Sunshine Coast primary schools tackle hyper low physical activity levels and mental health amongst students* with innovative Secret Ninja movement programme.

Primary teachers from Peregian Springs State School will be hosting the Secret Ninjas on the morning of Tuesday 18th April 2023 as part of a 7-school Queensland tour, to encourage students to harness their in-built superpowers.  

Martial arts and dancing professionals from the Secret Ninja School will combine storytelling and movement in a visual and interactive way to encourage students to develop lifelong healthy habits.

“The Aussie norm in sport, with exercise, is about excellence and winning. But not every kid can or wants to be the best, so often they give up; exercise becomes a chore. But we’re sharing these epic adventures where we test our bodies and give stuff a go.

And before they know it, they have core strength, they can do planks and when a mate kicks a soccer ball to them in the playground, they have the ability and confidence to kick it back and make a new friend. ” says Secret Ninja School creator and coach Keiran Deck.

Inspired by the confidence and love of movement he discovered as a child, Keiran first developed online lessons during Covid lockdowns, to keep his students busy. But he quickly realised that his approach was having a greater impact.

“I have a really diverse group of children. It’s the highlight of their day. They just love it. It’s the one time that brings them all together and it’s a shared passion for them,” said Jennifer Lenten, Teacher at Peregian Springs State School.

Now, more than 500 schools use Secret Ninja School's online movement program every week.

“If you think about how good it feels after you exercise, how clear your mind is and how tolerant you feel towards others, it’s a no brainer that our society is better when people are active.”

By squeezing their torsos and stretching limbs, jumping and rolling to cover distance, mastering inner core strength for balance and coordination and using breath to control feelings, children learn love the feeling of getting stronger, all while imagining themselves on wild adventures.

Secret Ninja School has been embraced by thousands of primary students around the country.

Teachers report that behaviour, mental health and physical coordination amongst students have improved dramatically as a result.

Secret Ninja School is visiting various Queensland schools across Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Bundaberg and Brisbane between 18th and 27th April 2023.

Ninjas, teachers and children are available for interviews and photo / filming opportunities throughout that time.  

Download photos for your story here.

CONTACT

Keiran Deck, Ninja Kicks:  

0403 881 332

keiran@secretninjaschool.com  

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OR

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Jennifer Lenten, Peregian Springs State School

0418 128 641 / 07 5351 2222

jmlen0@eq.edu.au

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Background

Secret Ninja School is available as an in person or online movement programme for 3-7 year olds.

Its mission is to help young people develop a positive relationship with movement at a key stage of their development and take this through into adulthood.

Aligning with Sporting Schools, a Federal Government program, and Taekwondo Australia, the program has been adopted by over 500 school around Australia.  

*The Australian Government recommends healthy activity levels for children (https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years ) but research shows that activity levels are at an all time low with less than 75% of primary aged children failing to achieve weekly activity recommendations. (The 2022 Australian Physical Activity Report Card, REBOOT! - https://aspactivity.org/resources/ahka-report-cards/)

Educational and health experts firmly believe there’s a need to be more imagination in engaging children and young people to be active through diverse and innovative physical activity opportunities.

Secret Ninja School is currently in development and fundraising for Series 3.

Support its crowdfunding campaign by donating here: https://www.indiegogo.com/campaigns/secret-ninja-school-series-3

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