More than 70 grade three to six students are taking part in an eight-week program aimed at increasing self esteem and creating respectful relationships. 

Teacher Melinda Louden said students would participate in physical activities such as CrossFit, badminton, tenpin bowling and bike riding. 

“We have been looking at ways to get students engaged and build respectful relationships with themselves and each other,” she said. 

"Taking part in physical activities is a really practical way to learn new life skills and overcome that mental battle about actually getting out there and doing something a bit different.” 

Ms Louden said the program was funded by Wellways Warrnambool and South West Health Care’s mental health committee for the Great South Coast.

“Getting active is a really important part of a holistic lifestyle and we hope to facilitate the program so that the students can be the leaders of their own journey,” she said. 

“At the start of each session, student leaders will come up with a focus value – such as respect –  and then at the end of the day they will unpack and reflect on what they have learnt.

“It’s giving the students a stronger voice and helping them to develop respectful relationships while tapping into the importance of mental health.”

The Respectful Relationships in Action program kicked off on Thursday and will run for the remainder of the school term. 

Ms Louden said she looked forward to seeing the program’s long-term benefits.

“Once the program finishes we will continue to look at the cohort over the next couple of years and will hopefully see an impact on our students long-term,” she said.

“We hope that the students will be able to bring these skills and strategies back into the classroom and their everyday life.”