Dear parents, carers and students,

I am pleased to share the latest sporting news and highlights with our school community.

Cumberland Zone Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the students who represented St Margaret Mary’s at the Cumberland Zone Swimming Carnival. A particular congratulations to Ella K, who in her first Zone Swimming Carnival came third in her event, 8 year 50m Freestyle, and was part of the Cumberland Zone Team at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival last Wednesday at Blacktown Aquatic Centre.

Team Sport Trials

We would like to wish Jonathan H and Jason E, the very best of luck as they attend the Rugby League trials on 20 March. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their skills, sportsmanship and dedication to the game. We are very proud of their efforts in earning the chance to trial and know they will represent our school with great enthusiasm and teamwork. We wish them all the best on the day and look forward to hearing how they go.

Congratulations to Aidan Bowman who will trial for the MacKillop hockey team on March 27 in Goulburn. I would like to congratulate you on the exemplary way you represented your school and your sport and I wish you continued success in all your endeavours.

NRMA Road Safety and Science Day

On Friday 27th February, we hosted the NRMA Science and Road Safety Day The NRMA Science & Road Safety Day is an educational program for primary school students designed to teach important road safety concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Some of the key take away messages the students learnt were:

Booster Seat Safety
By law, all children under 7 must use a booster seat. Booster seats raise children up so that the adult seatbelt fits safely — across their collarbone and hip bones, not their neck or stomach.
Correct Seatbelt Positioning
If a child places their seatbelt under their arm, it may be a sign they still need a booster seat. The rib cage is too fragile in a crash — the seatbelt must sit properly to protect them.
Front Seat Dangers
Airbags deploy at 300km/h and are designed for adult bodies. Children under 150cm tall may be seriously injured by airbags, so it’s safest to keep them in the back seat as long as possible.
Bike Helmet Fit
Ensure bike helmets sit correctly — no more than two fingers’ width above the eyebrows and between the chin and strap. Avoid high ponytails or hats under helmets for the best fit.
Helmet Safety Reminder
Never cut or modify a helmet’s foam. After any impact, even if the helmet looks fine, it must be replaced — the inner foam may be compromised.
Bike Sizing & Control
The balls of your child’s feet should touch the ground when seated on the bike. Also check that brakes, gears, and the bell are easily accessible and functioning properly.

·

Help us reinforce the important road safety information we received from the NRMA program by asking your child to demonstrate how they can check the correct fit of their helmets and seatbelts.

St Margaret Mary’s School Cross Country Carnival

On Friday, 27th March (week 9) we will hold our cross country at school for students in years 3 - 6. During our fitness lessons, we are working on our endurance for running long distances. The following table explains the qualifying time for each age group:

QUALIFYING CRITERIA	AGE GROUP	GENDER	DISTANCE	QUALIFYING TIME
	8/9 Years combined	Boys	2km	Completed within 12 mimutes
	8/9 Years combined	Girls	2km	Completed within 13 minutes
	10 Years	Boys	2km	Completed within 12 minutes
	10 Years	Girls	2km	Completed within 13 minutes
	11 Years	Boys	3km	Completed within 18 minutes
	11 Years	Girls	3km	Completed within 19 minutes
	12/13 Years combined	Boys	3km	Completed within 18 minutes
	12/13 Years combined	Girls	3km	Completed within 19 minutes

Qualifying times exist and are to be used as a guide for schools to ensure each student attending can run their age group distance without walking at any stage.

It is very important to be as fit as possible to run in cross country. Here are some ideas, from Hooked on Running, to help get your children prepared to run long distances:

Participate in runs together.

Time their laps around the local oval.

Highlight the enjoyment of running.

Allow them to choose how much they want to run—don’t force training, but offer gentle reminders and encouragement.

Practice cross-country racing, even in a casual setting.

Run with them.

Yours in sport,

Mrs Kellie Foley

Sports Coordinator

Date for Diaries - Term 1