How one school reignited skipping, fundraising and school spirit.
After a break since 2019, Moree Public School has made a vibrant return to Jump Rope for Heart, bringing together students, staff and families around a shared goal: getting active, learning new skills and supporting a cause that impacts every Australian community.
Led by school coordinator Alyce, with support from student leaders, the program quickly became a highlight of the school year.
Here are their top lessons for other schools looking to run a successful Jump Rope for Heart program.
1. Choose a fundraiser every student can get involved in
For Moree Public School, the decision to relaunch Jump Rope for Heart came from their Student Representative Council.
The school was looking for an event that was fun, inclusive and connected to a meaningful cause.
"Jump Rope for Heart ticked all the boxes. It teaches new skills, builds fitness, and fits easily into school life through lunchtime jump-offs, skills sessions and class challenges."
Students agreed that the program's appeal comes from its accessibility.
Josie: You don't need to have a lot of money to support it and it's a fundraiser that helps people.
Eleanor: It also promotes exercise and keeping a healthy heart.
2. Make Jump Rope for Heart part of everyday school life
One of the keys to Moree's fundraising success was keeping students engaged throughout the program, not just on fundraising days.
The school incorporated skipping into sport, fitness sessions and lunchtime activities, while assembly’s gave students the opportunity to showcase newly learned skills.
The team also found that helping students understand the cause behind the fundraising made participation more meaningful.
"Immersing students in the program at school really boosted their engagement."
3. Use the free resources available
When asked which resources were most valuable, Alyce highlighted the lesson ideas and skipping videos available through the Teacher Portal.
"The inclusive lesson ideas and skipping videos have been especially helpful. They provided structured, engaging content that was easy to implement across different year levels."
The resources helped teachers quickly introduce activities and ensure every student could participate, regardless of age or ability.
4. Let students lead the way
Alyce believes one of the biggest contributors to the program's success was involving students in planning and promotion.
"Involving students in the organisation through SRC or student leaders makes it even more successful and helps it become part of weekly school activities."
Giving students ownership helped build enthusiasm across the school and created a stronger connection to both the fundraising and physical activity elements of the program.
5. Celebrate effort, not just fundraising totals
When it came time for their Jump Off Day, Moree focused on making the event inclusive and enjoyable for every student.
Their advice?
Three tips for a successful Jump Off Day
✅ Build excitement with lunchtime activities and challenges leading up to the event.
✅ Offer a variety of activities so every student can participate and showcase their skills.
✅ Celebrate effort, participation and improvement, not just fundraising achievements.
"It's not always about raising the most. It's about effort, consistency and contributing to a school goal."
Why Jump Rope for Heart matters
When asked why other schools should participate, both staff and students reflected on the impact the program has beyond the playground.
"It supports a cause that can impact everyone."
"The program is simple to run with strong support."
"It helps students build positive attitudes towards exercise."
Students shared what Jump Rope for Heart means to them:
Frances: "Lots of people have heart conditions, so it takes a lot of money to help."
Josie: "It saves lives."
Tamara: "Lots of people know someone who has or will be affected by a heart problem."
In three words...
When asked to describe Jump Rope for Heart, students chose:
Fun. Inclusive. Challenging.
Join thousands of schools making a difference
Jump Rope for Heart helps students build healthy habits, develop confidence and support life-saving heart research, all while having fun.
Ready to get started?
Register your school today and join the movement that's helping Aussie kids stay active and raise funds for life-saving heart research.
