It was a 5.45am wake-up call on Tuesday for a group of Yass High School students selected to take part in the popular Fit for Life Program run by Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC).
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The young people were picked up from homes in Murrumbateman and Yass by the school's head teacher of welfare Bronwyn Ward and assisting police officers for their first boxing class at Yass Showground.
By 7.30am, the students were getting into the swing of things, working in pairs with boxing gloves and pads.
The class is run every Tuesday through term time by PCYC activities officer and certificate four qualified personal trainer Dean Murray. The students exercise together and alongside police officers.
One of those on Tuesday was Senior Constable and Young PCYC youth case manager Karen Clark.
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"It's going pretty good. They're all out of bed and they're here," senior constable Clark said.
She has seen the confidence and fitness levels of students in Young grow through the program.
"Some of them have achieved personal fitness goals. It also breaks down that barrier with police because most have previously had a negative interaction," senior constable Clark said.
The students selected to take part are those who have been facing challenges at home or school. By taking part in exercise, alongside police officers, the program helps students to feel included and build their confidence.
The students also have a shower and healthy breakfast after class and are taken to school with a packed lunch.
Children's school attendance has "significantly improved" through the Goulburn program, according to PCYC Goulburn club manager Mark Croker.
"These students have a history of non-attendance," Yass High School's head teacher of welfare Ms Ward said. "The school has been working hard to get them re-engaged."
"This improves their mental health ... and is also about building positive relationships between them and police."
Marathon Health and Anglicare are also engaged with the program. Food has been donated by Vine Community FoodCare and packs of toiletries by Circle of Friends.
A volunteer driver or drivers are needed to pick-up the students from Yass on a Tuesday morning. Those interested will need a Light Rigid Licence. For more information, contact Yass High School on 6226 1711 and ask for Bronwyn Ward.
