As we wrap up our series on the Make a Move Make a Difference Physical Activity and Movement Competition, we’re proud to feature two more schools that are championing student wellbeing through movement. Nazareth College and Fountain Gate Secondary College have adopted innovative and inclusive strategies to integrate physical activity into the school day, enabling students to stay active, focused, and connected.
Nazareth College
At Nazareth, we’ve recently strengthened our approach to physical activity through inclusive, student-centered initiatives that energise and connect our school community. To support active travel, we installed a secure, undercover bike shed in 2024, making cycling to school safer and more practical. This has encouraged more students to ride rather than rely on car drop-offs, promoting independence, sustainability, and healthier lifestyles.
During breaks, students can access a wide range of sports equipment through a ball hire system. Our courts and outdoor areas feature line markings for various games, encouraging spontaneous, active play. Lunchtimes are also enriched with table tennis tables, offering a fun, low-pressure activity that has become a popular social gathering point.
Physical activity is also woven into learning. Our VCE Vocational Major and LEAP programs include practical tasks like gardening and construction, supporting teamwork, responsibility, and physical engagement. One exciting goal for 2025 is to build a Gaga pit with the help of our VM students, an addition that will further promote movement and community spirit.
Our Physical Education and Outdoor Education Studies are key parts of our active culture. Students regularly take part in excursions such as hiking, kayaking, and camping, which not only challenges them physically but also fosters a deep connection with nature.
These combined efforts reflect a whole-school commitment to valuing movement, not just in sport, but as part of daily school life. By promoting physical activity across settings, we’re building healthier habits, stronger relationships, and a more vibrant, connected school environment.
Fountain Gate Secondary College
Fountain Gate Secondary College (FGSC) has begun a volleyball program: Volleyball Unity. This academic program is run by staff members and school coaches as well as an external coach.. This program involves year levels from 7-12 who have experience and moderate volleyball skills. Volleyball Unity is a newly introduced program that is running every Friday after school from 3:10pm to 4:10pm for the following 15 weeks. So far this is only a training program – competitions are yet to be discussed. Although Volleyball Unity does not have any upcoming, definite competitions of their own, coaches can help individuals across all year levels prepare for their own future individual tournaments.
This program reintroduces basic volleyball skills and techniques and our coaches dedicate their evenings to strengthening students’ volleyball skills and knowledge through drills and exercises of varying intensity, as well as cool-down rallies which hope to give students a glimpse of a realistic match. This program can help improve skills in every aspect of the sport. Through our coaches, students can perfect their individual skill sets but also improve their teamwork dynamics. Volleyball Unity aims to become a program that can potentially thrive as an academy in future years, due to the immense growth in popularity of the sport in recent years. However, Volleyball Unity can only thrive off what has already been provided. If we are funded, this program can strive to incorporate every student passionate about volleyball.
Thank you
As we conclude our spotlight series, it’s clear that schools across the region are embracing movement not just as an activity, but as a vital part of student wellbeing and learning. The creativity and commitment shown by Nazareth College and Fountain Gate Secondary College—and all the schools featured—highlight the power of physical activity to energise, connect, and inspire. We look forward to seeing how these ideas continue to grow and shape healthier school communities into the future.