Blairgowrie Primary makes a big splash
BLAIRGOWRIE – Local school hosts a gala while highlighting the importance of water for endangered animals.
Loud cheering and splashing rang out at Blairgowrie Primary School throughout the morning during its Junior Interhouse Gala.
Learners from grades R to three made waves down both the length and width of the school’s swimming pool on 5 December.
This year the gala highlighted the importance of water and attached an endangered animal to each house.
These animals rely on water for more than just drinking, for their existence.
The half-collared kingfisher was assigned to Dundee, the blue house.
The waterbuck was assigned to Murray in red, and the spotted-necked otter went to Atholl in yellow.
The gala began with mass-participation races for every child down the width of the pool.
Their technique was not perfect during these swims but the swimmers did well for their respective ages.
Afterwards it was time for the top swimmers to compete for their houses in races down the length of the pool.
Parents and fellow learners sitting at opposite sides of the pool cheered on as the school’s best raced for medals.
“The gala went very well. It was great because every child got to swim at least twice and they all enjoyed it,” said Beth Libby-Neale, the school’s swimming team coach and gala organiser.
“The standard of the main races was very high. Every child got prizes the next day for participating.”
House Atholl won the gala with the most points, while parents, the school governing body and visiting coaches voted that Dundee should win the spirit trophy for their cheering and good behaviour around the pool.
The top swimmers
Grade 1 victrix ludorum: Hlelo Sibeko of Murray
Grade 1 victors ludorum: Jesse Matrose and Tavis Dawes, both of Dundee
Grade 2 victrix ludorum: Abigail West of Dundee
Grade 2 victor ludorum: Ruhan Bisnath of Atholl
Grade 3 victrix ludorum: Nicola Smith of Atholl
Grade 3 victor ludorum: Michael Proctor of Dundee
Also read: Children recycle at Blairgowrie Primary
