Sports News

Running Club

Running club will continue until the end of the year unless the weather makes it impossible to run safely or public health restrictions return. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays, from 3:15 to 3:45 and Wednesdays from 7:45 to 8:15 with Mr Bateman. Mr Sutherland is now holding his sessions on Fridays from 7:45 to 8:15. Remember that all of these sessions will occur on the main, or years 3-6, oval.

Regional Athletics Round up

Congratulations to those who have qualified to compete at States for the Regional Team. Of our 21 participants 4 qualified for the next step; the Qld State Schools Athletics Championships. As you can appreciate the standard at regionals is very high and, as usual for this time of year, injuries and illness play a part. Therefore the four people who qualified do need to be especially commended for this great achievement. Our successful qualifiers for the regional team are; Lachlan G, Phoenix L, Mollie W and Tom G. For these people the training cycle begins again as they strive to take the next step to Qld selection on the representative pathway.

Ball Games Lessons

Students have been working very hard over the last 5 weeks to hone their ballgames skills. It is always an interesting time of year and not just due to the build up toward the fun and spectacle the event provides. Traditional ball games present unique challenges to all students. There are three broad areas of focus for all students that increase in complexity with age; Teamwork, Keeping the Ball in Motion and Following the rules.

Students have had to put their own interests to one side as they strive to be great team mates. It’s not enough to throw or roll a ball as hard as possible. In order for a team to succeed there must be consideration of the abilities, likes and dislikes of all to keep all team members positive. Debbie Downers are discouraged and Penelope Positives are encouraged and encouraging if an error is made and when the team needs urging.

No matter which game is being played the ball should be in motion as much as possible. This means different things in the different games. In tunnel ball and under over watching the ball and intervening to prevent slowing is the order of the day. In take and put speed to the ball to collect and place as well as on the return to the team is the requirement. In Leaderball rapid passing and running around a short team and leader. Finally Captainball is the most complicated as the ball can only be passed so quickly allowing others to catch.The key is a quick catch and release, not a bat. Also this game requires quick transitions between captains where the ball is in hand as the last person moves to captain position and releases the ball to the former captain.

Following the rules sounds simple, but often, in the heat of the moment it is difficult. In tunnel ball and under over players have to be arms length apart and be running up the right side of the team from the back to join on the front while not pushing the front person backwards. In take and put the ball must be placed carefully in the second of the team’s hoops and the next player’s had must be tagged before they can leave the team area to take their turn. In Leaderball both the team and the leader must be run around before the ball is returned to the leader. In Captainball teams must have their feet behind the line and the captain must remain in the circle. All team members must be passed to by every captain. Every game finishes with a process. Except for take and put, where the team all sit down together, every game finishes when the leader crosses the finish line.

It is amazing to look at the improvement in skill level over the whole school from week one to week 5 of this unit and then think of the transferrable skills taught. Some of them include footwork, balance, touch, improved hand eye coordination and reflexes, improved acceleration and improved duration of concentration.

Ball Games

This important school event will occur on the 11^th of September. Please do come along to enjoy the colour, creativity and sporting prowess on show during our only class based sporting event. I’ve included the program below for your convenience.

Ball Games Program

9:00: Prep to Year 2

Year Two Mixed Heat One & Two

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat One & Two

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year Two Mixed Heat Three

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat Three

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

All Prep Mixed Heat (Approximately 10:30)

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put