As we embark on another exciting term filled with learning and growth, we would like to draw your attention to an important aspect of our Health and Physical Education (PE) curriculum that plays a crucial role in your child's overall well-being - swimming lessons.

Swimming is an essential life skill that not only promotes physical fitness but also instills confidence and ensures water safety. In light of New Zealand's alarming drowning rates, we believe it is imperative to emphasise the significance of incorporating swimming lessons into our curriculum.

According to Water Safety New Zealand, drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional death in our country, especially among children. By including swimming in our PE curriculum, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills to navigate water safely, reducing the risk of accidents and tragedies.

To ensure the success of these swimming lessons, we kindly request parents to send their children to school with appropriate swimming gear on designated swim days. This includes swimsuits, towels, and goggles (optional). 

It's crucial to note that students who arrive without the necessary swimming gear will be placed in an alternative class for the duration of the swimming lesson. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, we encourage parents to communicate with the school in advance if their child is unable to participate in the swimming lessons on a particular day.

In the event that too many students are without swimming gear, we may have to consider canceling the swimming lesson for that day. This decision is made with the safety and well-being of all students in mind, as an overcrowded alternative class may compromise the learning environment.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter, as it directly contributes to the success of our swimming programme. Together, we can empower our children with the necessary skills to navigate water safely, making a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.

Thank you for your continued support.