Penola High School recently held their annual Festival of Sport as part of PE Week, which brought schools in the South East together for a week of all things sport.

PE Week highlighted the importance of Health and PE in schools and its significant role in the learning and development of students.

Penola High School HPE teacher and Acting Sports Coordinator Tara Millard said students from all schools enjoyed themselves and were very excited.

“They loved it,” she said.

“I think they look forward to it all year.”

Ms Millard said the week was about trying different sports and getting everyone involved.

“We have a very close PE faculty with all the sport co-ordinators in the South East, so we organise all together to have a week to celebrate,” she said.

“It’s a lot more fun having other schools competing together rather than just your own school.”

The week consisted of a 5-a-side soccer carnival at Grant High School, a lawn bowls competition in Mount Gambier, a staff versus student volleyball competition, PE week quiz and finished with the Festival of Sport.

The Penola High School lawn bowls team proved victorious and took home the winning shield.

The Festival of Sport involved more than 350 students from seven schools.

Ms Millard said the day could not happen without the support and willingness of staff and students to help out when needed.

“This was probably one of the biggest ones we have had in a while, so it was a really successful day with numbers and everyone joined in which was great,” she said.

Ms Millard thanked students who supported with coaching, Choe Long and Shandeen Balshaw for umpiring and coaching throughout the day and Andi Zerk, Jo Skeer and the student helpers for running the barbecue and canteen stand.

“It was just a great day and it’s great the schools allow us to continue the PE week celebrations,” Ms Millard said.

“It’s such an important part to PE teachers, so it’s fantastic to have that continue.”