The Physical Education program at St Vincent de Paul aims to develop skills and behaviours within a healthy, fun and safe environment in order to promote lifelong participation in physical activity. The development of self-confidence, positive attitudes, fundamental motor skills and an understanding of the importance of physical activity supports the overall education and wellbeing of our students.
At St Vincent’s, our Physical Education program gives every student the chance to build a strong foundation in movement and sport. Across all seven years, students develop their fundamental motor skills – including coordination, balance, ball handling, and whole-body movement – through a carefully sequenced and engaging program.
In Foundation to Year 2, the focus is on building confidence through individual skill development, with a main focus on the fundamental motor skills (throw, catch, bounce, pass, run, jump etc).
As students move into Years 3–6, they sharpen these skills through targeted sporting drills and then put them into action in fun and challenging game situations. Greater focus is placed on being apart of a team, fair play and sportsmanship through game simulation.
Each year, the whole school comes together to celebrate our love of sport and friendly competition with the much-anticipated House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. Students are placed into either O’Shea, Donovan, Parker or Walsh house as they enter our school and represent their house at each of these events.
Students in Years 4–6 also have the opportunity to showcase their talents beyond the school gates by taking part in School Sport Victoria competitions. These include individual events such as athletics, cross-country, and swimming, as well as team sports. In Years 5 and 6, students proudly represent St Vincent’s in the interschool sports competition. Winter competitions feature favourites like netball, soccer, AFL and T-ball, while the summer Gala Days highlight cricket, volleyball, softball and short tennis.
Being part of interschool sport helps our students experience the true spirit of teamwork and belonging. They learn to respect and support one another, build resilience through both the wins and losses, and discover the joy of shared success. Most importantly, these experiences create bonds and friendships that extend well beyond the sporting field, helping our students to grow in confidence – not just in PE, but in all areas of school life.