FEDERAL GOLF CLUB HOST WANNIASSA HILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Nestled just behind Farrer Ridge in the ACT is a wonderful primary school who, in Term 2, offered a golf program for their Year 3 and 4 students. During Term 1, Wanniassa Hills Primary School PE Teacher, Ms Belinda Fenson, contacted JNJG enquiring about holding a sporting schools golf program for her students. As a consequence, Wanniassa Hills spent three weeks doing golf at school and for their final session attended Federal Golf Club, Red Hill.
Delivery of the sessions at school was facilitated by Community Instructors, Anthea Solomon and Stef Dyska. Wanniassa Hills has a very spacious playing field area where the golf hitting, and chipping were easily catered for. They also provided an ideal indoor area to refine the putting skills of their students. Teachers and students got involved and learned the skills required to successfully hit the ball where they wanted it to go. They also combined some dance moves and ‘flossing’ with the golf action to enhance the fun experience.
For the final session the students were bussed between school and Federal Golf Club (about a 25 minute drive). At Federal they were welcomed by a team of Professional coaches, Jason Pavese PGA, Andrew Welsford PGA and Peter Gray the Junior Promotions Officer at Federal. Jason and Andrew added a Professional polish to the coaching the students had already received at school and demonstrated hitting and chipping actions. Outstanding swinging and hitting was observed from the students with some of them holing out on the chipping green. The use of real golf balls was a novelty for most. The excursion to the golf course provided a ‘real’ golf experience for students who had not previously visited a golf course.
The school teachers were impressed with the program as it provided an opportunity for those children who were not necessarily adept at a sporting activity to shine in the golfing arena. The experience was a new one for their students and created much joy and excitement.
There are always many people involved in organising an event like this and JNJG would like to thank Wanniassa Hills Primary, Year 3 and 4 class teachers, Belinda Fenson, Anthea Solomon, Stef Dyska, Federal Golf Club, Scott Elias, Jason Pavese, Andrew Welsford, Peter Gray and Q-City Transit for contributing to the success of the program.
