Monday was indeed an auspicious day for Grafton Public as our school tennis team was camped in Sydney competing in the PSSA State Finals. After two tough matches Grafton came out on top to take the title. This is a fantastic result as we have been to the state finals for the past two years, earning the bridesmaids tag on both previous occasions. It is a testament to our tennis students and their determination, Mrs. Avery’s manager capabilities and also to our parents for their continued support. Well done Eli, Izaiah, Josh, Georgia, Kaitlin and Tianna.

Girls Hockey Team

It's official! Grafton is the place to live if you want to be hockey champions! Our girls hockey team are now the state champions! After playing in Bathurst this week, they have done themselves proud by winning the state title. They are a credit to themselves, their parents and their school. Exceptionally well done girls! Fantastic!

North Coast Tennis Champions

Grafton Public School has once again shown the wealth of athletic talent that exists in our school, with our tennis team becoming North Coast Champion for the second year running. Well done to Georgia, Bonne, Rachel, Harrison, Eli, Joshua and Brock.

Athletic Carnival

Another Athletics Carnival has come and gone at GPS showcasing the many talented students who attend our school. Participation was high and the competition serious and yet, good humour was evedent and all involved had a superb day. Once again, staff were impressed with the behaviour of the GPS students and the day ran smoothly thanks mostly to the wonderful organisation of Mr Howard Avery and of course, all other staff members, thanks also must go to Mrs Marie White and her helpers for keeping everyone well fed.

As with all competitions 'Winners are Grinners' and the grins don't get much larger than on the faces of these three! Lipman House had an outstanding day, winning convincingly the shields for Novelty Events and Champion House being held by House Captain, Millie. Sarah worked hard to win Champion Senior Girl and Zahn achieved Champion Senior Boy. To all who won, lost or simply came along, well done and thank you.

Champion House - Cross Country 2010

The morning assembly following our cross country event is always anticipated keenly by our students. As well as ribbons being awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, medallions are awarded to the first place getters in each age range. However, the announcement that everyone looks forward to is: "Which house will be awarded the champion house?" This year the title went to Lipman House who won convincingly with a total of 131 points. This means 131 children from Lipman participated in the cross country. An outstanding effort! House captains Millie and Jack proudly hold the champion house shield.

Cross Country

Tuesday March 30 saw the running of our annual cross country races in which all students in years 2 to 6 are encouraged to participate. Despite the heat of the day, once again the races were a huge success, thanks largely to the organisational skills of a rare group of teachers. Student participation was, as usual, very high with all levels of runners completing the course. Congratulations to those competitors who beat home their peers to gain a place in the next round of competition, and well done everyone for having a go!

Visiting Author - John Heffernan

Over a series of 3 workshops, yr 4 & 5 students are being challenged to pen a creative writing excerpt. Students minds are being stimulated and guided through the steps of creative writing. The generation of story ideas and the instruction of how to turn these into tales is being developed within the students. Students have enjoyed the wit of John’s stories and are enjoying the confidence to develop their creative ideas. John is eager to return in Wk2 Term 2 to complete these workshops and follow through the progress of the students creative pieces.

North Coast Tennis Champs

The North Coast Champions – Grafton Public School Tennis Team consisting of Cody Rediger, Ryan Gorton, Lachlan Brown, Nikita Avery, Emily Allen and Georgia Allen played Gunnedah South in the chilly town of Armidale. All players played strongly winning 7 of the 8 matches played. This great achievement results in the team being placed among the top four PSSA Tennis Teams in NSW. They will be travelling to Sydney early Term 3 to compete in the State finals. These finals will be held at the Homebush Tennis Centre, Olympic Park, Sydney. All the best and well done team!

NSW State Wind Band

Congratulations to Nikita Avery who travels to Sydney this week to participate as part of the NSW State Wind Band. Nikita will have the opportunity to play her flute in the Sydney Opera House. A great achievement!

Premiers Debating Challenge

An early rise did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the eight Grafton Public School students who made the trip to Wooli last Thursday to participate in the first round of the Premiers Debating Challenge. First time debaters Kailyn Marsh, Sharni Lawson, Thomas Grantley-Davies and Brock Rediger did a fantastic job representing Year Five, winning their first encounter against a strong Wooli team and narrowly losing the next. All speakers impressed with their confident delivery and developing knowledge of debating techniques. The experienced Year Six unit of Jemma Clark, Katelyn Ford, Zak Masters and Thomas Capell-Hattam were the standout performers on the day, winning both their debates handsomely. They will therefore progress to the next round of the competition. Well done team! A huge thankyou to Mr Trevor Marsh for providing transport for some of the children. This was a generous and much appreciated gesture.

A great day was had by all who attended last week’s swimming carnival. The competition was fierce between swimmers but all touched the wall and rose with a smile showing fantastic team spirit and sportsmanship on the day.

Teachers have also commented on the excellent behaviour of all the students in attendance. Well done children!

A huge thank you to all staff and parent helpers. Champion house on the day was Notaras who just pipped Lobban at the post, with not many points separating all four houses.We wish all swimmers that are swimming at the district carnival on Thursday great success.