The big news to come out of the carnival is that Annika Taylor qualified for the Diocesan Swimming Carnival to be held at Dubbo next month.

It was wonderful to see every child participate in an event whether it was the 50 metres, 25 metres or the across the pool race for the K/1 students.

This extraordinary achievement can greatly be credited to the Intensive Swimming Program at St Joseph’s.

This program provides children the opportunity to swim every afternoon in the last and first month of each school year.

The children are able to familiarise themselves with the water at a level which they are comfortable with, while being surrounded and supported by their friends.

The increased level of confidence of all children, from the beginning to the end of the program, is remarkable.

From the St Joseph’s carnival, seven students qualified to compete at the Bathurst-Eastern Region Carnival which was held at Bathurst.

These students displayed a very positive approach toward the high level of competition at Bathurst which resulted in a number of personal best times.

A big congratulations to Annika Taylor who qualified to compete at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival.

Thank you is extended to the large contingent of parents who continually offer their support to the school by volunteering their time to assist and help out whenever they are asked.

Their efforts and commitment to the school is greatly appreciated.

Thank you also to Portland Pool lifeguard Jordie Brodie, Shane Taylor for preparing the pool complex for the carnival and Barb Bretherton who fed the hungry masses.

The Intensive Swimming Program has now concluded and the school wishes to again thank the pool staff and the Portland Pool Committee whose tireless efforts provide the Portland community with such an invaluable facility.