
The school oval was littered with stalls run by the school, local community groups as well as the Freestyle Now BMX bike riders. My year 6/7 class decided to show off their massage skills by setting up a ‘Massage tent’ where we offered a massage to those in need in return for a gold coin donation.
We were surprised at the number of adults who were interested in receiving a massage and with kids massaging kids, and adults massaging adults, it turned out to be an unexpectedly busy one for me. One kind lady even asked me where my business was as she wanted to make a booking although I don’t think I’ll give up my day job though as it really is quite tiring. The students enjoyed the opportunity to massage their family and friends who were amazed at the different techniques that they had learned and patience that they showed.
One mother suggested to her very nervous daughter that a massage might be just what she needed to calm her down before her dance routine and it wasn’t long before she returned commenting on how relaxed she had been and that she had even managed a smile during the performance. The powers of massage!
There were many positive comments throughout the day and it was great to hear some of the younger students who are also practising it in their classes proudly telling their parents “we do that to and its great” as they walked by the tent. A number of parents also commented on what a wonderful idea it is and how they regularly enjoy a massage at home from their children. One lady has even offered to try and chase up proper massage chairs for us, which would be wonderful. We’ll wait and see on that one.
All in all we had a great day promoting our Massage in Schools Programme.
Jeanette Hutchison
Teacher and MISP Instructor
Teacher and MISP Instructor
Donnybrook District High School, Western Australia
November 2010