MacKillop College Port Macquarie participate in KOVID Ks Challenge to stay active and raise money for Beyond Blue

Principal Cath Eichmann started the KOVID Ks Challenge to encourage students to walk, run or ride five kilometres each day during lockdown.

"I had seen other schools in Sydney do a similar thing and I really liked the idea of it," Mrs Eichmann said.

"It is a way to help promote the importance of wellbeing for students while they're at home."

The first week of the challenge saw over 86 students join in, with 1088 kilometres covered.

"It's also a great way for the students to see their principal as a human and not just someone who stands up the front during assemblies," Mrs Eichmann said.

The challenge is also raising money for Beyond Blue, with 20 cents donated for each kilometre covered.

"The idea of doing this for someone else will hopefully encourage more students to get involved.

"We picked Beyond Blue as the charity to support because youth mental health is really important, especially during lockdown."

Mrs Eichmann said the challenge has been a way for her to look after her own wellbeing while going back to her days as a PE teacher.

"I have really enjoyed getting out and doing the challenge. It's great to see our students who are at home and our blended learning students at school also participate in the challenge," she said.

"Self-care is important for everyone at the moment and I'm proud of those who have joined in."

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