Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 at St Mary’s Primary School, Moruya, spent three days participating in cultural and sporting activities - bringing a slice of the Tokyo Olympics to their school.

Over the three days, students participated in dance workshops run by a local dance studio; rugby union sessions with the Brumbies; archery hosted by the local Police & Community Youth Club; table tennis and; athletic events. There was also an opportunity for students to learn how to make sushi and create their own Japanese mask.

“The idea for the K-2 Mini Olympics arose as part of our Conceptual Inquiry Investigations in maths and geography,” said Year 2 teacher, Carla Durnan. “The children spent time asking ‘I wonder’ questions about world records, different countries and continents.”

The Mini Olympics began with an Opening Ceremony where Languages teacher, Lorraine Wilkie, welcomed the students in Japanese. Using a green screen, the students recreated the Olympic Torch Relay, ‘visiting’ countries from all over the world.

The St Mary’s ‘Olympic Cauldron’ was lit by Margaret Croese, Religious Education Coordinator. A former student at St Mary’s whose grandchildren currently attend the school, Margaret ran in carrying the 2000 Sydney Olympic torch to cheering students.

“We worked in partnership with our K-12 Pathway school, Carroll College, Broulee,” said Carla Durnan. “It was great to see some of our previous students take on a leadership role in this way,” she said.

Year 11 Sports Coaching students from Carroll College, Broulee, led St Mary’s in several Olympic sporting events, each with its own twist. For example, rowing became the George Bass rowing marathon with Nippers caps, flippers, googles and scooter boards. Students created their own pool noodle horses to use in the equestrian events and used nerf guns to participate in clay target shooting.

The Mini Olympics concluded with a Closing Ceremony where each student was presented with a medal for their participation. A video featuring photographic highlights from across the three days was shared with the school community on social media.

“It was a wonderful way to finish the Term with COVID-19 restrictions allowing parents and younger siblings to come and get involved in the activities, have fun in the sunshine and share in the event,” said Carla.