Over Weeks 4, 5, and 6, Year 11 Sports Studies students from Kapunda High School had the opportunity to build connections with the Year 5/6 students from Kapunda Primary School through a collaborative sports program. 
 
Each Monday, the high school students visited the primary school to run footy and netball sessions. Then, on Thursdays, the KPS students made their way up to the high school to try their hand at volleyball, European handball, and ultimate frisbee. These sessions were a great way for students from both schools to interact, learn from one another, and build a sense of community. 
 
A highlight of the program was seeing the Year 11 students step up as leaders, with many taking the initiative to run parts of the sessions themselves. Their confidence and leadership were noticed and appreciated from students and staff.  
 
Feedback from the Year 5/6 students was overwhelmingly positive. Many said they really enjoyed making connections with the older students and would love to continue doing the sessions in future weeks. The Year 6 students also shared that the experience gave them a “soft introduction” to high school life—helping them feel more comfortable and less nervous about their upcoming transition. Getting to visit the high school and try out some of the sports played there gave them a better idea of what to expect next year. 
 
The program was a wonderful success and a great example of the power of sport in building confidence, leadership, and positive relationships across age groups.  

A huge thankyou to the Year 5/6 teachers at KPS for allowing us to take over their classes for a few lessons. We look forward to building on the connections when they are here for the real transition.