Cool Runnings: the inaugural Prep to Year 2 cross country

On a perfect Autumn morning, the Prep to Year 2 students enjoyed their inaugural cross country event. This much anticipated occasion saw over 80 parents join an excited throng of young athletes as they prepared to run a circuit or two of our Carey Donvale parkland affectionately known as ‘The Flat’.

The tranquillity of the morning was disrupted by the unbridled energy of the children, the cheers of the parents and the barracking from the older students who rallied in support. Parking at the Mullum Mullum sports centre, many parents grabbed a coffee before enjoying the walk along the creek to the start line.

We have been looking for opportunities to bring our community back together and this event was certainly embraced by our Donvale families. Similarly, in the afternoon, many parents ventured out to Bulleen to support the students in Years 3 to 6 who competed for their House in our annual cross country. In a close contest, the last race decided the outcome with Shinkfield House victorious by a very narrow margin.

Over the last month our students have been treated to a host of whole school events which has served to unite the community. The wonderfully successful Literature Festival, which ran over the past two weeks, involved half a dozen visiting authors, an after-school illustrator’s workshop and the Great Book Swap which raised over $700 to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Likewise, our Colours For Cancer Day last Thursday raised over $1000.

Add in the CDPA Mother Day Stall, Bush Kinder, live assemblies hosted by our Year 6 leaders and the intensive swimming program for Years 1, 2, 5 and 6, and you have a school that is thriving thanks to the collective efforts of the staff and parents.

Steve Wilson
Head of Carey Donvale