On Friday 5 August 2016, Years 3-6 students awoke to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops, excited about the Athletics Carnival, but wondering if it was going to happen after all. We decided to chance the weather and after arriving on the buses and clambering onto the stands, the cheering and excitement began.

The 800m and 100m events were announced. Many excited competitors arrived at the marshalling area and the 800m got underway. As the 100m races began the rain started to have some fun. It started on and off, hard then gentle and we continued to brave the weather until we realised that it might soon be renamed a Swimming Carnival and decided to pack it in for the day. Luckily, we completed two of the major events and all in good humour!

On Friday 12 August, we awoke to sunny skies and set off in high spirits for our second attempt at the carnival. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, both weather-wise and athletically speaking. Although none of the events were compulsory, most students in all of the Houses took part in the field events, chancing their arms at high jump, long jump, discus and shot-put as well as the 200m.

The House spirit was wonderful, with all Houses passionately cheering their competitors on. Near the end, we realised that we had extra time, so the teachers had a relay race against the House Captains. Of course, the teachers won!

Well done to everyone who participated on the day and to those who performed at their best. Congratulations to the students who qualified for ASSISA Athletics.

The overall House winner will be announced early next week.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in the day, teachers, parents, family members, coaches and security guards.

A very special thank you to Mr Taylor, Mr Ezekiel and Mrs Fairfax for organising the carnival not once, but twice!

Cowan House Captains: Joshua Hurst, Jasmine Barea, Benjamin Zwarenstein and Tori Shapiro