More than a game

“Visitors to our school are amazed at how harmonious our oval is,” sports coordinator and Year 5/6 teacher Maxine Watson said.

Games of basketball, downball and tennis are also commonplace, giving students plenty of opportunities to find a sport they enjoy.

“There’s so many sports our students can choose from and everyone is included,” Mrs Watson said.

“Our students love being involved in sport, whether it be during PE lessons, year level games, recess and lunchtime sports or participating and representing our school outside of school hours.”

This year, that enthusiasm has taken the Year 5/6 boys AFL football team all the way to the state finals.

“They won the regional championships with a goal after the siren, which was very exciting,” she said.

“These boys have played together for several years and have been coached by one of our parents.”

At the state finals on August 20, the team won one game and lost two, capping off a memorable season.

Mrs Watson described it as “a ripper achievement for a smaller country school to make it to the state finals”.

The experience continues a strong sporting record at Kialla West, with the Year 5/6 girls netball team finishing fourth at the state finals in 2023.

Students also get the chance to play locally, competing against other schools in athletics, cross country, swimming, netball, football and basketball.

“These days are often some of the kids' favourites,” she said.

But for Mrs Watson, the most important wins are not always measured in points.

“Through sport we love that our students develop a sense of belonging and build wonderful friendships,” she said.

“On top of that, it is also great for their health and mental wellbeing, helping create well-rounded learners.”

Whether it’s a state final or a lunchtime game of soccer, sport is more than a game at Kialla West, it’s a way for students to come together, have fun and learn to play as a team.