Volume No: 2003-04/35

Date: 25 June 2004

Despite the heartache (well, for some of us anyway!), of England’s defeat by a fine Portugal performance last night, the sun is shining and another Sports Day has come and gone. It was a very good morning, I thought. The weather was kind to us, with decent cloud cover for much of the time, and our athletes were able to give of their best with the help of a nicely cooling breeze. However, there are still some fine suntans amongst the staff this morning!

The general verdict seems to be that the Likas Stadium is a much better venue than Penampang, even when it had a full roof, and we shall remember that for next year. The biggest problem with Likas is that the track is marked out in such a way that too many events have to take place on the far side of the football pitch. There is little we can do this about this and I daren’t start to ask why the whole stadium has been marked out in reverse..!

Another strong possibility for next year is that we shall start and finish earlier. A 7.30 start would ensure that we get more shade for longer and that more events can take place when it is a little cooler.

The centrepiece of any Sports Day, however, is the children and their performances. What a delight it was to see the ELC and Reception children being coaxed along the running track of what must have looked to them a vast stadium. We forget that even 25 metres looks a long way when you are that low to the ground - and that just running between white lines is a major challenge, especially when your friend is running somewhere else. At the other end of the scale, I shall remember for a long time Sam Wickham’s battle with Johnson Hew in the 100 metres, a race that went right to the line. And I shall also remember Francine’s fierce determination to keep up with Jesse’s rather unconventional High Jump technique in what ended up as a highly competitive Year 5/6 showdown. I am sure other marshals and judges would have similar stories, but the great thing about Sports Days is that children get a chance to shine in different ways. It is equally satisfying to watch the less natural athletes turn out for their House and determinedly slog their way around the track because they know they will pick up a valuable point or two… and even more satisfying to hear the applause and support that greets them as they cross the line.

I am proud to say that yesterday was a day when the spirit of good sportsmanship was there for all to see, and I would like to thank the staff who prepared the children and the parents who helped in many ways for re-enforcing the importance of both winning and losing graciously.  

Year 11 Examinations

Congratulations to a very relieved Year 11 who have now finished all of their GCSE and IGCSE exams. The Physics paper today concludes a grueling few weeks and a well-deserved rest now awaits them.

Football Match

As posted last week, there is a football match on the Archery Field at 5.00 pm today. Spectators are welcome. The game is between a Students and Parents team and a Jon Leak Invitation Eleven.

Swimming

Both Primary and Secondary students will be swimming next week.

Donations for the Orphanage

Finally, a reminder that Years 3/4 and 5/6 are busy collecting books, toys and games for a local orphanage. Any further donations will be gratefully received.

 Best wishes,