Jordan Beck

Physical Education

The start of term 4 our junior students have been enjoying tennis. Students have been developing their control of the racquet by working on challenges such as balancing and bouncing the ball. We have started introducing ground strokes with students learning how to get the correct forehand grip and technique.

Our senior students have started their cricket unit with lessons focusing on bowling as well as batting. Students have been practicing their straight drives with the main focus of hitting the ball hard along the ground as well as learning how to bowl with pace.

I would like to shine light on a previous student of ours, Lachlan Jeffree, who in August this year represented Australia in the IBA Under 12 Baseball World Tournament which was held in Japan. Lachlan has written the following about his experience:

From the 18th of July to the 4th of August, I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent Australia in the IBA U12 baseball world tournament that was held in Japan.

Upon arriving in Japan, the first thing I noticed was the heat which is something I would have to get used to. The average temperature throughout the time I was there was 36 degrees. The first couple of days we were acclimatising ourselves to the extreme heat by going sightseeing to some of Japan’s main attractions.

After acclimatising, we got straight to training and practice and preparation for the leadup tournament before the world event. In the lead up tournament there were 4 local teams (the Cherries, the Giants, the Angels and the Tigers) and Australia. The competition of the other teams was strong which would prepare us well for the world tournament. In this event I got to face some very good pitching, and defensively my role was as a 1st baseman and a relief pitcher. I also played as the catcher. The experience in the lead up tournament was very difficult, as it was a change of pace for me. I was nervous but confident for the world cup, hoping that we all played our best.

After a few more practice games we arrived in Edogawa for the opening ceremony of the world tournament. The feeling to be representing your county and walking behind the Australian flag was amazing.

In the world tournament the teams we competed against were Paraguay, Brazil, China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Philippine Tanauan, Philippine Wildcats and all Edogawa (Japan). Reaching the world tournament and facing some of these teams was so nerve racking. After the first game, all my nerves cleared as I saw all the other teams just having fun and playing baseball.

Overall, in the tournament I played well and it was an amazing experience to see how good some other countries are at baseball. I have accomplished so much, yet I still have way more to go.

After all of our games we went to Belluna Dome in Saitama to watch the Saitama Seibu Lions, one of the Japanese Nippon league teams (Japanese professional league).

Overall, my favourite experience was playing against all the teams and just having a good time.

Congratulations Lachlan on your achievements and you have made the Kingswood community very proud!

Performing Arts

Narelle Vella

Performing Arts Coordinator