Rock Eisteddfod Challenge

"The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge is the single most awesome youth cultural event in Australia."
Aaron Mansfield, Ex-Student & Helper Irrawang High School, NSW.

J ROCK- SKY ROCKETS SYDNEY PRIMARY STUDENTS TO STARDOM COWS AND CHICKENS DOWN ON THE FARM. BUTTERFLIES FROM THE COUNTRY. A POSSE OF JUNK FOOD BUSTERS, A MAGICAL BUS AND THE ODD GINGERBREADMAN. TACKLING CHILDHOOD OBESITY. AND A HEAP OF CUTENESS GUARANTEED! SYDNEY PRIMARY STUDENTS ARE GEARING UP FOR THE MOST EXHILARATING TOE-TAPPING, GLITTER-PACKED BUZZ OF THEIR YOUNG LIVES. BREAK OUT THE MUESLI BARS AND ORANGE JUICE FOLKS AND CHECK OUT SOME OF THE CUTEST ACTS IN TOWN - AS ROCK EISTEDDFOD CHALLENGE WELCOMES THE RETURN OF J ROCK TO SYDNEY.

"I'd never done anything like this before I felt like a superstar." J Rock - the junior version of Australia?s No 1 Youth Performing Arts Initiative Rock Eisteddfod Challenge sees a new venue and almost double the amount of participants for 2005. And participating schools get a leg up integrating productions and the key aims of activity and good food into their classrooms with a specially created Activity Book.

It?s just over a month until J Rock shows kick off at The State Sports Centre, Sydney Olympic Park on Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd, Thursday 4th & Friday 5th August.

This lead up sees thousands of primary school students across the city putting the finishing touches to their performances. Rehearsals, costumes and sets are all coming together in these final weeks and expect frenzied activity right up until Show Day.

For many of the performers, the event - showcasing schools? 8 minute dance, drama and design spectaculars live on stage at Homebush - is their first experience of performing on stage to such a large audience.

Many will never have performed outside school. Some are completely new to drama and dance. And certainly all new participants will not have experienced a Show Day of such fun and intensity anywhere else.

Targeted firmly at tackling the growing incidence of childhood obesity and associated health and social problems, J Rock is a proven way to motivate students to get active and adopt healthy lifestyles in a fun and unforgettable atmosphere.

"An opportunity for children whose skills or interests are not in sport but in performing arts to have the chance to represent their school".
Our Lady of Fatimah, Carringbah, NSW

BACKGROUND
J Rock was launched last year in conjunction with the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (REC) for high school students. In just twelve months the number of participants has almost doubled and this year sees 15,000 students from almost 150 schools taking part with thousands more parents, teachers and families as support crew. This year J Rock is staging 26 events in 16 locations across the country targeted specifically at primary school children, with some sharing their day with their high school counterparts.

Productions offer students far more than justbeing on stage. The event aims to empower students to be their best, gaining invaluable teamwork and confidence skills. J Rock also builds teacher and student bonds and the schools profile in the community is enhanced through participation.

Show Day itself is more than last minute rehearsals and the final performance. Participants join in a comprehensive schedule of activities - from workout sessions with Fitness First to Healthy Food Fun Fair Games such as Musical Fruits and Tunnel Apple. Throughout we promote information about healthy eating and being active, a core part of our philosophy is empowering children to take responsibility for their health and well being.

Approximately 20% of Australian boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 15 years are obese. Overweight young people have a 50% chance of being overweight adults and with it comes associated health and social problems. With the cultural norms surrounding childhood entertainment, J Rock aims to show participants that getting off the couch and away from the computer can be fun AND good for you!

Participation in J Rock works. In a survey of schools taking part in our inaugural event in 2004, 88% said student activity levels had improved and 93% that fitness levels had improved as a direct result of J Rock participation. Nearly 75% of students were more aware of the importance of eating well and regular exercise than before they took part.

"We all had such a great day, teachers, parents and of course the students. The day was such a buzz, the excitement that it created was something that the children will never forget." Glenhaven Public School, Sydney "I loved meeting new people even at your own school."

J Rock is presented by Streets Paddle Pop. Streets Paddle Pop is delighted to join the J Rock team. "We believe that through J Rock kids will learn more about the importance of a well balanced diet and that being active is fun. Streets Paddle Pop is an ideal treat for growing youngsters. It is a source of calcium and is 97 per cent fat free".

www.rockchallenge.com.au

Schools participating in Sydney J Rock 2005 are :
MONDAY 1st August, 2005
SCHOOL NAME
1. North Rocks Public School
2. Dee Why Primary School
3. Hassall Grove Public School
4. Glossodia Public School
5. Brooke Avenue Public School
6. Woy Woy Public School
7. Gymea Bay Public School
8. Granville Public School
9. Crawford Public School
10. Busby West Public School

TUESDAY 2nd August, 2005
SCHOOL NAME
1. Castle Hill Public School
2. Beamont Road Public School
3. Dalmeny Public School
4. Hornsby Heights Public School
5. Valley View Public School
6. Beecroft Primary School

THURSDAY 4th August, 2005
SCHOOL NAME
1. Cooma North Public School
2. Killarney Heights Public School
3. Wisemans Ferry Public School
4. Strathfield South Public School
5. Meadow Flat Public School

FRIDAY 5th August, 2005
SCHOOL NAME
1. Baulkham Hills North Primary School
2. Condell Park Public School
3. Ettalong Primary School
4. Glenmore Road Public School
5. Kurri Kurri Public School
6. Strathfield North Public School
7. Boronia Park Public School
8. St Francis Assisi Primary School
9. St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School
10. North Sydney Demonstration School
11. St Charbel?s College
12. Granville East Public School

TICKETS
Tickets go on sale to the public two weeks before each event - so ANYONE can come and watch! Check out the web site for more information or call the J Rock office toll free on 1300 725 287. Ticket prices vary from venue to venue.

www.rockchallenge.com.au
"It made me really confident."