Students build community network through Rotary program

BELLARINE school students have gained transferrable skills they can take back into their community by participating in the Rotary Ocean Grove networking program.

Eleven Grade 6 students from Surfside Primary School, 12 from Ocean Grove Primary School and 16 from Our Lady Star of the Sea participated in the 25th iteration of the experience.

The program involved students doing ten hours of community service, 10 hours of physical recreation and 10 hours of skill development.

It also included five social experiences, including attending a community commemoration, such as ANZAC Day, taking part in a community meeting, a spiritual experience, a cultural experience and working on an environmental project.

Upon completion, students attended a special awards night and presented inspiring speeches on their findings.

The cohort are now tasked with using their new skills to benefit themselves and the local community.

Ocean Grove Rotary secretary Lyndy Stagg said the young people were ready to take their places in the community.

“It was wonderful to watch the confidence of students build over the program.”

Surfside Primary School teacher Julian Teague said students thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of the program.

“It was just fantastic for students to learn and experience how networks are built and connections are made in our local community.”

Grade 5 students interested in the program can speak to their teachers about participating in 2025.