News from Physical Education

Divisional and Regional Finals

Well done to our students who made it to the divisional and regional finals for their interschool sports this year. Our latest teams to playoff were our boys/mixed and girls cricket teams. Our boys/mixed team faced some tough competition early in the day being outplayed by a team with great skills. The team ended playing in the third-place playoff going down to Eltham North. Our girls team finished in the same position but only missed out on the grand final by runs for and against percentage. It was a great effort by our girls’ team being entered into the competition for the first time.

Grade 3/4 Basketball Final

After some competitive trials at school, our Grade 3 and 4 students headed to Darebin Sports Recreation Centre for the 3/4 Basketball Competition. There were seven schools that had entered the competition but right from the start PPS showed that we were one of the teams to beat. Both the boys and girls teams made it to the grand final. The boys played a thriller showing resilience and winning in overtime against Reservoir West PS. The girls went down to a very skilled Preston West PS. Ava G was selected by the organisers (Darebin Basketball Association) as a stand out player receiving a prize. All players should be proud of their efforts.

Preston High School PE Mentoring

In Weeks 4 and 6, Preston High School students attending our school as part of their ‘Bandler Parks’ leadership program. The aim was to mentor younger students through a series of activities based on our current focus which was two-hand strike, catching and throwing (cricket). Students from both schools had loads of fun and it was a great experience. Last week, PHS Grade 9 students attended again but this time running activities for our Grade 5 students focusing on leadership and interpersonal skills. We will continue our relationship with Preston High School in exploring new initiatives in the future.

Active Kids are Smarter Kids

According to research in a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that exercise can boost their brain power and academic prowess. Time taken away from lessons for physical activity is time well spent and does not come at the cost of getting good grades, either during school or in leisure time. There were five themes showing benefits being fitness and health, intellectual performance, engagement, motivation and wellbeing, and social inclusion. Relationships also showed benefits strengthening between, peers, parents, teachers and coaches.

If you are interested in seeking physical activity and sporting opportunities for your child please see our affiliated clubs from in school clinics below:

Tennis: Cranross Tennis Club

https://play.tennis.com.au/cranrosstennisclub

Hockey: La Trobe Hockey Club

https://www.latrobeunihockey.com/

Netball: Northern Parx Netball Club

https://epic-feynman-60b596.netlify.app/

Basketball: Darebin Basketball Association

https://www.darebinbasketball.com.au/

Cricket: Reservoir Cobras

https://reservoircobras.wordpress.com/

We hope you all enjoy the break and see you in the new year.

Kris Mihal, Lisa Hayes, Karen Jones