The 2019 inaugural Narrabri Clontarf Awards event was held on Wednesday, November 27, and was deemed a resounding success.

The night was the occasion to recognise and congratulate all the Clontarf boys on their achievements throughout the year and importantly acknowledge and thank those who have supported them throughout the year.

Also congratulated was Year 12 graduate Jackson Walsh, who leaves the school having a bright future with aspirations of working in the education sector as a teacher’s aide.

There was a buzz of excitement in the room from family and school members, community attendees and Clontarf partners along with the award recipients.

A highlight of the night was the heartfelt speeches made by the students.

Narrabri High School’s deputy principal Leo Kolmajer thanked everyone involved.

“I would like to thank the school and all the staff who contributed to the evening and thank all parents for attending,” he said.

“To our partners Bob Sutherland, Whitehaven Coal, Mayor Cr Redding and community members, thank you.

“A special mention to Noel Lettice for the gifts of Clap Sticks and Coolamons for the award winners.”

The Clontarf initiative has been a major success, with the attendance numbers of kids involved dramatically improving.

“The whole point of Clontarf is to engage kids by having them in the classroom,” said Mr Kolmajer.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday kids are picked up and taken to activities like footy training or other routines before they all have breakfast together.

“It’s all about retention and we have had a lot of success.

“Attendance rates have jumped up to 85 per cent from as low 20 per cent before Clontarf started.

“There are always incentives but the boys have all really stepped up.”

Forty-eight students from Narrabri High School are currently involved with the Clontarf program as well as 18 boys from local primary schools.

In 2020 Narrabri High School is looking to have 65 students enter the program and is likely to have another Clontarf worker to help out in the near future.

Narrabri High School currently has two full-time Clontarf workers in Keith Harvey, who is the director, and Chris Binge, who is the operations officer.

The workers help run different programs, organise health checks and coordinate breakfast and lunch schedules.

The full list of award winners on the night were as follows:

Junior Clontarf Spirit – Kaleb Teer.

Senior Clontarf Spirit – Bailey Ballangarry.

Junior Trainer – Jarmarl Zarka.

Senior Trainer – Malik Dennis.

Junior Sportsman – Jaylen Sharpley.

Senior Sportsman – Jeffrey Harvey.

Encouragement Award – Braithen Cavanagh Lawler.

Braveheart Award – Kayden Lamb.

Academy Member of the year – Christopher Clarke.

Principal’s Award – Mark Dennis.

Year 12 Graduate – Jackson Walsh.

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