Swimming Program
Swimming Program Term 4
Dear Parents/Carers,
Our Swimming program will take place each Monday and Friday for 4 consecutive weeks, commencing 20 October 2025 (Week 2) and concluding on 14 November 2025 (Week 5). These lessons are an essential part of our curriculum, not only because they teach valuable swimming skills but also because they play a critical role in ensuring your child's safety around water.
We know families often have questions about how excursions and parent helpers are organised. To make things easier, we have put together a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. This will help clarify common queries and ensure everyone has the same information.
FAQ's Term 4 Swimming Program
What is the purpose of the swimming program?
The program aims to teach students essential swimming skills, water safety, and confidence in and around water. It also promotes physical fitness and life-saving skills.
What should my child wear to school on a Monday and a Friday?
Each Monday and Friday, students are to come to school wearing their swimming costume under their sports uniform. In their swimming bag they need to have the following items - towel, underwear, goggles and a pair of shoes with a strap at the back to wear to the pool - examples of shoes can be crocs, sandals, runners. Thongs are not suitable and therefore are not to be worn.
What swimming costumes are appropriate for this program?
Students are to wear swimming costumes that cover their torso area. For girls, they may wear a one-piece swimsuit or if it is easier, a two-piece swimsuit that covers the body area. This may be a rashie top combined with regular swimsuit bottoms. Children are also able to wear board shorts if they would like to.
What sort of pool is it?
Students will be using the indoor pool at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre. It is heated to 28 degrees.
How can I ensure my child does not lose anything?
Before the swimming program begins, please ensure that all student belongings are clearly labelled to help with lost property. This includes the towel, underwear, goggles and sports uniform.
What safety measures are in place at the pool?
At the pool, all swimming instructors are AUSTSWIM trained and there are also lifeguards that patrol the area. Staff and parent helpers are also present for the swimming lessons and will observe the area. We also have ratios of 1 adult for every 8 children to ensure that there is adequate supervision on buses and at the swimming centre. All staff members, including pool staff are trained in emergency first aid.
How are students grouped for swimming lessons?
Each grade has been allocated their own time at the pool. On the first day of swimming lessons, children will be observed by AUSTSWIM trained instructors and be placed into ability groups. Ability grouping in swimming lessons is important because it ensures that students receive instruction suited to their current skill level, which enhances learning, safety, and engagement.
How are children supervised when changing out of swimming gear?
Once students return to school, boys and girls will be in separate rooms to change into their sports uniform. Teachers will supervise.
Can I attend the swimming program as a parent helper?
Parent helpers are required to assist with supervision on the buses. If you are able to help please ensure you have completed the Building Child-Safe Communities Form. If we have too many parents, we will spread parent helpers out over the duration of the swimming program. Parent helpers are not able to bring babies and/or toddlers to this program. For the safety of our students, we kindly ask that hot drinks are not brought along.
When is permission due?
Permission on Compass is due on Friday, 19th September, 2025 to ensure that we have time to speak with parent helpers and organise logistics.
If something is not clear or you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to ask. Please email the school office - stmargaretmarys@parra.catholic.edu.au
Warm regards,
Kellie Foley
Excursions Coordinator