February 17, 2025 at Merici College
The Merici Annual Swimming Carnival is an opportunity for all members of the school community to gather and celebrate the talents of Merici students. It is also an opportunity to promote the health and fitness of the students as well as develop pride and passion for their House. All students are expected to attend the carnival as this is a compulsory community event which falls on a school day. Parents will be asked to explain their child’s absence in writing in a note to their PC teacher. Consent forms are due on Friday, 14 February 2025 and can be found on Compass. Please click here to find information on accessing Compass.
The carnival will be held at Dickson pool. It has a canteen that sells a variety of food and drink. However, it is recommended that your child bring a packed lunch, as lines will be long. In line with the normal school policy, students are not permitted to bring/have fast food or take away meals delivered to the venue.
Dress: Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing such as shorts, T-shirt, and hat, and over their swimmers. House colours should be worn, and students are encouraged to dress in the theme for their assigned House. Students are encouraged to bring sunscreen and a hat. Some shade will be provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Spectators: All parents and carers are very welcome and encouraged to attend the carnival. There will be a designated viewing area and visitors will be required to sign in at the main gate. Students wishing to see their family members will be able to go and see them. Spectators are not permitted to enter any house areas.
Transport: Students are expected to arrive at the pool by 8.45am. Those who are swimming the 100m Freestyle will need to be at Dickson at 8.30am.
All students will arrive by 8.45am and be dismissed from Dickson pool at 2.45pm. If your child needs to leave the pool early, they must be collected by their parent/guardian.
Students who travel to school by bus on CDC or ACTON buses will most likely be able to get off at Dickson interchange or Daramalan College. Students who travel by Merici dedicated buses will be rerouted and students will be dropped directly at the pool, and they will collect students from the pool at 2.45pm.
If there are students who travel to any other service to school that does not stop in Dickson; Merici will shuttle them to the pool. If your child needs to be shuttled back to school a school bus will be provided to take them back to Merici. Please advise your daughter’s PC teacher of this arrangement.
Non-Swimmers: If your child is unable to swim and you do not wish for her to be in the main pool, please ensure you have informed your child’s PC teacher and house co-ordinator in writing via email. Non-swimmers are encouraged to participate by actively supporting their house, dressing up, assisting officials where appropriate and by competing in events in the toddler pool and beach volleyball.
Main program: The program during the day will include 50m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly as well as relays. All students who can swim are encouraged to enter these events on the day. Placings will go help inform the selection of the Merici Marlins swim team who will compete at regional and ACT events. Students will receive additional points for their house based on placings and age group champions will be awarded.
100m Freestyle and 200m IM: These events will be held at the start of the day. Students wishing to enter the 100m Freestyle need to be at the pool at 8.30am for warm-up, and this event will begin at 8.45am. Students participating in these events will enter them on the day and report to the marshalling area when called.
If your daughter would like to be considered for the 100m Fly, Back or Breaststroke events at the Northside zone carnival – please contact Mrs. Firman via email at kyla.firman@merici.act.edu.au.
Covid-19 regulations: While restrictions regarding COVID-19 have been lifted, students are encouraged not to attend if they are feeling unwell or displaying flu-like symptoms.
