Preston Primary Posts

News from Physical Education

Importance of Physical Activity and how you can play your part

Australia's Physical Activity Recommendations for 5–12 year olds states that kids need to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, but can benefit from up to several hours of physical activity over the course of each day. This physical activity time can be a combination of moderate to vigorous activities and does not have to be structured as in signing up to a local club for lessons.

 

Physical activity can benefit our children both physically and mentally. This includes improved cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs), maintenance of a healthy weight, better sleep patterns, increased self-esteem and confidence, improved concentration, help with relaxation, skills development, opportunities to make friends and enhance social skills and many more.

 

How can we help as adults? Be a good ROLE MODEL. Introduce physical activity into your child’s life and give them opportunities or being physically active yourself and allow your child to see you do so. 

 

This can be as easy as 

  • Whenever possible, indulge your child’s interest in physical activity – for example, kick the ball with them when they ask.
  • Walk short distances instead of taking the car. Encourage and support walking, running and cycling to school.
  • dancing to your favourite music
  • riding bicycles along the river or using bike paths
  • playing family tag games in the backyard
  • swimming and splashing about at the local pool
  • walking the dog

Let’s help our children build a love for being physically active.

KIDDO – Fundamental Movement Skills Program

KIDDO (pronounced kid-oh) was developed from world-class exercise and sports science research at The University of Western Australia. The program translates the latest research into online resources and tools that support primary school teachers, early childhood educators, parents and carers to deliver physical literacy programs to children. They're all designed to nurture a love of physical activity that will last a lifetime. Over 60,000 children, 1921 primary schools and 738 early learning services have benefitted from KIDDO since we launched in 2014.

 

Students in Prep and Grade 1 are currently being assessed using the KIDDO Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) assessment tool. The student’s data will be compared against the norm of all students completing the tests of the same age. The data will show strengths and areas of improvement for each student. This report will be sent home for your reference. There is also a parent portal with access to this being emailed out to you a few weeks ago. There are many resources which can help you develop your child’s FMS at home.

Interschool Sports

Currently our Grade 5 and 6 students are participating in Interschool Sports across the Preston District of schools. These sports include tee ball, cricket, volleyball and Hot Shot tennis. School Sports Victoria has really focused on sportsmanship with a ‘Zero Tolerance’ to behaviour which has seen a noticeable shift in students' approach to the games which also aligns with our school values. This focus also places expectations on parents come finals time when parents will be able to attend games within schools. Being halfway through the season, we are looking good for finals representation in tee ball, cricket and Hot Shots tennis. Let’s go PPS!

Preston PS and District Swimming

Earlier on in the term, nominated students from Grades 4 to 6 attended PPS swimming trials at La Trobe Swimming Complex. Once again, students showed real competitive nature trying their hardest to win their trials. There was also lots of cheering and support for each other as only the top two students from each swim stroke could make it through to the district competition. 

The PDPSSA District Swimming Carnival was held on the 19th February at Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool. Lots of PPS students found success including some late call ups for the day. Notable students winning all their several stroke events were Ava L from Grade 6 and Ava G from Grade 5. 

 

Preston PS also won all the relay events which goes to show our students put in the effort to develop their swimming skills and not just a few. The top three students from each stroke will attend Darebin Divisional Swimming Champs held on the 5th March at Northcote Aquatic Centre. Unfortunately, Divisional swimming is held on the same week as Grade 6 camp, so those students won’t be able to attend. Good luck to all students!

 

Thanks to all the parent assistance for these events. It is much appreciated.

Community Sports Day

What a success! 

 

We approached our Whole School Event 1 a little differently with more of a community approach. We invited community clubs and sporting organisations to run activities for students with intention to build interest and hopefully sign up for outside of school activities on a regular basis. 

 

There were many happy faces freely roaming between activities run by Cricket Victoria, Reservoir Cobras Cricket Club, PYCM Cricket Club, La Trobe Hockey Club, FD Tennis, Darebin Basketball Association, Hall’s Taekwondo, Kelly Sports, AFL Victoria and Preston/Reservoir Little Aths Club. There were also a few familiar parent faces showcasing their coaching skills. If you are interested in your child participating in activities, please find the brochures attached.

Sporting Clinics and Community Partnerships

This term we are lucky enough to have a number of in school clinics happening here at Preston Primary School. The concept behind inviting sporting clubs is for students to take up sport outside of school and engage in the community. 

 

To kick off the year, we have coaches from FD Tennis, La Trobe Hockey Club and NRL Victoria to run sessions across the school. These clinics will give students the opportunity to get a feel for different sports and recognise if it is something they wish to pursue further. 

 

Previously we have used funding to bring coaches in, but we really would like to encourage our local sporting clubs to bring in volunteer coaches to promote their club and build enrolments. If you are interested, please let us know and we will arrange our timetable to suit your availability.