PE

First newsletter article of the term and it already feels like it’s been a big one! In PE, I’m always trying to introduce LPS students to a range of sports and games, some they’ve probably never heard of. More often than not, these sports end up being the favourites. Sometimes, however, I just have to come back to some of the good olde’ sports, like netball, cricket, basketball and the first part of this term…footy. When I told the kids we were doing football, I had a very mixed response. There was a generous amount of cheering, a good handful of fist pumps and a fare share of eye-rolling. I totally get that footy isn’t everyone’s cup o’ tea but it’s my job to make it fun and to help students better their understanding of a sport. I’ve also finally worked out that I can teach the same sport to every single grade. Yes, that may seem obvious to most but this is the first time I’ve done it and it’s great! (also saves me multiple set-up and pack-ups over the day).

Our main focus has been hand-eye coordination where we’ve done a range of activities that really help the kids to improve their skills…hardly any of them have been with a footy either. Towards the end of the unit, the older grades will play a round of Rec Footy. This is a modified version of AFL where players are zoned to certain areas of the oval to help them better understand the job of the forward, backline and the midfield. It’s a really great game and makes footy more accessible for everyone.

After our footy unit is finished we will be moving into baseball, one of the best sports ever! Preps will be playing T-Ball but all other grades will be putting on their mits and helmeting up for some swinging and sliding…can’t wait!

Just to finish…we’ve had some ripper dance sessions this term. I am continuously astonished and overwhelmed at some of the dance moves coming out of some of our students. I am also constantly filled with joy watching kids simply ‘go for it’ and not care who’s watching (or not watching) when they carve up the dance (gym) floor. Shout out to 5/6T for their dancing this week…you’re never too old (or too cool) for some good old fashioned ‘Musical Hoops’!