Tahlulah Tillet catches up with Bloomfield River State School students who were rewarded for their high attendance with a trip to see the Cowboys’ Indigenous rounds in Townsville. Photo: Supplied.
Bloomfield River State School’s best attenders are reaping the rewards of their commitment to school with a special trip to see the North Queensland Cowboys.
Eight high-attendance students travelled to Townsville earlier this month to watch the Cowboys’ Indigenous rounds, getting up close and personal with the players, and even sharing a cultural dance.
Teacher Simon Calder said the trip was a fantastic reward for students who had shown dedication to their education.
“It’s [also] a big pat on the back to their parents, who help support them in coming to school five days a week,” he said.
“We’re a school that finishes at grade 6, so it just improves their chances of getting into boarding school and opportunities for education further down the line.
“A trip like Townsville just opens their eyes to see the bigger world, to see that there is a world outside of Wujal and Bloomfield; it’s just a fantastic opportunity.”
Cowboys community engagement officer Tahlulah Tillet said she had built a strong relationship with the Bloomfield River State School students over the years.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be going to the school for about the last four years,” she said.
“That was sort of one of my first schools I went to when I joined the Try for 5! team, so I’ve built a really good rapport with the school and the wider community.
“A lot of the kids now call me aunty, so that’s pretty special.”
Mr Calder said the students were warmly welcomed, receiving autographs, spending time with players, and catching up with Tillet.
“These kids are pretty much being treated like celebrities – everyone’s so welcoming [and] so happy to see them,” he said.
“Just to see these kids smiling from ear to ear, delighted to be here, is just amazing.”
