In the spirit of encouraging all children to soar, Dyslexia Mid North Coast took part in a fun Red Paper Plane Challenge on October 14 as part of Light it Red for Dyslexia national celebrations.
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Tacking Point Surf Club was buzzing with parents, teachers, children and community members who joined together to raise awareness.
10 year old Cruz Lewis’ plane flew the furthest distance winning him a paper plane making kit with more than 300 designs.
Riley Dietrich 15, of Herons Creek shared his own struggles at school.
He was introduced to Dyslexia Mid North Coast through the Luminosity Youth Summit and having the chance to meet dyslexic sailor Jessica Watson motivated him to want to do something to help other young people with dyslexia.
“My parents knew from a very young age that something just wasn’t quite right, but they couldn’t put their finger on the issue and although it took until I was 12 for us to finally get to the bottom of my learning difficulties - thankfully they never gave up,” Riley said.
“When I was in year three my parents become concerned that I wasn't progressing with my ‘home readers’ those dreaded books that were sent home every night.”
From 2018 all New South Wales public schools now have funding to purchase Decodable Readers to to help students practice their phonics skills.
The classroom setting is one of the most challenging environments for students with specific learning difficulties including ADHD and dyslexia.
Dyslexia Mid North Coast announced Riley as the new youth ambassador for the region on the night.
Riley’s advice to young people is “If you do see red, whether it’s comments on an assessment, grades on an exam paper or from pure frustration - don't give up, don't quit and certainly don’t rebel, because there is support out there.”
Organiser of the event Kelly King said the event was a great chance for the community to come together and recognise dyslexia.
“It is fantastic that Tacking Point Lighthouse is a beacon of light for dyslexia awareness placing Port Macquarie on the map alongside national monuments for the month of October,” Mrs King said.
The light up is supported by The Westport Club, The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, InPhase Productions and Ocean Drive Images.
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