The ERMS year was officially brought to an end today with the draw for a signed West Coast Eagles guernsey and cap. The draw was overseen by Brad Smith and winning entries were selected by Robin Miller who represents BHP Billiton in their partnerships with West Coast, especially as co-sponsors of the ERMS program. BHP Billiton’s involvement in our community programs is greatly appreciated and we look forward to a long and fruitful association.

This year ERMS visited in excess of 220 schools. From areas in the Pilbara to the Great Southern and everywhere in between, ERMS catered for the needs of teachers and students. We also added a new aspect to the program with the inclusion of “reading clinics” when requested by schools.  These proved increasingly popular as schools strive to have significant male role models to their students. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Marc LeCras, Jaymie Graham, Andrew Embley and Matt Priddis in all aspects of their commitment to schools on behalf of the West Coast Eagles and, especially, in this newest aspect of ERMS.

I would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the dedicated teachers in WA schools, especially those who played a role in having us attend their campus. Particularly significant in this group are AFL School Ambassadors. These teachers do a magnificent job in promoting our indigenous game within the education system in WA and we are proud to support them in their efforts.

In 2008 ERMS will continue to grow, adding a CD-ROM to its impressive list of resources. We hope that this asset compliments the resources left in schools to assist teachers in delivering their important messages. It is also worth noting that the signed football each school receives proved a significant help in fund raising. One school raised $2000 by selling the football; that money going toward the purchase of new football jumpers for the school and helping offset costs for sporting uniforms for some students. Many schools reported significant incomes from the signed footballs that were used in many ways to assist charities, the schools themselves or special projects within schools.

It was also most pleasing this year to see the Eagles Cup and Eagles Faction Footy add value to sporting programs within our Primary Schools. This, combined with our commitment to ERMS, helps provide a wide-ranging and significant contribution to all aspect of education in WA Primary Schools.

Finally I would like to thank all teachers who took the time to return surveys that were distributed, acknowledge the efforts of fellow ERMS presenters David Hynes and Brad Smith for their contributions, and announce our final winners for 2008 as:

Colin Johns of Port Kennedy Primary School; and
Mike Zyrucha of Clarkson Primary School.

Their prizes will arrive next week.

With best wishes for the festive season,

Kim Hannah
Schools Program Co-ordinator