PDHPE teacher Damien Parish said the aim of the colour run was to provide an opportunity for students to actively engage in a fun physical activity alongside the cross country.

“By providing our students with both competitive and non-competitive activities, our focus is on increasing participation and connection within our school,” he said.

The colour run was initially scheduled to be held the same day as the cross country in March, but both were rescheduled due to wet weather and held on separate days.

Mr Parish said it is anticipated that next year’s cross country will be held in the morning and the colour run in the afternoon.

“It gives the students options – not every kid wants to compete in the cross country, and those that do will also be able to have a social run with their friends in the afternoon.”

Mr Parish said the activity fits into the school’s wellbeing framework, 'Five Ways to Wellbeing'.

Two facets of the framework are 'Be active' and 'Connect'.

“There is lots of evidence in positive psychology that suggests that activities such as a colour run are linked with improvements to our students' and staffs' overall health and wellbeing,” Mr Parish said.

Students can also earn points for their house just by taking part.

The house with the most points each semester is treated to a free day out (for example, last year’s winning house went ten pin bowling and trampolining).

“It encourages the kids to show positive behaviour, and develop positive relationships between the staff and kids,” Mr Parish said.