Many Australian schools participate in the annual Jump Rope for Heart program, an initiative created by the Heart Foundation in 1983. Bourke Street Public School is a participant of the 2019 program, which promotes skipping for cardiovascular health and playground recreation.
Teacher Daniella Babic is the dedicated co-ordinator of this extracurricular program.
Children are invited to raise funds for vital heart research and education programs through the staging of the school’s Jumpathon. Principal Jason Goode is a proud Jump Roper for Heart Advocate. “It is wonderful to observe the children’s high level of participation. The fitness benefits are outstanding.”
Ash dashes to victory at the French Open
Ashleigh Barty tasted her first grand-slam success when she defeated Marketa Vondrousova from the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-3 at the French Open in June.
Throughout the two-week tournament Barty displayed a combination of fine talent and grit, leading her to ultimate glory. She became the first Indigenous woman to win the singles crown since Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s 1971 triumph. Barty joins Margaret Court (five times winner) and Goolagong Cawley as the only Australian women to win the French Open singles title since the inception of the tournament in 1897.
Congratulations to fellow Aussie Dylan Alcott, who brilliantly won the Wheelchair Quad singles final 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 over American David Wagner.
[On June 24, Barty won the Birmingham Classic, defeating Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 and becoming the top-ranked women’s player in the world.]
Dance, dance, dance
Dance Central on Cleveland Street offers an extensive range of classes and workshops for adults and teenagers. Styles such as Burlesque, Hip Hop, Cuban Salsa, Funk, Belly Dancing and Bollywood are taught by their talented, committed teachers.
Dance Central also provides teachers for tuition at schools and other organisations. Directors, Lisa Baker and Shar Mitchell are passionate about providing the local community with access to dance, and have done so since 2002. “Dance is a wonderful form of self-expression and a terrific way to connect with others,” Lisa and Shar stated proudly. “We recently introduced classes for people with disabilities.”
Dance Central also provides entertainers for events and functions. Most dance styles are catered for, with a particular emphasis on world dance and popular street styles.
