NRL star George Rose was at his former primary school yesterday talking to the students about the value of working hard at school.
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Mr Rose was at Kelso Public School as part of its NAIDOC Week celebrations, where he spoke to students in all classes – and also judged their cupcake competition.
Mr Rose said he wanted to impart the message to students that it is important to work hard at school and seize opportunities.
“When I was here at school, as a young kid, playing in the NRL was not something I thought was ever possible,” he said.
“I loved footy, I just didn’t think I could get to Sydney and play in the NRL. But I’m here today saying to the kids that anything is possible.
“If you are prepared to put the hard work in, you can do anything.
“I told them to work hard at school because it pays off in the long run.”
During his visit to Kelso Public, Mr Rose also judged the cupcake competition.
“It was tough to judge; very hard,” he said. “The kids put in a massive effort, they were all so good I couldn’t pick one winner.”
Cassandra Haynes, a teacher at Kelso Public, said the students had been celebrating NAIDOC Week with a variety of activities, the highlight of which was Mr Rose’s visit.
The school was ecstatic that Mr Rose was able to come and meet the students and talk to them about the importance of education.
“George is a former student of the school, his classroom is actually my classroom now,” she said.
“He went around to all of the classes speaking to the students in smaller groups, about the importance of education and working hard at school. He really was engaging the kids back into the classroom.”
Ms Haynes said Mr Rose was a great indigenous role model for students.
Mr Rose donated his Indigenous All Stars jersey, in which he was awarded the Preston Campbell medal, to the school. Ms Haynes said it would be mounted and put in the front office.
After meeting Mr Rose, the students enjoyed a barbecue where they had the chance to taste kangaroo meat and enjoy Jonny cakes.
After lunch the school hosted the inaugural students versus teachers touch football game.