State Cross Country

On Tuesday the 23^rd July, I competed at NSW PSSA All Schools State Cross Country at the international Sydney Equestrian Centre. As I competed at this same course 6 weeks earlier at Polding, I knew what I was in for...a course that was filled with hills, gravel, sand, mud and dirt. Out of a field of 75 athletes I came 16^th and achieved my goal of finishing in the top twenty. I completed the 3 km course in 11 minutes, which was forty seconds faster than my Polding time. There were some very talented athletes there and a few of my friends from Polding came 4^th and 6th to qualify for Nationals. In the combined team placing, my Polding team came 2^nd overall. I was happy that I contributed to this medal as I was the third fastest Polding runner for my age group.

By Archie D

Touch Football World Cup

During the school holidays, our very own Miss Parish travelled back to Nottingham, England to compete in the Touch Football World Cup. Players from 39 countries across the globe competed in the 7-day event to see who would be crowned World Champs. Miss Parish joined the England team and carved it up, only losing in a close match to Australia in the round games. We were lucky enough to catch a few games streamed online, witnessing a diving try and even a sideline interview! Sadly, England and Miss Parish went down in a close match in the semifinal to New Zealand, but came out victorious against Scotland in the bronze medal match! Well done Miss Parish, we are all very proud of you.

Touch Football Gala Day

Yesterday saw our Year 5 and 6 students compete in the NSW Touch football gala day at Newcastle Touch fields. 72 of our students attended the day, competing in 7 teams across the boys and girls divisions. It was great to see our students, regardless of their touch experience, actively involved on the field and enjoying themselves, including a few playful dives in the mud (sorry to the parents who have to wash those uniforms tonight).

It was heartening to see all our Joey’s students participate with respect for referees, opponents, and teammates alike. The students really embodied the spirit of friendly competition, focusing on fun with friends and a little skill development, rather than just winning or losing.

A big thank you goes out to our volunteer parents; Shannon Burgess, Carly Beacher, Luke Jones, Jess Maxwell, Tammy Wilson, Dean Mantle, Brett Firman, Brendan McKell and Amanda Vickery. You all made the day possible with your support, cheerleading and supreme management skills. A big shout out also to all the parents who dropped off and picked up kids or came to watch a few games so that we could have such a fantastic day!