This year our Year 7 students are participating in Jump Rope for Heart - a fantastic physical activity and fundraising program by the Heart Foundation. This is a very personal cause for me after losing my Dad in 2015 to a heart attack. This was a huge loss for my family but having the chance to do something positive is very special and we hope to stop other families from experiencing loss because of cardiovascular disease.

For the past 3 years, my family and l have held a fundraising walk from Queenscliff to Geelong called “Walk for Johno” in Dad’s memory. With the support of family, friends and the local community we have raised over $75,000 which is amazing and we can’t wait for the 2019 walk on Saturday March 16^th, which you can now register for free by visiting our website www.walkforjohno.org But l knew there was still more l could do! This is where you come in!

Jump Rope for Heart is a great way for your child to keep fit, have fun and learn new skills but it also helps raise funds for vital heart research and education programs. At Saint Ignatius College we support many fundraisers and initiatives by being people of competence, conscience and compassion.

Whilst raising much needed funds is a huge part of the Heart Foundation so to is raising awareness and educating people about heart health. Therefore, if you are not in a position to help by fundraising you can still assist by promoting this message and well worthy cause. Students will be awarded with community service hours (minimum of 3 hours) for participating in the program and helping to educate and raise awareness.

They can practice and refine their jump rope skills at lunchtimes on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and will get 30 minutes’ community service for each lunch session. Year 8 students that are interested are also welcome to join in the fun at lunchtimes and can fundraise if they wish to.

However, if you can assist by fundraising or setting up an online sponsorship page that is wonderful news! It’s really important you register your child online so they can receive the full benefits of the program and also participate in online fundraising.

Sign your child up for online fundraising:

• Visit: www.jumprope.org.au
• Scroll down and click on parents register your child here
• Click on Register and follow the steps to register
• You can find our school by typing in St Ignatius College Drysdale
• Don’t forget to check out the awesome prizes your child will be eligible for if they fundraise!

We will be holding our Jump Off on Wednesday the 5^th December during our last day celebrations. Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program! If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at spencerr@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Rebecca Spencer