Monday morning there was an air of anticipation as the annual running of Lilydale’s athletics carnival was upon us. As the students began to trickle in the HPE team took a moment to enjoy the serenity before the first crack of the starter’s clapper rang out. The 400m were run and won before two rounds of hotly contested field event were begun. Highlights of the morning session were some impressive individual efforts and a grade 7 tug of war win over Mr Taylor. The jewel in the crown of the track events, the 100m, were eagerly anticipated, with some nerves on the starting line. All heats were run at a ferocious pace, apart from two grade 10s seen skipping down the track together. Another round of field events followed before, what I was told, was a school record for the number of sausages consumed on an athletics carnival day; obviously refuelling for what was to come. After a sausage fuelled 200m and another two rounds of field events it was time for what I believe was the highlight of the day, the relays. With only twelve points separating each house the points on offer would be vital. The 7-10 relays were run to a cheering fan base that would have been heard all over Lilydale, but that wasn’t to be the last of the relays. Mr Smith had assembled a fearsome team of staff for a staff verses students relay. From lane one the staff got out of the blocks slow but were level by the end of the first two legs, Mr Smith possibly leaving the door ajar with uninspired run. Before Mr George, the Lilydale express, turned what looked like a tight race into a comfortable win to the staff, allowing Mr Wise to wave to his adoring fans as he crossed the line.  Then came the time we all had waited for; would the mighty Maralinga win it again or would Corinna come through on the back of some impressive relay runs. The final tally was Corinna on 880 and Maralinga 868

Well done to all those that competed and to all our ribbon winners you will receive these in your sector assembly.

Backing up for day two of the carnival it was the turn of the K-6 students to show us their athletic ability. With a large crowd rolling in there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Droves on 3-6 students made their way over to the start of the 400m, with many of the athletes surprising themselves after never running that far. Well done, you should be proud of yourselves. As per the previous day, students went into two rounds of field events. Sack race and the vortex made their way onto the program and were events that were favourites of all those who participated. Sack races against our grade leaders provided a lot of entertainment and the staff versus students tug of war was hotly contested. Sausages again were flying off the barbeque and set up what was going to be another exciting afternoon. The afternoon session brought along the K-2 and all the fun and frivolity that goes along with them. First event on their schedule was the 75m race. Ms Davis carefully placed all participants into their lanes only to see them weave between all six of the lanes. The remainder of the afternoon saw the K-2’s participate in bean bag toss, rob the nest, banana tag, egg and spoon and even a tug of war event that was much enjoyed by the group. For the 3-6’s the afternoon was capped off with the last of the individual events and the all-important relays. As with the high school event a very small margin of two points separated the two teams going into the last event. Another strong showing from Corina in the relays saw them take the victory again, Mr Taylor had to be consoled after Maralinga missed out on the win for a second day in a row; there is always the cross country and the swimming carnival Mr Taylor.

Well done to all participants on the day it was great to see so many students involved and everyone had a smile on their face, definitely makes these days’ worth while. Congratulations to all those that won ribbons you will also receive these in your sector assembly.

Finally a big thanks to all those people who made the two days a success. From the people coming out and supporting their loved ones to the staff around the school who helped organise, promote, set up, spent the day following the students, recorders and cheered on our students. The day is not as big a success without the support of the whole Lilydale District School community.

HPE Team