Physical Education - Term 1

Key Reasons for Physical Activity in Kids:

• Physical Health: Builds strong bones/muscles, improves heart/lung fitness, and lowers risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
• Brain Development & Academic Performance: Enhances concentration, memory, and cognitive development, leading to better classroom performance.
• Mental Well-being: Reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress through the release of endorphins.
• Social Skills: Team sports and activities improve cooperation, teamwork, and confidence.
• Habit Formation: Establishes healthy, active lifestyles that can last into adulthood. 

Children and adolescents should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity DAILY, which can include running, playing, swimming, or dancing.

(et al. HealthDirect, 2024)

PPS Swim Trials

Last year students nominated themselves for swim trials to compete in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly to represent the school at the next stage of competition. 

Swim trials were held at La Trobe Swimming Complex last week. There some really close trials with just one second separating 1st and 3rd place in a particular event. 

All students represented the school with pride and respect with feedback from La Trobe staff saying that this was the best-behaved group of students they have ever had come through their centre. Thank you to all the volunteers that assisted on the day.

Students that have progressed through to the divisional stage have been posted on the Sports board with the competition being held on the 23rd February at WaterMarc, Greensborough. 

We wish those students the best in their events.

Interschool Sports (ISS)

Last year the senior students put down their preference for ISS for Term 1. They all trialled to make the teams with Grade 6 students being prioritised. With competition starting in the first few weeks of term, Preston sides are showing great sportsmanship and results. 

We do remind students and parents about the School Sports Victoria (SSV) Code of Conduct and Student Safety Policies. When attending any school sporting events, parents must be spectating from designated/specified area and not be involved in any feedback during the game other than supporting student success. With many upcoming events, there is the opportunity to spectate closer to where the students compete, so we do encourage our Preston PS families to attend and support your child.

Run Club 

Run Club has commenced and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Senior School oval. All students need to do is turn up, grab their QR Code and run laps.

After each lap, students will scan their QR Code into the iPad which will total their accumulated distance over the duration of the term/year. 

There will be certificates handed to those students who have the highest distance accumulated for each year level. Run Club is the best way to prepare for the upcoming PPS Cross Country which will be held on Thursday 5th March. More information to come.

About KIDDO 

KIDDO (pronounced kid-oh) was created from world-class exercise and sports science research at The University of Western Australia. They translate the latest research into online resources and tools that support primary schools, 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 130,000 children, 1921 primary schools and 738 early learning services have benefit from KIDDO programs every year.

Over the next few weeks, our Prep and Grade 1 students will perform some fundamental movement skill (FMS) activities which will give us a benchmark where each student’s strengths and areas of improvement so we can tailor our program to suit their needs. The results from the activities will also give parents/carers some ideas where you can help your child develop the fundamentals using the KIDDO online tools. You will be able to access these tools in the next few weeks when your child’s account is setup.

We look forward to a big year from our students being physically active.

Kris Mihal and Lisa Hayes

PE Specialists