Herne Hill pupils celebrate their local superheroes

PUPILS at Herne Hill Primary School have celebrated the superheroes in their own neighbourhoods as part of this year’s Bethany Superhero Awards.

The annual awards, run by the not-for-profit community services organisation for Barwon and the south-west, aim to engage and educate primary school aged children about the importance of respectful, caring relationships and how to identify positive role models in their lives.

Between Monday this week and May 28, primary school aged children are encouraged to nominate someone they admire – their everyday superhero – for the Bethany Superhero Awards.

Their special person could be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, or someone in their community.

Herne Hill Primary School has jumped on board the initiative, with pupils and staff alike dressing up on Monday this week.

Ollie dressed as a player from the Hamlyn Heights-based Bell Park Dragons Football Club “because they inspire other people to keep following their dreams”.

Lucy dressed as her mother, who works in education support at the nearby Hamlyn Views School.

“My family have a very busy schedule and she like tries to get everyone else ready, then she gets to get herself ready. And she’s also looking after kids at home and school,” Lucy said.

Herne Hill Primary School principal Shane Ezard said the whole school joined in the fun on Monday.

“One of our biggest things was around superheroes don’t need to wear capes – there are many members of the community who can be superheroes to us as well, and inspire us on a daily level,” he said.

“It could be a sports star, a family member like a parent or a grandparent, it could be a teacher, as well as the people we see in the media.

“We love the chance to get on board and support the community.”

“You don’t need much to be a superhero,” teacher Mitch Bear added. “Actions speak louder than words.”

To enter, children can write a story, poem, draw pictures, or film a video to describe what their special person means to them.

Winners of the 2021 Bethany Superhero Awards will be announced at a special event at the Geelong Regional Library and Heritage Centre on June 18 hosted by Yorta Yorta woman and Geelong businesswoman Allira Potter.