From the Assistant Principal's Desk

YEAR 5 LEARN TO SURF

The bluebottles scattered along the shore line. Some alone and some huddled up in bunches. The sand went in between my toes and the icy water splashed over my leg, the excitement quickly took over my body. Despite the unfortunate situation of the dangerous amount of bluebottles, we were still able to learn the basics of surfing and about how to stay safe on the beach.

We found it fascinating learning about the pumice, rips and blue bottles. There were two games set up on the sand. The first game was called Flags. This is a game where you race opponents to the other side of the area and try to grab a flag. There will always be fewer flags than the number of students. We also had the chance to practise the skills of volleyball and play a few games.

Although there were blue bottles and we couldn't go into the main part of the beach, we still had a fun experience learning to surf in the rock pool. On the sand we learnt how to stand up on the boards and catch a wave. When we went into the water we took turns getting pushed by the instructors on the waves and we tried to stand up. 

It was a great morning at the beach and we are really thankful to Mrs Baker and the teachers for organising this experience for us.

Written by Layla, Amelia, Clara, Millie, Angie and Renee

YEAR 6 LEARN TO SURF

On Friday Ist March, Year 6 went surfing at Maroubra Beach. We all met up at the Let's Go Surfing shed where we got ready to surf. Year 6 were split into two groups where one group surfed and the other group went bodyboarding. 

As I walked with my group towards the shore, there were so many blue bottles on the sand but luckily none were in the water. First we had a look at the conditions and then we all went running at full speed towards the water. We chose a bodyboard and took turns riding the waves. After about 40 minutes, we headed over to the north end to learn how to surf. We started by practising how to stand up on our board and we revised the basics of surfing. It was finally time to surf in the water! We jumped onto the surfboard and started paddling out to one of the instructors in the water who helped us to surf in the conditions of the water. 

I had so much fun with my friends and this was a great experience for beginners. Thank you to Mrs Baker and all the other teachers who organised this experience and helped us on the day! 

Written by Gigi

PRAYER FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING NAPLAN

NAPLAN begins on Wednesday 13 March. Students will complete a Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy test over the coming week. We wish them all the best. As a community we ask God to guide and support them during this time. 

Dear God,

We ask for your help and guidance for the children taking the NAPLAN tests. Give them courage, understanding, and the ability to remember what they've learned.

Please be with them in the tricky moments, reassuring them that they're not alone. Bless their teachers who have taught them well and bless their parents and caregivers, too, with wisdom and encouragement.

Help the students to do their best and may they feel your love and strength during the tests, knowing that success is more than just a score. Thank you for watching over them.

Amen.

LUNCHTIME BORROWING - EVERY THURSDAY

Has your child... 

Forgotten to return their library books,

Finished reading ALL their library books,

or just needs more books to read!

Then Lunchtime borrowing is for you!

Every Thursday the library is open for borrowing during the second lunch break. Simply pack your child's library bag and they can visit the library after eating time to browse, borrow and READ!

SWIMMING PROGRAM - (18 - 22 MARCH)

The swimming program for Kindergarten to Year 4 will take place at Des Renford Aquatic Centre and be completed as a one-week COMPULSORY daily intensive program from Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March. Students will travel via bus to and from the venue. St Aidan's teachers will be supervising students during this program.

Qualified and accredited swimming instructors will coach the children, teaching them to become more confident in the water and help them improve their present swimming ability. This includes stroke correction and squad training.

During the swimming program students will be assessed on their swimming ability. As our students' safety is our main priority, only students who can successfully swim 25m or 50m during this program will be able to swim this distance at the St Aidan's Swimming Carnival.   

This Intensive Swimming Program is a compulsory aspect of the school’s Physical Education Program as it is a curriculum requirement. 

All students are to come to school dressed in their swimming costume underneath their sports uniform including sports shoes and socks.

Each child will need to bring a bag with all items below labelled:

- swimming costume (student to wear to school)

- towel

- underwear

- googles (optional)

- thongs/slides

- swimming cap

- oversized t-shirt or hooded towel to wear to and from the pool (sports uniform, runners and socks left at school)

By giving consent online you agree for your child to participate in the swimming program and travel to and from the event daily via bus.

Warm regards,

Fenna Di Maggio