Up and Over: Eliza Crowe from Blandford Public competing in the high jump
Benji Mostyn from Murrurundi Public throwing the shot put.
Blandford Public's Wil Watson with his dad, Mick
Flying High: Toby Brooker from Rouchel Public
SMALL schools from around the Upper Hunter came together on Friday to compete in their combined athletics carnival.
Held at the Belltrees Cricket Ground, primary school students competed in an array of events including running races, high jump, long jump and shot put.
It is the 65th carnival of this nature and is organised by the Northern Upper Hunter Small Schools Amateur Athletics Association (NUHSSAA).
Liz Batterham said the carnival was getting smaller each year.
“We are now down to six schools in the NUHSSAA,” she said.
“The Isis River, Gundy, Moonan and Segenhoe schools have all been closed.”
Schools competing in the athletics carnival last Friday were Belltrees, Ellerston, Murrurundi, Blandford, Rouchel and Martindale.
The day is an opportunity for students to meet.
“Kids get to meet with others their own age from other schools,” Mrs Batterham said.
“Sometimes they don’t have this in their own school.”
The day held in the picturesque surrounds is also a community day.
People from the area, even though their children may have long finished with the schools, continue to help on the day.
“Mrs Mailer worked in the administration side of Belltrees School and she comes back every year to present the ribbons,” Mrs Batterham said.
“James Carter’s children finished school a long time ago, and he is currently the president of NUHSSAA.”
