PAL is a program that works to promote physical activity, school connectedness and social competency. This program allows for a select group of Grade 6 students to demonstrate leadership skills and responsibility through running a variety of activities within the school at recess time.

A key aspect of the program is increasing participation among those who may be isolated at school or not involved in physical activity outside of P.E classes. This is achieved through the targeting of specific participants, the skills of the leaders and the games and activities chosen.

Aims of the Program:

• Increased physical activity at recess.
• Foster self confidence and social competency skills of all participants.
• Enhance relationships between students and staff.
• Build leadership skills including organisation, management and teamwork.
• Enhance interaction between student year levels.

Benefits of PAL for Student Leaders:

• Leadership skills such as communication, decision making, organisation, managing groups and peer support.
• Social skills including planning, initiative, co-operation, self esteem, confidence, relationship building, teamwork and peer support.
• Satisfaction through assisting younger students.
• Skills to increase the participation of younger students.
• Skills that will assist with managing and running groups

Benefits of PAL for Participants:

• Increased participation in physical activity.
• Skills through modelling behaviour of Grade 6 PAL leaders.
• Physical activity skills and increased fitness.
• Increased confidence and a sense of teamwork.
• Physical confidence.
• Increased interaction with older school students.
• Increased relationship with peers.

From Student to Leader

Congratulations to the new year 6 Peer Activity Leaders of DNPS who completed their training in February 2024!

Where: Between the Grade 2 and portable buildings.

When: Tuesday and Wednesday recess, 11:00 – 11:30.

Through team building tasks, they identified the benefits of a peer-lead activity program for both the leaders and participants, including, strengthening confidence in young people, building social skills and growing a love for being physically active! “Nobody is left out,” “It’s a safe way to make new friends” and “it helps children become confident” were some of benefits highlighted by our new PALs.

Great ideas were put into practice when the year six students facilitated sports activities while being inclusive and attentive to the needs of all participants. Here they learnt that a smile, a positive attitude and a helping hand is enough to inspire others.

After sharing thoughts about what great leadership looks like, students explored ways to identify when a student is in need of guidance. They came up with great communication techniques to help little ones get active, including; giving praise, modelling good behaviour, using a positive speaking voice and using facial and body expressions to engage students who are learning to speak English.

The most impressive event of the day was when the year sixes were joined by excited grade two students for some fun in the sun. Our new PAL leaders displayed the utmost care and tenderness as they guided the smiling participants through various games. Afterwards, leaders beamed with confidence and pride while reflecting on the joy they created with their younger peers.

The PAL program will run on Tuesdays and  Wednesdays during recess time and students of all ages are welcome to participate!