Autumn Stillness

Walking and tramping at this time of the year is idyllic and with School holidays approaching I hope students will get out there to enjoy the countryside.

Senior students swam late into the season practising their aquatic survival skills in our deep but still relatively warm pool. They practised the HELP and Huddle positions with and without life jackets, swam length after length, treaded water, retrieved objects without the use of goggles, made floats whiel treading water and all this while dressed in socks, trousers, long sleeved tees and sweatshirts.
The strong message being delivered was to never enter the open water or boat without a lifejacket and to realise that the cold and tiredness will hinder or prevent their survival.
Many students gained Fernside School survival certificates through determination and perseverance.

We are wrapping up our target game unit focussing on the use of cricket equipment, practising our striking, throwing and catching skills and using them in games.
A team of years 4 - 6 students participated in a cricket carnival at the Mainpower Oval in Rangiora while another 4 cricketers will be playing in Latimer Square next Monday at the World Cup cricket promo.

Students are continuing with their enjoyment of Jump Jam as part of their physical activities at School. 12 of our Jump Jam leaders will be learning how to be effective leaders at an upcoming course on 19 May.

Other upcoming events include A Rugby Fun Day in Christchurch on 9 May for years 4 - 6.

On Wednesday 14 May some students from Fernside School will give the Canterbury Primary Schools' Duathlon a go. This is held at Ruapuna Raceway.
Any parents wanting to know more about these events can look at the pages section.

THe School Cross Country is 6 weeks away so we are encouraging the students who don't do much sport to start now with a little every second day and slowly build up to the 2km for years 4 - 6 and 3km for years 7 & 8. This year the event will be held on a 1 km course in the School grounds.