More than 400 students compete at interschool cross country

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 cross country, which has been running for more than a decade, brought together eight small schools from the Wollumbin and Tweed Coast area, including Burringbar Public School, Crystal Creek, Condong, Crabbes Creek, Dungay, Duranbah and Tumbulgum.

Despite having an enrolment of just 32 students, Stokers Siding Public School welcomed the influx with ease, with the school grounds coming alive for the event.

A neighbouring property once again played a key role, with the school making use of a nearby paddock to host the course.

Stokers Siding Public School principal Tracey James said a focus on expanding participation had seen the event grow steadily.

“The numbers of students and schools attending have grown year in, year out,” she said.

“This year we have the highest number of participants since the combined event started, with a combined total of over 400 students.”

James said the cross country was about more than competition, highlighting its role in strengthening community ties and broadening students’ social experiences.

“Attending a small school allows for a very individualised approach to learning and wellbeing,” James said.

“To 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.”

“These activities allow students to form bonds and friendships across a community of schools that they can then take forward into their high school education.”

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.

“This 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,” James said.

Students also had the opportunity to test themselves competitively during the event, vying for the Budd’s Cross-Country Shield.

“This is a lovely community of schools, and they are all very supportive of each other,” James said.

“But by having an interschool competition such as this cross country, students can get opportunities to compete at a higher level.”

James said the all-inclusive nature of the cross country encourages a positive attitude toward health and wellbeing in students.

“We are proud that we cater for and support all children and offer an inclusive environment,” James said.

“We focus on individual needs and abilities and provide support and opportunities to allow this to flourish in each child.”