Poynter Primary School students don superhero costumes for Premier's Telethon Challenge
Almost 500 students and staff at Poynter Primary School in Duncraig were joined by Premier Roger Cook, Education Minister Sabine Winton and Fat Cat to launch the inaugural Premier's Telethon Challenge.
The new initiative runs for 17 weeks and teaches students about the importance of philanthropy, charities, child medical research and the power of helping others.
In an address to students, Mr Cook said it was all about 'kids helping kids'.
'Telethon is such an important event, it's about kids helping kids, and everyone taking the opportunity to think about those who aren't as fortunate as we are,' Mr Cook said.
'The Premier's Telethon Challenge (is about) empathy and compassion and making sure that we all understand that there are those of us in the community that aren't doing as well as we are.
'(It's all about) reaching out and raising money . . . and all of us doing that little thing we must do to help someone else.'
Mr Cook and Ms Winton were presented with a personalised superhero mask and cape with slogans 'Premier of positivity' and 'Minister of empathy'.
'One of my highlights of watching Telethon . . . is when you have young kids coming onto the telly, telling their story about how they raised $6.45,' Ms Winton said.
'They're such powerful, wonderful stories of children making the effort to think about what they can do.
'I'm looking forward to all the school's right around the State taking part in the Premier's Telethon Challenge and hearing about the creative, quirky, strange, fun ways that we can raise money for Telethon.'
Students took part in a superhero-themed bake sale, with all proceeds going to Telethon.
Year 6 student Jacob Murphy said Telethon was crucial in supporting sick children.
'Raising money for Telethon is extremely important because it gets to help kids that are less fortunate and are in need of medical supplies, cures and vaccines,' he said.
'Being a Telethon ambassador means I can help other kids which is very important.'
Classmate Bree Morris said the superhero costumes represented the strength of sick children.
'Everyone is dressed up as a superhero and they feel really heroic which is on theme, because the children who are going through tough times are really strong,' she said.
Mr Cook encouraged other schools to get on board by organising fundraising events like bake sales and walkathons.
'(Bake sales) are a really simple way that kids can raise money for Telethon,' he said.
'I literally see millions of dollars going towards the organisations that day in, day out, help kids that are less fortunate than others.
'It's such an important part of any community that we reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.'
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