Students have been thoroughly enjoying their Physical Education (PE) classes this term. Despite the often windy and dusty conditions, our students have displayed resilience and have had a positive attitude in giving new skills a try. It is always fantastic hearing of all the physical activities the kids have participated in outside of school, which have included bike riding, long walks and runs, bouncing on the trampoline, playing in a sports team or just playing for hours at the local playground. All these activities are so beneficial to our well-being. Physical activity for children is described by the Department of Health as ‘any activity that gets children moving, makes their breathing become quicker, and their hearts beat faster. Children can be physically active in many different ways, at any time of day’. It is also recommended that children between the ages of 5 - 12 have at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This assists with their concentration throughout the day. I wonder what a quick 10-minute run around at the local park before school would do to a student’s concentration throughout the morning, the most vital part of the day for active learning.

Some highlights thus far at Donnybrook have included:

• Year 5 sport (happening every Friday morning), which focuses on a particular sport and skills required to play that sport. Years 4 and 5 children will be lucky enough to have AFL Victoria come out to Donnybrook in Weeks 5 - 9 to run some drills during PE lessons.
• Students in Prep - 2 beginning their intensive swimming lessons (every Tuesday for the remainder of Term 1).
• Prep students beginning school and becoming accustomed to new playground equipment and play spaces (including a brand-new sandpit).
• Students in Years 1 - 4 focusing on catching as a skill and working on this skill during a variety of games. 
• Alexander Romano joining the PE team and bringing his enthusiasm to the subject in every lesson that he teaches.

We look forward to students telling you about a new game they have learnt at school or a new technique they have tried during a PE lesson. Perhaps if you have time on the weekend your children can teach you a new game and try it out in the backyard!

Alexander Romano - Teacher

Simon Davidson - Head of Learning - Art