Welcome back to a new school year. As we begin this year, Term One sport offers powerful opportunities to build teamwork, resilience and confidence. With team sport trials, swimming carnivals and cross country ahead, we look forward to seeing our community learn and flourish through sport in 2026.

Cumberland Zone Swimming Carnival

Thank you to the students who completed the expression of interest for the Cumberland Zone Swimming Carnival. These students will be notified early next week. The carnival will be held on Monday 2nd March at Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

Team Sport Trials

Team Sport Trials are now closed. I am currently in the process of going through the students information who applied to try out for one of the CSPD’s Team Sport Trials. I will notify the students and parents of the outcome by the 27 February 2026.

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:

Kind regards

AGE GROUP	GENDER	DISTANCE	QUALIFYING TIME
8/9 Years combined	Boys	2km	Completed within 12 minutes
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.

Encourage a healthy mindset by focusing on effort rather than just results. While placing well in a race is great, remind them to take pride in their hard work. Every runner faces challenges, and fostering resilience will help them handle setbacks with confidence.

Important Websites:

CSPD Road Safety Facebook page

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has their own road safety facebook page that they update on a regular basis. You can find them by searching - Road Safety Education - Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

Parramatta Primary Sports Website

The PDCPSSC creates opportunities for primary students from eight years of age in the current year to participate in representative teams in a range of sports. You can find out more information about gala days and carnivals as well as representative sport pathways here.

https://www.primarysportparra.catholic.edu.au/

Parramatta Diocese Catholic Primary Schools Sports Council Facebook page

Did you know that Parramatta Primary Sports has a Facebook page? Primary Sport Parramatta Diocese is where you can find the most up to date information regarding team sport trials, gala days and carnivals.

Yours in sport,

Mrs Kellie Folley

Sports Coordinator

Staff News