It’s been much quieter this week on the sporting front but that’s not to say that nothing has happened! Yesterday we had two students from Year 6 represent St. Michael’s at the PSSA athletics carnival in Homebush. Our two athletes were Thomas Duncan who competed in the Senior Boys 1500m run and Brooke Pearson who competed in the 13 years girls 100m run. To make it this far the students had to beat the best of the field at school and Diocesan level which is no mean feat!

Thomas was up against some of the best long distance runners in the state from his age. The competition was so good that he ran a personal best of 4:58:79, shaving 1 second off his previous PB. Thomas finished his heat in 8^th position and overall he came a very respectable 14^th from a field of 38. Congratulations to Thomas for his tremendous efforts!

Brooke was racing against some of the fastest 13 year olds in the state. Her race was a nervous one as there was a false start from another competitor. When restarting the race Brooke was slow off the blocks as she made sure that she didn’t false start herself. The slow start did not put her off her race and she finished strong. So good was Brooke’s run that she placed 3^rd overall. The margin between her and 2^nd place was extremely close. Brooke is again at Homebush competing in the semi-finals. We wish her the best of luck and congratulate her on her outstanding achievements. 

The St. Michael’s Twilight Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday the 27^th November at Nowra Pool. Notes have already gone home to students in Years 2 to 5. All notes should have been returned by now. Tomorrow will be the final cut off as it is a big process to input all the students participating in their events. Please note that in order to participate in the carnival students must be able to swim 50 metres easily and unaided, and make a commitment to representing St. Michael’s at the Diocesan level next year.  

I will be coming around to see students in Years 4 and 5 to see if any students are eligible to trial for a Wollongong Diocesan team for 2020 for the following sports: AFL, rugby league, touch football, netball, hockey, football and rugby union. Students are required to be experienced players and extremely talented at their chosen sport. If they are successful during these trials, they will go on to represent the Diocese of Wollongong at MacKillop Level Trials and might advance to represent at a State Level if they are successful. Nomination forms will be going to students who meet the criteria for their chosen sport and will need to be returned to me. Students who have nominated for a sport will be informed if they have been successful or unsuccessful to attend the trials when the trial date is near. If you have any questions, please see me.