‍About the Program

• The program aims to tackle subjects ranging from learnings from players’ resilience journeys, to identifying personal strengths, and teamwork and communication, trust, respect and conflict resolution as ways to manage life changes and transitions.

• The custom-designed program leverages the renowned character of the Illawarra Hawks, to teach Year 5 – 8 Illawarra school students “Mental Fitness” resilience and techniques to face and overcome challenges in their lives.

• Our goal is to connect with 15 classrooms per team, leading to 60 classroom visits per annual school year.  

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‍Program Inclusions

• 4-week program with Hawks to kick-start the program in Week 1; for teachers to continue in Week 2, 3 and 4.  

• Week 1 with Hawks includes 60-minute session that involves:

• 1x 30min classroom presentation with Hawks Player and Community Coordinator

• 1x 30min on-court clinic with Hawks Player and Community Coach

• Education Guide, designed and developed by Heather Macdonald. These guides are aligned with the NSW PDHPE curriculum for the appropriate Stage and designed to help the teachers deliver in class.

• Lesson plans and PowerPoint presentation, supported by Hawks players and new specialised teaching resources appropriate to the Stage for classroom delivery. For example, Stage 3 (Yr 5-6) or Stage 4 (Yr7-8).  

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2025 Participating Schools:

Balgownie PS

Hayes Park PS

Koonawarra PS

Lakelands PS

Mt Ousley PS

Nareena Hills PS

Pleasant Heights PS

Tarrawanna PS

Thirroul PS

Shell Cove PS