Latest news with #Statewide
Perth Now
2 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Helping shape a better future through power of giving
Inspired after a recent visit to Perth Children's Hospital, a group of Geraldton students are combining compassion and creativity to harness the power of fundraising and storytelling — all in the name of Telethon. The Year 6 students from Geraldton's St Francis Xavier Primary School are jumping on board the Kids Helping Kids storytelling competition, which launches on Monday as part of the Premier's Telethon Challenge. Their teacher Kieya Smith said her class was so inspired and moved from a visit to PCH during a Year 6 camp in May, they straight away asked what they could do for Telethon. 'They came back, and they were like, 'Let's raise some money,' it all started from that, and they've kicked off and kept rolling, and have lots of drive behind it,' she said. Ms Smith praised the students' initiative, saying their efforts had brought a fresh energy to the school. 'In most of our lessons, we do something towards this,' she said. The class was introduced to the Premier's Telethon Challenge, a Statewide school fundraising initiative, and sprung into action. Every Tuesday, the class splits into factions to develop and run unique fundraising activities, placing donation boxes in the classrooms, running bake sales and getting support from local businesses. One recent highlight was a school-wide pyjama day, which raised $662, adding to a total of $6740 raised towards their $8000 goal. Their next challenge is the Kids Helping Kids storytelling competition, which invites WA students, from kindergarten to Year 12, to reflect on how they and their school are shaping a brighter future through fundraising for WA kids. Asked how it feels knowing his story could help other kids, Year 6 student Flynn Hosking said: 'It's a good feeling because you know how much they need it.' Classmate Leeuwin Griffin added it was 'just not fair' what these kids were going through. 'We've been trying to get people to show more empathy for them,' he said. Fellow student Indie Haines is positive the fundraising will make a difference. 'There will be a lot more money getting put into research and so that means more cures to help a heap of sicknesses,' she said. The students remain focused on their goal of not just raising funds, but of raising awareness. Storytelling competition entries can take any written or visual form — from short stories and photography to posters and poems. It is open until Friday, August 15 and winning entries from four age categories will be published in The West Australian. Schools can submit one entry per age category. For more information visit
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Kasaragod schools launch ‘Ma Care' centres for student well-being
The Kasaragod District Kudumbashree Mission has launched 'Ma Care' centres in schools to provide maternal-like care for students during school hours. Claimed to be the first-of-its-kind initiative in the State, the project, implemented in collaboration with the Education department, aims to address concerns related to student diet, safety, and general well-being. The centres have been set within school premises to ensure students do not leave the campus for essential needs. Functioning from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Ma Care outlets provide nutritious snacks, sanitary napkins and stationery items at prices lower than market rates. An official said the initiative is intended to curb the consumption of unhealthy foods and discourage students from accessing intoxicants from outside vendors. Sixteen schools in the district currently host these centres, with plans to expand to high schools and higher secondary schools Statewide from July. The concept has received strong positive feedback, prompting the Kudumbashree Mission and the Education department to consider Statewide implementation. 'The initiative ensures students receive the same care and attention as they would at home,' said Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator K. Ratheesh Kumar.
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Andhra's Guntur tops statewide sanitation survey with 67% rating
GUNTUR: The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has secured the top spot in a Statewide urban cleanliness survey conducted via Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) on July 1, thanks to a special sanitation drive and meticulous micro-level planning. Guntur received the highest overall public satisfaction rating of 67%, edging out larger cities such as Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, which scored 66% each. Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram followed closely with 65%. Other high-performing cities included Nellore (64%), Tirupati, Anantapur, and Kurnool (63% each), and Kadapa (62%). The IVRS survey evaluated sanitation performance in three categories—door-to-door garbage collection, garbage removal within 24 hours, and overall sanitation satisfaction. Guntur emerged as the top performer in all three areas. In overall citizen satisfaction, it led with 74.4%, followed by Rajamahendravaram (74.3%), Chittoor and Machilipatnam (72.4%), and Nellore and Kakinada (72.2%).
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — June 25, 2025
Stop and ponder The conflict in West Asia highlights the urgent need for global diplomacy over destructive warfare. While a ceasefire brings temporary relief, the damage, both human and geopolitical, is deep. World leaders must prioritise dialogue, not destruction, and avoid using nuclear threats. The United Nations and powerful nations should take stronger and neutral steps to prevent future escalations. Arpita Uplana, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Junior colleges I am writing to express my views on the urgent need for the reintroduction of junior colleges (classes 11 and 12) in Chennai as part of Tamil Nadu's educational reforms. With increasing pressure on students to excel in competitive exams such as the JEE and NEET, the current higher secondary school system fails to offer the specialised focus necessary for students to thrive in their respective fields. In States such as Maharashtra and Telangana, the junior college system has proven successful in allowing students to specialise early in their chosen stream, be it science, commerce or arts. By providing this specialisation, students in junior colleges can delve deeper into their subjects, build a strong foundation for entrance examinations, and reduce the stress of juggling multiple subjects. The current model in Tamil Nadu, which integrates both general schooling and higher secondary education in a single system, limits students' ability to focus on subjects most relevant to their future academic careers. The benefits of reintroducing junior colleges are numerous: First, focused education: Students will be able to specialise early, preparing them for competitive examinations and higher education. Second, better preparation for competitive examinations: Junior colleges have curricula tailored to support students in preparing for entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, and State-level exams. Third, reduced academic pressure: specialising in a stream would allow students to dedicate more time to their interests and career goals, rather than spreading their focus across all subjects. Fourth, improved holistic development: Junior colleges offer more than just academics; they often provide extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded education. The Tamil Nadu government already has a strong educational foundation and a robust schooling system. However, to compete at the national and international levels, it is essential to empower students with the right tools for success. Reintroducing junior colleges would not only help students specialise in their chosen fields but also foster critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. While the transition to a junior college system may require adjustments in the curriculum and infrastructure, it is a necessary step towards improving the quality of education in Tamil Nadu. Pilot programmes can be introduced in select regions to gauge effectiveness before expanding Statewide. I urge the Tamil Nadu Education Department to seriously consider this proposal, as it will create a more structured and effective system of education, better preparing our students for the challenges of higher education and their future careers. Vivek M. Jain, Chennai
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Wagin's Megan Henry first woman to win Arthur Marshall coaching excellence award at Tennis West Awards 2025
Distinguished regional tennis coach Megan Henry is the first women ever to receive the Arthur Marshall coaching excellence award at the Tennis West Awards against Statewide nominees. Henry was supported by family, friends, tennis students and Dumbleyung Tennis Club members when she accepted the award at the Optus Stadium Riverview Room on May 9. The 45-year-old started coaching at 22, leading to the establishment of Megan Henry Tennis which offers mentoring, training, cardio tennis and more across 32 Wheatbelt and Great Southern locations. Henry said the award was a milestone in WA sport because she was the first woman to win the category. 'It is a very male-dominated industry and I learnt after the awards I'm only one of four business operators in the State who are female, so it's a massive milestone for women in sport and coaches in WA,' she said. 'I am very blessed to be able to coach and mentor other female coaches across the State. 'I had all male coaches growing up and I really noticed that as a female, and then one lady came along who was a female coach, and it was like a light-bulb moment. 'That's a drive for me, to be visible in so many communities so young girls and boys can see there sisters, mums and daughters can be coaches.' Growing up in Wagin and a dedicated Dumbleyung Tennis Club member after living there for years, Henry said the award showed regional tennis was thriving. 'It is not just a win for myself and my business but a win for regional tennis, women coaches, and small rural clubs,' she said. 'Our small clubs are bursting, with participation levels going through the roof. 'I feel really proud because it's a lot of hard work, hours, early mornings and late nights on the road. 'It's wonderful for our clubs, the schools and communities that support me. It's like a beautiful ecosystem. 'The kids and adults are getting physical and mental health wellbeing, focusing on movement, connection, friendship and life skills, so coaching is not just about the sport.'
