More than 250 students joined schools across Australia for the National Heart Foundation ‘Jump for the Heart’ project. 

The Holy Trinity infant and primary school skippers raised over $8000 for the day. 

The school also donated 10 per cent of the money raised to the Catholic Mission to help others in need.

The project coordinator at Holy Trinity was Trish Dal Santo. 

She said the enthusiasm for the day was at atmospheric levels. 

“It’s really, really high. They’ve been so excited all week waiting for it. 

“Over the last few weeks we’ve been practicing lots in class, and they’ve been raising all their money and all done a fantastic job.”

Students were jumping rope singly and in pairs, leaping over wiggling rope snakes and participating in sack races on their own and in sacks made for three. 

Trios in sacks learned about teamwork, as they tried to co-ordinate their jumping, but often dissolved into giggles as they all toppled over.

Many parents and families came to the school to cheer on their children and give them hugs of encouragement. Between activities, classes took turns learning about the heart, finding their own pulse and counting their heartbeats.

“Like the Heart Foundation we are keen to improve our children’s fitness and coordination and educate them about the importance of a healthy heart,” Trish said. 

“Through Jump Rope for Heart students learn that being active can be great fun and hopefully keep the healthy habits they learn through the program with them for life.”

Since the inception of Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart over 30 years ago, more than 90 per cent of all Australian schools, involving eight million school children have participated in the fundraiser.