Physical Education

District Athletics

On Friday 11th August the Year 3-6 students who progressed through to District Athletics travelled to Knox Athletics Track to compete against 7 other schools in the Rowville District. The students were able to compete in a maximum of two individual events, as well as the 4 x 100m relay. 

Congratulations to the following students for finishing in the top 2 for their individual events and qualifying for the Division Athletics competition on Wednesday 13th September at Bill Stewart Athletics Track in Burwood:

• Annabelle L - shot put
• Asher F - 200m and long jump 
• Chloe V - 800m
• Jack D - 800m
• Jack H - triple jump 
• Lilly V - long jump 
• Maddison G - discus and shot put
• Maya L -200m 
• Mitchell H - high jump

Thank you to Joshua Edwards, Robyn Harris and Tanya Grimes for supervising the students on the day and for ensuring they arrived on time for their events. Thank you also to Merryn Cutter for providing additional supervision of the students and to Narelle Anderson for running the girls high jump event.

It was a highlight to see so many parents attend the event to support their child as well as the other students competing from Karoo. I am extremely proud of the determination and persistence displayed by all students who were part of the Karoo Athletics team. Well done on epitomizing the Karoo school value of personal excellence! 

Eastern Metropolitan Region Girls Football

On Tuesday 8th August the Year 5/6 girls football team competed in the Eastern Metropolitan Region finals at Knox Gardens Reserve. The girls were allocated to pool one and competed against three other schools in their pool. After finishing their pool games with a total record of two wins and one loss, they finished in second position on the ladder. As a result, they competed in a semi final against a team that finished first in pool two. 

The semi final was a hard fought match, however the girls managed to get over the line and won the semi final 11 - 1. The girls faced a school they had previously played in their pool games in the grand final. This team had prior history of progressing through to state finals and were always going to be a huge challenge to overcome. Despite having lost to them previously, the belief amongst the playing group never waivered. The girls battled hard until the final siren and finished the day in second position as runners up. 

On behalf of the whole Karoo school community, we are enormously proud of the outstanding effort from the girls and for everything they have achieved together as a playing group. The connection and bond they have formed together has now become a memory that will last a lifetime! 

Finally, I want to again acknowledge the exceptional coaching from Joshua Edwards. Through organising uniforms to giving up his afternoon breaks to train the girls in preparation for the day, I simply can't thank you enough. The final outcome of finishing second in the Eastern Metropolitan Region finals would not have been possible without your coaching, encouragement and support. Thank you also to Chris May for helping out with being the runner on the day and providing great support to Joshua Edwards. 

Eastern Metropolitan Region Girls Netball

On Monday 14th August the Year 5/6 girls netball team competed in the Eastern Metropolitan Region finals at Waverley Netball Centre. The girls were allocated to pool one and competed against three other schools in their pool. After some close results and tight finishes to games, the girls were unlucky that things didn't go their way and only just missed out on making it through to the semi finals. The team cohesion and level of talent displayed by the girls was extremely impressive. They certainly proved to everyone in attendance why they were 1 of the best 16 primary school netball girls teams in Victoria. 

On behalf of the whole Karoo school community, we are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of girls who represented our school at the EMR level. It was clear from comments made by staff and parents who attended on the day that our girls competed with the upmost respect for their opposition and each other, which is ultimately more important than anything else. Your progression through District and Division is something that you will look back on in years to come with a great sense of pride! 

Finally, I want to acknowledge the outstanding coaching from Claire Moyle and Fiona Marker. Through working out playing positions, strategising to get the edge over their opponents and giving up their lunchtime breaks to train the girls in preparation for the day, the end result of achieving the opportunity to compete at such a high level is a credit to your dedication. Thank you for making the experience one to remember! 

Knox City Tennis Club

On Thursday 17th August we had three professional tennis coaches from Knox City Tennis Club (Archie, Daryl and Gary) take our Foundation students for a clinic during their 50 minute Physical Education session. The students were taught some of the basic fundamental skills involved in the game of tennis. Throughout the session, it was evident the students were highly engaged in the activities and were gaining confidence in their skill acquisition from the feedback that was provided by the coaches. 

Our school has a partnership with Knox City Tennis Club and they run lunch time tennis lessons in our gym with students who have already joined the program. Daryl and Gary are offering a 10 week tennis coaching program with 45 minute sessions for $190. If you are interested in your child being a part of the program, please contact the following email address to book: velocitytennis@bigpond.com

'Ulti-Mates' Frisbee Program

On Thursday 17th August our Year 3/4 students began participating in a four week program 'Ulti-Mates' during their year level sport time. The school has obtained a grant to bring the program to Karoo at no cost for the parents. The program involves accredited coaches introducing students to the fun, inclusive and growing sport of ultimate frisbee. Ulti-Mates develops and improves communication, fair play and social-emotional learning. 

The dates for the program are:

• Thursday 17th August
• Thursday 24th August
• Thursday 31st August 
• Thursday 7th September

The times for the program are: 

• Year 4 (12:20pm - 1:10pm)
• Year 3 (1:10pm - 2:00pm)

Year 1/2 Swimming

The Year 1/2 students have now concluded their 10 day swimming program at Paul Sadler Swimland. Throughout the program, students were taught the focus areas related to swimming and water safety education which are; fundamental movement skills, safety, lifelong physical activities and challenge and adventure activities. 

Well done to the students on completing the program and developing their skills in swimming and water safety. The swimming coordinator mentioned that he 'couldn't be more pleased with the progression of the students over the course of the program.' 

Important Reminders

• Friday 1st September - Year 5/6 District Sport (Summer) @ multiple venues
• Friday 8th September - Year 5/6 District Sport (Summer) @ multiple venues

Mr Leeson (Physical Education Teacher)