Junior House Swimming Trials

On Wednesday 8 February, around 70 students accompanied me to Watermarc pool for Junior Swimming Trials. The trials were an opportunity for students to qualify for the upcoming District swimming event. Students who attended these trials were students who had identified they were able to confidently and capably swim 50 metres of their chosen stroke(s).

There was a wonderful endeavour from all students, and there were a number of students who proved that they are talented young swimmers. The following students qualified to represent PVCC at District Swimming on Tuesday 21 February.

Primary District Swimming Squad

Emily K	Jacob D	Dana F	Amie P	Edward D
Noah T	Aishia B	Cooper E	Sashreek K	Abigail P
Sophia S	Daniel E	Georgie K	Cleo P	Georgia D
Alexavier H	Jacoby B	Isaac W	Hannah B	Oscar L
Jorja C	Abigail I	Joanne A

Primary Water Safety event

It has become apparent that water safety knowledge is so important for all members of a community; water-related incidents are increasing each year, and for children, COVID restricted the opportunity for swimming lessons. Consequently, last year it was decided that all students in Years 3-6 would participate in practical water safety activities that would give them increased confidence, and knowledge, if they were to find themselves in a water-related incident either at the pool, river, or the ocean. On Tuesday 14 February, students in Years 3-6 had similar activities at Whittlesea Swim Centre. Each year level had a 40 minute session, and rotated through four practical activities.

Here are some of the learnings, as identified by some of those students:

If there is no adult around, and a friend is struggling in the water, I can throw something that floats near them for them to hold on to. (Chase C – Year 4)

If I am stuck in the water, like pushed out from the beach, I can lay on my back and float, so I don’t waste energy. I can raise my arm and call for help. (Charlotte T – Year 4)

I learnt that when I am going to swim at the beach, I always must swim in between the red flags and where there is a lifeguard around. (Joanne A – Year 6)

At the Water Safety event, I was reminded that you should never jump in the water to save someone who's in trouble or you may get in trouble as well. You should find something to throw for them to grab, and then pull them in. (Shakasia H – Year 6)

I learnt that if you are stranded in the ocean with a group of people, tell everyone to form a circle and hold hands so the helicopter can see you clearly. (Ashton T – Year 6)

Junior House Swimming Champions

Students who attended swimming trials earned house points based on the position they came in the individual events, and for participation.

The students who attended the Water Safety event all earned a house point, for their house, for having great participation and a learning attitude.

With all the house points tallied, I can announce that, for 2023, Chrichton house is the Junior House Swimming champions. Meers came second, Upton came third, and Schippers came fourth. Well done everyone.

District Swimming

Prior to this newsletter being distributed, our District swimming squad upheld college values to represent the college, and themselves, at the District Swimming carnival held at Watermarc (Tuesday 21 February). At this carnival, they competed against students from the other nine schools within our district.

The standard of swimming from the other schools was of a high level, and our students swam gamely in competitive races. I acknowledge all PVCC swimmers for their excellent efforts, especially those students who swam in three, or four, events. I particularly acknowledge the following students who came fourth in their respective events:

Jacob D – Year 6: 4th in 12/13 yr boys 50m freestyle

Noah T – Year 4: 4th in 9/10 yr boys 50m Backstroke

Georgie K – Year 4: 4th in 9/10 yr girls 50 Breaststroke

Sashreek K – Year 5: 4th in 11 yr boys Breaststroke

Well done to Greenhills PS who were District champions this year.

Guy Gurney

Primary Teacher - PE Specialist

Early Years Walk-A-Thon

On the morning of Monday 6 March, all students in years Prep, 1, 2 and 6 will get to participate in the Early Years Walk-A-Thon. This event encourages our students to get active and walk or run laps of the top oval, while earning House points for their team. Year 6 students will be able to walk with their Prep buddies as support. We hope to see families there to support the event and get active walking laps too! 😊

Sally Donaldson

Primary Teacher - PE

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