AFL Northern Territory in conjunction with St John’s Catholic College launched the ‘School of Excellence’ at The Gardens campus on Friday afternoon in a move set to redefine sport and education programs across the Territory.
The School of Excellence was officially launched by NT Minister for Education and Training Dr Christopher Burns, CEO Catholic Education Mr Michael Avery, Bishop Eugene Hurley, AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley and Western Bulldogs players Zephaniah Skinner and Nathan Djerrkura.
The program is underpinned by a set of four key values – retention and attendance, behavior, academic achievement and employability – designed to provide students with a skill set in preparation for either the professional sport or professional working environments.
AFLNT Game Development Manager Wayne Walsh says the program provides young Territorians with unrivalled opportunities to succeed in areas they are passionate about.
"This program has been designed to help develop students on a personal level, create pathways for talented athletes and create greater education and employment opportunities in an all-inclusive environment," said Walsh.
"Students will be encouraged to take ownership of their own actions to understand that furthering education is vital to long-term employment prospects and will be recognized with benefits, rewards and opportunities not accessible to a large number of Territory school students,"
"Added emphasis will be placed on community participation which will allow students to not only get involved in a variety of sport and social programs but will also instill a sense of worth in giving something back to their local community".
Bishop of Darwin Eugene Hurley welcomed the School of Excellence and said that the inherent link between Territory footy and Catholic Education dates back many years.
"AFL is much more than just a game or just another footy code. It demands all the virtues that make us great as good citizens and good family members," said Bishop Hurley.
"The ‘Linking Arms’ tradition is a profound example in point and I am delighted St. John’s and Catholic Education NT are so closely connected with the project,"
"I’m mindful of the fact that we are continuing the tradition as we recall Bishop O’Loughlin’s involvement in the forming of the St. Mary’s Football Club."
AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley echoed these sentiments applauding St John’s Catholic College on a great initiative.
"The School of Excellence is the first of its kind in the Northern Territory and we are very proud to support St John’s Catholic College in providing sporting and academic opportunities to Territory kids that are long overdue," said Frawley.
St John’s Catholic College Principal David Johns said the School of Excellence was a great blend of promoting the benefits of sport, physical health and further education.
"Education is core to what we do at St John’s Catholic College," said Mr Johns.
"The involvement of AFLNT in the College as a School of Excellence will further engage our kids, increase retention and develop lifelong skills that will provide opportunities within the world of work".