Karuah Public School students prove a charm for the Roos

SCHOOLCHILDREN at Karuah Public School (KPS) joined in celebrating their local football team, the Karuah Roos.

The students hosted a special mufti day last Friday, ahead of the Roos’ grand final-winning showdown against the Stockton Sharks in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League C-Grade Grand Final.

Donning red and white, the students chanted “Up Up Karuah!” in warm solidarity.

They lined the team’s bus with messages of support and there was even a special banner on the front of the school.

It was handmade and painted by Aunty Kelly, one of the school’s Aboriginal education officers, despite her son playing for Stockton.

“Rugby league is huge here in Karuah, especially with Grand Final fever,” Principal Toni Lyle told News Of The Area.

“We were all… witnessing first-hand how the team made it into the finals.”

“Our school’s student support officer, Mr Dan Evans, is also the Captain Coach of the Roos and many of his fellow players are Dads and Uncles of kids at the school.

“Dan is phenomenal, an amazing leader. He coaches kids every day at lunch and recess, building leadership, sportsmanship skills, and teamwork – we are just getting behind him and the team.

“Dan was overwhelmed, and the pressure was on to win.”

If the Roos lost, Ms Lyle said Dan had to “come to work at the school in the Stockton jersey”.

Just as well then that the students’ efforts proved a charm.

By Thomas O’KEEFE