Admin EditSwimming Galas
KS2 Galas go Swimmingly in Primary
The week beginning 26th October saw our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students enjoy their swimming galas. For many students this was their second of the calendar year after we moved our galas from January to now when the weather was deemed more conducive to taking the plunge. It was however very entertaining to hear our Year 4 students asking about where their Hot Chocolate was this time!
Our Year 3 and 4 student galas took place in the 25m pool where the atmosphere was truly electric with all of the students and parents very close to the action and with everybody joining in the fun. The emphasis of our events here at Patana is always to create a balance where our many very able performers are able to present their considerable talents in front of their peers, parents, and teachers whilst also ensuring that everybody is able to participate and has fun in doing so. This is certainly helped by our Primary PE and swim teams and certainly by the class teachers on the day who join in so enthusiastically. Our Year 3 and 4s certainly demonstrated all of these in participating in events as wide ranging as the kick ball relay, Titanic relay, Freestyle, Breast stroke, Butterfly, Doggy Paddle, and Teacher Baywatch to name a few. All 350 of the children in Year 3+4 participated in at least 3 events with many swimming in extra as they helped their classes to gather as many points as possible.
Our Year 5 and 6s enjoyed their galas at the 50m pool as with 7 classes they are just too big for 25m and it is a nice progression in their water confidence and development. Once again, I was delighted to see so many parents still taking the time to come in and support their children and classes in whatever the event.
To witness a whole grandstand cheering on the Double Doggy Noodle Relay Race was certainly a sight to behold! Many of the normal swimming races are split for our Year 5s and 6s with 20m heats and 40m heats allowing our strong swimmers a chance to demonstrate their full array of skills including a proficient turn. It is always a thrill and real pleasure to watch our school swimmers performing at such a high level and as always we are extremely grateful to Coach Cindy and her terrific Tiger Sharks programme. There was still plenty of fun to be had though as students got the chance to choose from events as diverse as the Surfs up Bodyboard relay, Centipede Race, Underwater Fin Swim, Teacher Baywatch, Chariot Race along with all of the normal events that you would expect to find.
I was delighted with all of our students this year for their participation and performances in the pool and especially the 10 Year 5 and 10 Year 6 students who also acted as demonstrators, placers or general helpers at our Year 3+4 Galas.
The winning classes for this year’s events follow but they are far more about the celebration and enjoyment of all of our students with the winning perhaps being the “Cherry on the Top”.
Year 3 = 3L
Year 4 = 4M
Year 5 = 5B
Year 6 = 6D
As with all events there are many people to thank, from all of the children themselves, the parents who came to support, teachers and support staff for their help, the maids and set up team and especially the Primary PE and swim teams for their hard work during the week and before.
As your child’s ribbon states it certainly was a “Splashtastic” week! Please note that swimming/water safely will continue until the Christmas break.
Mr. Andrew Tatam
Head of Primary Physical Education
For more pictures please click here http://www.patana.ac.th/Elementary/viewGallery.asp?hGalleryID=766
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