:

• Leadership
• Critical and clear thinking
• Decision making
• Communication
• People management

Students who are successful in receiving their umpiring credential will then be invited to help umpire at Raglan Primary School’s 2010 Gala Day.

2010 is now well underway with Girri Girri Sports Academy busy planning for a jam packed year of adventure and achievement. Of particular interest is the upcoming trip to Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Centre in Sydney which will see students from all campuses obtain credentials in coaching. Whilst new skills will be big on the camp agenda, I’m sure all Academy members will find time to catch up with friends and welcome new faces.

With the school year now well underway Girri Girri Sports Academy would like to take this opportunity to bring everyone up to date on some of the big news to hit the Academy.

Doreen Conroy, Executive Officer of Girri Girri Sports Academy, has recently added a new challenge to her repertoire. Whilst she’ll still be one the Academies driving forces, she’s taken on the new role of Whole School Development Officer at Portland Central School. Congratulations Doreen! Portland Central is lucky to have you on their team!

We'd also like to bid the following staff members a fond farewell and acknowledge their fantastic contribution to the Academy.