The Physical Education staff would like to welcome all students and parents to the2020 academic year.  Miss Melissa Sweeney joins the department this year as a specialist Junior School Physical Education educator.  Miss Sweeney will also teach Year Seven and Eight Physical Education and Personal Development and Philosophical Investigation.  We have very big plans to advance sport this year (both internally and competitively) with specialist programs, coaches and training sessions planned.  Once again our target sports this year will be Netball, Futsal, Basketball, Volleyball and Oztag/Touch Football.  We shall also be placing extra effort towards the Cross Country and Athletics competitions.  For those students wanting to play other sports, we have great connections with several clubs in the local district. Tuesday Sport By now Senior School parents and students will have noted that the compulsory sport that has been held on a Friday afternoon in past years has been moved to Tuesday afternoon.  This is on a trial basis for Semester One this year.  On Tuesday’s, all Senior School students are allowed to wear their sports uniforms to and from school. The sports offered in Term One are Netball (training for Monday Night Netball competition – see below for details), Futsal and Cross Fit Circuit Training.  The students nominated which of these sports they wanted to do on the first day of school this week. On all other days when the students have practical Physical Education, they must wear their formal uniform to and from school.  They will be asked to change into their sport uniform at the recess prior to their lesson. The students will be given time towards the end of the Physical Education lesson to change back into their formal uniforms. Caloundra City Private School 2020 Swimming Carnival This year’s Year 3 – Year 12 Swimming Carnival will again take place at the Caloundra Aquatic Centre.  The event will be held on Friday 7 February commencing at approximately 9.30am.  On the day, the students will meet with their teacher (Junior School) or Home Room teacher (Senior School) for roll marking.  The staff and students will then make their way to the buses for transport to Caloundra Aquatic Centre. Attendance is compulsory.  Students not swimming will be asked to assist with the running of the carnival.  Parents of the students are requested to contact Peter McMahon pmcmahon@ccps.qld.edu.au noting the reason why their son or daughter is not swimming.  If a student is going directly to the venue on the day or being picked up from the venue, again please contact Peter McMahon on the above email address. In the event of rain, families will be sent a text message by 7.30am advising whether the carnival will go ahead or not. Full details, required clothing and food/drinks can be found in the Parents Information letter posted on the Parent portal.  It is a requirement that all parents accept the invitation for their son or daughter to be involved. Monday Night Netball For the first time, Caloundra City Private School will have at least three teams playing in this competition – Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams will be nominated.  A Parent Information letter will be posted onto Parent Portal in the next few days.  Training for the girls will be on Tuesday Afternoon Sport and another session prior to school on Thursday or Friday (please check the Parent Information letter).  Uniforms will be supplied to all players.  Athletes Foot, Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore have become uniform sponsors of the Netball teams in 2020.  The company has been fantastic in its support of what we are attempting to develop in Netball at the school.  They are also offering a 20% discount on any sport shoes purchased through them.  Parents or students need to advise the shop assistant that you are from Caloundra City Private School to receive this discount.  Representatives from The Athletes Foot will also speak to the teams in the next few weeks about foot and ankle care when playing Netball. District Sport Trial Days The Sunshine Coast Independent School Sports Association (SCISSA) will be holding representative trials in over 50 sports in the coming weeks.  The list of sports, trial dates and venues is on the sports noticeboard outside of the main entry into Raelene Boyle Hall.  The Physical Education staff have spoken to their classes regarding the trials and what students have to do to be involved.  Parents wanting information are asked to either view the noticeboard or phone Peter McMahon on 0448 277 789 for details.  All students MUST nominate each sport they wish to trial in.  Transport to and from the trial venue is the responsibility of each family. Outside of School Student Sporting Achievements Has your son or daughter achieved something amazing in their sporting involvement outside of school?  If so, I would love to hear from you so we can celebrate this achievement in the school community. Over the holidays our golfers achieved excellence across several competitions.  Megan Smith (Year 9) gained Australian Team representation and will captain the team against their New Zealand opposition soon.  Seb Carter (Year 8), Alfie Ward (Year 7) and Sophie Thomsen (Year 7) all won significant Junior Golf competitions at District and State levels.  In swimming, Cade Stowers (Year 11) swam several personal best times at the State Titles in December.  Cade is now knocking on the door of Australian representative qualifying times. The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Caloundra City Private School There will be a renewed push to involve as many of our students in this very worthwhile aspect of personal growth and self-motivated award scheme in 2020. The Duke of Edinburgh Award (14 years and older) and the Bridge Award (11 years – 14 years) requires the students to complete personal and some school time in the areas of Voluntary Service, Skill Development, Sport and Recreation and Outdoor Adventure or Exploration.  There are two levels in the Bridge Award and three levels in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Meetings for interested students will be held over the first weeks of this term and will be advertised in the Daily Student Bulletin which is read in Home Rooms each day. Parents requiring information regarding the two awards can contact Peter McMahon on 0448 277 789 or pmcmahon@ccps.qld.edu.au Have a great week and ‘Go Gently’ everyone. Peter McMahon Head of Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Education.