JTAcademy is helping to make every day count at school

The Johnathan Thurston Academy is very excited to be part of a pilot school attendance initiative in partnership with the Department of Education.

The JTBelieve Every day counts pilot is about supporting and encouraging students to believe in themselves and turn up – every day. The Every day counts campaign comprises animations and comic books. Have a look for JT himself, featured in The new adventures of Jimmy and Sam the Dog animation and comic book.

Twenty-two schools in Queensland have been invited to participate in this pilot.

As we know, there is an inextricable link between school attendance and success at school – and in later life. Turning up to school every day takes a team effort.

For this reason, the JTBelieve Every day counts pilot is implemented at a class level – rewarding the class in each school with the highest or most improved attendance rate over the term. This classroom-based approach fosters a supportive, encouraging environment among the students and school community. It also builds school-wide awareness of the importance of school attendance and creates a healthy sense of competition.

“When I played footy it was my teammates, coaches, family and friends who all contributed to the success of our games,” Johnathan said.

“School attendance is like that – it takes a team effort: students, teachers, family, friends and the principal. That’s why the initiative is designed around a ‘team concept’,” he said.

Only one class can win from each school with the Principal responsible for nominating one class from their school that they feel has best demonstrated the consistently highest attendance or most improved school attendance over Term 3.

Every student from the 20 winning classes will receive a JTBelieve Award letter, as well as a Certificate, personally signed by Johnathan Thurston. Two overall winners across the 20 classes will receive a special pack with Johnathan Thurston Academy branded materials.