Diocese of Broken Bay Br Tony Whelan Public Speaking Competition
Year 6 students participate in this competition each year in Term 3. In class, each student delivers both a planned and impromptu three minute speech based on given topics. Two finalists are selected to compete in the North Shore Cluster final, and then have the opportunity to represent the school at progressively higher competition levels depending on their success.
Chess
Chess is an engaging activity that helps develop students’ critical thinking skills such as problem solving, decision making and lateral thinking. Each weekly lesson, which is run during a lunchtime, consists of an interactive lecture from the chess coach and then the opportunity for students to play games to put their newly learned strategies into practice.
Choir
The Our Lady of Dolours Choir meet on Fridays at lunchtime with our specialist Music teacher, Mrs Donna Hoy. The choir perform at school masses and assemblies, as well as the annual Creative Arts Festival. If your child is interested in being in the choir, please contact Mrs Donna Hoy via the school’s office.
Band and Music Lessons
The School Band program at Our Lady of Dolours is facilitated by Teaching Services Australia (TSA), and the Band Director is Ms Mari Jaatinen. Band practice is held before school on Wednesday mornings at 7:30am. TSA offers group and private instrument tuition to students during the school day. Instruments available include the, trumpet, saxophone, drums, flute, clarinet, bass guitar, trombone and euphonium. The band performs at the school’s annual Creative Arts Festival and at other community festivals each year. If your child is interested in joining the band or receiving music lessons, please contact TSA by calling 9651 7333 or by emailing info@teachingservices.com.au.
Guitar and Keyboard Lessons
Lessons are offered during lunchtimes throughout the school term. Keyboard is available for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, while guitar is offered to students from Year 2 to Year 6. The 45 minutes lessons are run by VIP Music.
Netball
Students have the opportunity to play netball on the weekend. However, teams are organised and managed through the Willoughby Netball Club, by a group of volunteer parents.
Soccer
Students have the opportunity to play soccer on the weekend. However, teams are organised and managed through the Northbridge Football Club, by a group of volunteer parents.
Netball and Soccer Gala Days
Gala Days are a great opportunity for students with a variety of skills and abilities to compete in a fun atmosphere. It is an enjoyable way to socialise with peers and develop a sense of commitment to a team and school community whilst increasing the children’s fitness & natural skills. A modified version of the game is played in some sports and this involves the whole team focusing on fun, teamwork, discipline and technique. This is another opportunity for students to represent their school at a Diocesan event. Medals are awarded to group winners at the conclusion of the day.