The 2008 season proved to be another frantic year for Eagles Rock My School (ERMS), with the team of Brad Smith, David Hynes, Kim Hannah and Rick the Rock Eagle combining forces to visit approximately 200 schools.

The inclusion of BHP Billiton Iron Ore as the major sponsor of the program enabled the development of high-quality teaching resources, including a new interactive CD ROM that met with high praise from the teaching fraternity.

ERMS messages of participation, healthy lifestyles, conservation and always doing your best were embraced by all sectors of education. And, as usual, these messages were spread far and wide.

An early trip to the Pilbara that took in Port Hedland, Tom Price and Paraburdoo was matched later in the year by the “big drive” to Kalgoorlie, through to Esperance and back through Jerramungup to Perth.

This last trip enabled us to connect with schools in Southern Cross, Coolgardie, Boulder, Kambalda, Salmon Gums, Grass Patch, Scaddan, Borden, Cascade, Gairdner, Munglinup, Norseman, Ongerup and Ravensthorpe, as well as the centres already mentioned; approximately a 1600km round trip. But as is always the case, the great people we met along the way made a very worthwhile experience.

Whilst mentioning great people I would like to acknowledge the support we get from the teachers of WA. We believe we have a truly worthwhile product that enhances the wonderful work that our schools do, but without the endorsement and support of the teachers of WA we could not deliver ERMS. So to our friends in the “teaching game”, whether old or new, we thank you for getting behind us and we look forward to continuing our warm associations in the future.

We would also like to acknowledge our sponsor, BHP Billiton. Their generosity has enabled us to produce better resources and take them over a larger proportion of our state. We have also received support from the Water Authority of WA and Video Ezy who provide us with incentives for students.

Congratulations to the teachers who won our last jumper draw:  Julie Venter (Goldfields Baptist College) and Graeme Edwards (South Thornlie Primary School), and thanks to all of those teachers who returned our surveys this year.