St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Georges Hall year 5 and 6 students headed to the Schoolaerobics NSW State Final in June after success at their qualifying round .

The experience of collaboration outshone the winning result for the six students involved, who demonstrated core skills including strength and flexibility in their routine.

Year 1 teacher Robyn Bowen helped the students to prepare for the competition and said the students were completely unfamiliar with the sport of aerobics before preparing for the qualifying event held at St Ives on 18 May.

We grew in confidence as we trained.

– Genevieve Gallemore

Schoolaerobics provides primary and secondary students with a way to improve their fitness, strength, flexibility, health, and confidence through participation. Mrs Bowen said the group’s success was made possible by supportive parents and the students’ commitment to training.

‘They have worked hard to learn the routine perfect compulsory moves which include push ups, high kicks and jumping jacks,’ she said.

‘The girls were very excited to learn on the day of the competition that they had produced the highest score in their category and have now progressed to the NSW State Finals,’ she said.

‘They have become role models for many younger students at the school who have expressed their aspirations to do what they do and be just like them when they are older.’

Schoolaerobics: Students’ view

“We worked as a team and we grew in confidence as we trained.” – Genevieve Gallemore, Year 6

“We were so excited to hear the news we made it through to state finals.” – Georgia Parisi, Year 6:

“We never gave up and we never doubted ourselves. Mrs Bowen boosted our confidence.” – Savannah Tarabay, Year 6

“We were really pushing ourselves to reach our full potential.” – Chanel La Rocca, Year 6

“All the morning training session before school were hard. We kept training and persisted and we had success. We never gave up.” – Mikayla Tran, Year 6

“It was really fun, and really enjoyable. I’m excited for the next competition.” – Lana Hani, Year 5