Barham High School was buzzing with activity yesterday as 194 students and 18 staff members swapped classrooms for competition during a Lunchtime Launch It (LTLI) session.

Run in partnership with Golf NSW and Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), the day-long showcase saw students from Year 7 through to Year 12 step up to the golf simulator and nets, each taking three shots in a test of power and accuracy. The event sparked plenty of energy, laughter, and even some healthy rivalry between students and staff.

Principal Brendan Yu said the enthusiasm around the event reflected the school’s commitment to sport and community.

“Lots of energy with the students and the same with the staff. This is giving the students a point of difference. It’s getting Year 7 to 12 together to hit a golf ball while having some fun and providing some healthy competition,” he said.

Yu explained that golf has become a regular feature of school life, with classes visiting Barham Golf Club once a month and staff enjoying their own social golf days each term.

“We are very fortunate where we live that we have the beautiful course at Barham. We try to get out at least once a month with the students. We actually go once a term with the staff as a social activity to get out for golf,” he said.

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The school has also invested in its own golf simulator, along with putting and chipping mats, to give students the chance to keep playing year-round.

“Golf is really growing for our junior students, and we have some who are really interested in golf. Rather than them being stuck under the COLA playing dodgeball on wet days, they can now use the simulator,” Yu said.

Among the standout performers was Year 9 student Nate, who launched a 194.4 metre drive.

“Having a PGA Member here providing some specialist coaching to help us hit the ball further was the best part,” he said.

Fellow Year 9 student Eliza, who recorded 157.2 metres, relished the chance to out-drive her classmates.

“It’s fun, there is some competition between the boys and girls. I have enjoyed beating most of the boys,” she said.

The event, which coincided with Book Week celebrations — complete with the principal dressed as a Roman soldier — was hailed as a major success, with plans already in place to return in 2026.

“Yes, students and teachers are already planning this again for next year,” Yu confirmed.