![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/04\/IMG_0361_11186.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cThe numbers of students and schools attending have grown year in, year out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year we have the highest number of participants since the combined event started, with a combined total of over 400 students.\u201d<\/p>\n
James said the cross country was about more than competition, highlighting its role in strengthening community ties and broadening students\u2019 social experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cAttending a small school allows for a very individualised approach to learning and wellbeing,\u201d James said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo allow for the widening of social circles and opportunities, communities of small schools often come together and offer a multitude of events, programs and excursions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese activities allow students to form bonds and friendships across a community of schools that they can then take forward into their high school education.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another highlight of the event was the involvement of Murwillumbah High School students, who attended as a partner school to the participating public primary schools, assisting throughout the day and representing the high school within the broader community.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis provides the primary students an opportunity to get to know students from their local high school, making the transition into high school comfortable and familiar,\u201d James said.<\/p>\n Students also had the opportunity to test themselves competitively during the event, vying for the Budd\u2019s Cross-Country Shield.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a lovely community of schools, and they are all very supportive of each other,” James said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut by having an interschool competition such as this cross country, students can get opportunities to compete at a higher level.\u201d<\/p>\n James said the all-inclusive nature of the cross country encourages a positive attitude toward health and wellbeing in students.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud that we cater for and support all children and offer an inclusive environment,\u201d James said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe focus on individual needs and abilities and provide support and opportunities to allow this to flourish in each child.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MORE than 400 students laced up their runners as Stokers Siding Public School hosted its largest-ever combined school’s cross country on 2 April, continuing a long-running event that has helped build strong connections across the region. Dungay Public School claimed top honours at the inter-school competition, taking home the Budds Cross Country Shield. The annual […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/04\/IMG_0359_17860.jpeg\")