Firstly, a big thank you to my dedicated team of teachers for all the pre-planning and hard work they put in to make sure that each child can get the maximim amount of benefit from their lessons.

Also, thank you to the children for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.  There has been a tremendous improvement in swimming skills this term and this has been reflected in the number of children progressing from the ‘little’ to the ‘big’ pool and in the amount of Hurst swimmers who have been  promoted to our ‘squad’ group.

A  fond farewell to those of you who are moving to ‘pastures new’ and wishing those progressing on to Marlins much fun and success.

Last, but by no means least, a big thank you to the parents for choosing to send your children to 1st Swim School.  It has been lovely to catch up with many of you on the poolside this term.

News of Past Pupils

Many congratulations to Joshua Thompson on his recent gala success at Marlins.  We love to hear about our past pupils and what they are up to. Also, many congratulations to our current water helpers, Josh and William on passing their STA Student Teacher Award.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT 2012!

Just a reminder that there will not be any lessons at Hurst College on Friday 4th November as well as this week.

We are always delighted to hear about our past pupils and their achievements and would like to congratulate Alex Holman and Sophie Battams for their recent success in representing Starfish in a swimming gala.

 Alex and Sophie both learnt to swim with us at 1st Swim School before moving on to the Starfish division of Marlins Swimming Club.  Alex, on his first ever swimming gala, achieved a bronze medal and Sophie, two golds,  we are so proud of them both.

We are also very proud of our student teachers.  Abbi & Tom (Friday teachers) started at 1st Swim School some years back as young non-swimmers. They both returned to take their Duke of Edinburgh award with us and, in the process, gain their STA Student Teacher qualification. 

Currently, we have two Duke of Edinburgh Award pupils helping us out.  William on a Wednesday and Joshua on a Thursday.  Both are also currently working toward student teacher status.  It is 1st Swim School policy to nuture our swimmers and our young trainees in order that they achieve their maximum potential.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Phil

I hope you all had a good time at your lessons last Friday, the teachers were most impressed with your swimming.

Just a little reminder to parents and those who are spectating on poolside regarding noise levels.  Whilst we do not discourage parents from watching their children’s progress from poolside, the teachers do become very concerned when the level of noise hinders the progress of their lessons and/or causes a safety issue.

In order that my very dedicated team of teachers can carry out their job effectively and safely, may I respectfully ask parents to keep chatter to colleagues on poolside to a minimum and to vacate the poolside quickly and quietly and the end of their child’s swimming session.

Many thanks

Phil

Just a reminder regarding changed swimming times for those swimming at Hurstpierpoint College this term.

5.30pm now 5.45pm

6.00pm now 6.15pm

6.30pm now 6.45pm

I am looking forward to catching up with everyone over the next few weeks.

Phil

Our pool snorkelling courses produced some very proficient snorkelling and Phil and I were so impressed at the way the children approached the week with such enthusiasm and maturity.   I was so inspired by your ‘can do’ approach that I  managed a backward roll in entry with my ‘buddy’ by the end of the course (not my most favourite ways of entering the pool)!

Congratulations to those participating in the swim technique lessons, you all showed such tremendous improvement, particularly Lydia and Emily who started the week with their feet on the bottom and finished off on Friday,  jumping in and swimming out of their depth – a big ‘well done’  to you both.

Our new ‘Rookie’ Lifeguards had a great time attempting to rescue both Phil and Phil, whose acting skills probably deserved an ‘oscar’.  Well done on your sensible approach to helping a casualty in the water.

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Phil G

Pool Snorkelling Level 1 

Swimming Technique & Water Skills

1st Swim School is delighted to announce that new Baby, Toddler & Pre-School Classes will be offered at St Wilfrid’s School pool, Burgess Hill as from September.

Classes are available on a Wednesday & Friday morning.

Bookings are now being taken for these popular, fun and progressive lessons.  To come and join us please use the enquiry form or contact phil@1stswimschool.co.uk

Wishing all 1st Swim School children, who swim at Hurstpeirpoint College, a fun and safe summer holiday.  We are looking forward to seeing you back in September.

Parents please note a change in swimming times from that published in your letters for next term.

5.30pm now 5.45pm

6.00pm now 6.15pm

6.30pm now 6.45pm

For those wondering if the 1st Swim School Teachers swim.  Yes we do.  Kathy & Rose have come back with a bundle of medals from national galas this year.  I did my ‘mermaid’ act in the Docklands again this year although the exit out of the water was harder than the swim!!