Swimming Programs
The Sport & Swimming Committee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the school’s swimming pool and the organisation of Learn-to-Swim and Squads Programs.
2020-21 SWIMMING SEASON INFORMATION
TERM 3
We will be recommencing our swimming season on Monday, 12 October 2020. Larissa & Oleg are super excited to see your children back in the pool ready for training.
Please remember to read our COVID19 changes which are explained below in the FAQs, so please read carefully and explain them to your children as well.
_______________________________________________________
ARE YOU NEW TO SQUADS OR LEARN-TO-SWIM?
All new swimmers are required to attend an assessment with our coach. The swimmer will receive a grading which will enable you to enter a squad or learn to swim lesson/s subject to availability.
Assessments will be held on select Fridays at 3pm. See dates below or check the Lindfield Lines for dates and email the Swimming Administrator with your child’s details: swimming@lpspandc.org.au. Children should arrive at the pool in swimmers, cap and goggles. They will enter the pool with the coach for assessment.
Swimming Squads Timetable
Term 4 2020 Squad Timetable
Squad Descriptions
Minis
Squad members are able to swim basic freestyle with correct breathing technique for 25m as well as backstroke for 25m. Swimmers will learn tumble turns, breaststroke and be introduced to butterfly in preparation for joining the Junior Squad. Squad members are required to attend 3 sessions each week. All members of this squad are invited to join Seahorses Swimming Club on Friday nights.
Minimum Sessions – 3 per week. All swimmers are encouraged to swim more sessions.
Junior Squad
Squad members are able to dive, tumble turn, swim freestyle and backstroke for 50m and swim breaststroke and butterfly for 25m. The squad focuses on improving technique in all 4 competitive strokes, increasing fitness and stamina. Squad members are required to attend 3 sessions each week. All members of this squad are invited to join Seahorses Swimming Club on Friday nights.
Minimum Sessions – 3 per week. All swimmers are encouraged to swim more sessions.
Intermediate Squad
Pre-Senior Squad
This squad introduces children to a higher level of training intensity and is held in the mornings before and after school. The age of the swimmers has been broken up on certain days for 10/under on Monday and Wednesday mornings and 10/Over swimmers on on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
Emphasis is on strong and correct technique and endurance. During the training sessions, children are introduced to different swimming sets. To advance to these squads children should be able to swim 100m of each stroke, complete 200 IM and complete starts and turns in all stokes. This squad is for swimmers aiming to be competitive at the school swimming carnival. Swimmers are required to attend minimum 3 sessions per week. All members of this squad are invited to join Seahorses Swimming Club on Friday nights.
Minimum Sessions – 3 per week. All swimmers are encouraged to swim more sessions.
Senior Squad
This squad introduces children to the world of competitive swimming. Training intensity is increased. Emphasis is on strong and correct technique. During the training sessions, children are introduced to different swimming sets. To advance to these squads children should be able to swim 100m of each stroke, complete 200 IM and complete starts and turns in all stokes. This squad is for swimmers aiming to be competitive at the school swimming carnival. Swimmers are required to attend 4 sessions per week. All members of this squad are invited to join Seahorses Swimming Club on Friday nights.
Minimum Sessions – 4 per week. All swimmers are encouraged to swim more sessions.
Junior Competitive Squad
The Junior Competitive Squad targets squad swimmers who have the potential to perform at a high level and show commitment to be competitive at school swimming carnivals and beyond. The Junior Competitive Squad will be held Monday, Tuesday (including dryland training) and Wednesday evenings 5.20-6.30pm. Swimmers will be introduced and trained in competitive swimming. Swimmers will not be expected to swim at external carnivals unless they wish to do so. If swimming at external carnivals they will need to be financial members of Swimming NSW. They are expected to attend Seahorses Swim Club on Friday nights. Inclusion in Junior Competitive Squad is at the discretion of the coaches.
Requirements:
- 4 sessions a week
- Regular attendance at Seahorses Club Night in Term 4 and Term 1
- Swim the whole season (August to May)
Senior Competitive
This squad is for very Senior Competitive swimmers wishing to compete at outside meets as well as representing the school at zone, area and state. Training sessions also include dryland training on ceretain days.
- This squad must a minimum 4 sessions per week and swim Seahorses Club Nights in Term 1 and 4
- Swim the whole season (August to May)
- They are expected to swim off season
Seahorses Squad - currently not avaialble
DUE TO COVID19, THIS SQUAD IS UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Seahorses Squad is open to swimmers who are in Senior squad aged 10 years or older or in High School. The squad is high intensity focusing on correct stroke and endurance. Swimmers are expected to swim continuously in all strokes for the duration of a session.
The squad is held 4 evenings a week. The minimum recommended attendance is twice/weekly. Swimmers are welcome to attend Seahorses Swim Club on Friday nights. They can also swim at external carnivals however they will need to be financial members of Swimming NSW to do so.
Squad & Learn to Swim & Grading Dates
TERM 4
Monday, 12 October – Saturday, 12 December 2020
__________________________________________
GRADING DAYS
Please email swimming@lpspandc.org.au to arrange a booking for grading.
Term 4
- Friday, 23 October 2020 at 3.00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Restrictions
Parents can be assured the swimming program is a safe activity for your children. Our COVID safe plan and restrictions are as follows:
- All swimmers, coaches, staff and volunteers must be well. If there are any symptoms of cold or flu or feeling unwell, please stay at home. Report any confirmed cases of COVID to the Principal.
- No Swimming is allowed if you are waiting for results from a COVID test and until the results received is negative.
- Come ready to swim i.e. have swimmers on, cap, goggles and equipment ready.
- Get in, train and get out.
- No parents are allowed in the pool area.
- Parents/Carers are not permitted on the school site once the swimmer has been dropped off to the session. Due to the Department of Education guidelines and adult physical distancing rules, parents and carers may not watch the session or wait on the school grounds. They will be required to wait in their car or off site.
- Drop off and collection points are at the Swim Gate (no loitering please). Parents are to leave the grounds immediately after drop off and collection.
- Please ensure that all swimmers, coaches/staff and volunteers wash or sanitise their hands before and after each session.
- Hand sanitiser will be available at the pool and it will be compulsory for children and volunteers to use prior to entering the pool area.
- Any shared equipment will be sanitised on a regular basis. Any fixed swimming equipment i.e. ladders will be wiped down.
- Physical distancing where possible in the pool area.
- Swimmers should have their own water bottle and snacks as the bubblers are closed.
- We are unable to provide Breakfast Club at this time due to the COVID restrictions.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Terms & Conditions & Code of Conduct
To view the Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct, please click HERE.
Active Kids Rebate
We are a registered provider for the Active Kids rebate scheme and accept valid vouchers to the value of $100. Vouchers can be applied to Squad and Learn to Swim Season/Half Season/Term fees only. Vouchers cannot be applied to holidays fees, Seahorses club fees, swimming caps or breakfast club cards.
The Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year.
From 1 July 2019, parents, guardians and carers can apply for the second $100 Active Kids voucher. Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December.
Further information can be found Service NSW website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/active-kids-faqs-parents-guardians-and-carers
How to claim your rebate:
- Apply for your Active Kids Voucher at the Service NSW (SNSW) website. You will need to have a SNSW account, and your medicare card to apply by following this link: https://www.service.
nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply- creative-kids-voucher - Take a note of your Active Kids Vouhcer number exactly as it appears on your Voucher.
- Once you have paid your swimming enrolment fees online in full and have received an Order Number, you can following the link below under the heading “Claim your Active Kids Vouhcer Here”. There is a form to be filled out but you must have your Order Number and Voucher Number.
Please note: this is a manual process so we ask for your patience as we are processing large numbers of vouchers.
What is a Season?
The LPS swimming program runs from mid-August to the end of May. We call this a “Season” and covers 31 weeks. If you pay for the Season up front, your child is guaranteed a place for that Season and will receive first option to rejoin in the following season.
We do not offer Season pricing for Saturday morning only squads or Learn to Swim.
What is a Half Season?
A full Season is mid-August to end of May. A half Season is mid-August to end of term 4 (15 weeks) OR beginning of term 1 to end of May (16 weeks). It is a way to break up the cost of swimming fees. All the swimmers who have booked in for the first half season will receive first option to rejoin for the second half season.
What are the Season, 1/2 Season, Term dates?
The dates for each Season are shown on this Swimming page. Please scroll down to view.
May I book for Term 4 and Term 1 only?
It may be possible to begin swimming in Term 4 but only if there are spaces remaining in the squads. As each season passes, more and more children are beginning in August leaving fewer spaces for Term 4 starters.
If squads are full by Term 4, swimmers names go onto a waitlist and will be given first option to join when spaces become available. This is often not until Term 1.
How much does it cost to swim in the program?
The prices are shown on this Swimming page. Please scroll down to view.
Is the pool heated?
Yes. The pool is heated throughout the season. During the cooler weeks, we increase the temperature a couple of degrees to ensure it is comfortable for the swimmers. On colder days, the coaches adjust the program to ensure the swimmers keep moving.
What is Breakfast Club?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a Breakfast Club at this time due to COVID19 restrictions, so please ensure that your child brings their own snacks and water bottle.
Does the program run on Public Holidays/Pupil Free Days?
Public Holidays: No, there are no squads or learn to swim classes held
Pupil Free Days: Yes, squads and lessons are held as usual.
Holiday Programs
We run Holiday Programs during October, January and April school breaks for squads and learn to swim. The program is in addition to normal squads and learn to swim lessons. Additional fees apply. Please check back towards the end of each school term for details such as dates and pricing. Remember to book in early as places fill quickly.
Do we cancel swimming when it is raining/windy/stormy/threatening/cold/forecast to be anything but perfect?
Squad training and Learn to Swim lessons continue in ALL weather conditions.
There are two exceptions – we close the pool for lightning and hail. The coaches monitor this closely and will ensure all the children are out of the pool and are safe. The children will remain in the pool area until the end of their session time and are collected. No one re-enters the pool until 30 minutes after the last lightning.
It is not possible to advise parents if their child’s squad is on or off in these circumstances. We do not have the ability to mass email from the pool deck.
We do not offer makeup lessons due to the incidence of bad weather.
My swimmer cannot attend their lesson or squad today. What should I do?
If your child is unable to attend their booked sessions for any reason, we appreciate notification. Please email the Swimming Administrator to advise or in person to the coaches.
Are makeups, credits and refunds allowed?
Do we allow makeup sessions?
If your child misses a squad session or learn to swim lesson no makeups sessions/lessons are available. Due to the popularity of our Program we do not have capacity to provide make up sessions/lessons.
We also do not offer makeup sessions/lessons or credits due to the incidence of bad weather.
Can I get a refund on fees paid if my child leaves the Program?
No credits or refunds are permitted if you decide to withdraw your child from the Program.
Please see below for details on when we do credit and refund.
When are credits or refunds allowed?
- If your child has an extended illness/injury for four or more weeks you may apply to the Administrator for consideration of a credit.
- If your child leaves LPS then you may apply to the Administrator for consideration of a refund or part thereof.
- If your child is withdrawn within two weeks of starting the Program then an application may be made to the Administrator for consideration of a refund.
Please see below for instructions on how to apply for a credit or refund.
How to apply for a credit or refund
- An application must be made via email to the Administrator stating the reasons for the credit/refund together with supporting documentation eg medical certificate.
- Once a credit/refund has been approved an email outlining the amount to be credited or refunded will be sent by the Administrator.
- All decisions on applications for credits/refunds will be made at the discretion of the Administrator and/or Sports Committee.
- A refund will be made to the nominated credit card that the original payment was made with.
My child attends LAC. Can they still swim in the program?
Yes. LAC will bring your child to and from the pool. While LAC does have lists of the children who attend squads and lessons, it is the parent’s responsibility to advise LAC and sign their permission form regarding pool attendance.
If your child is brought late to the pool or not at all, we cannot do makeup sessions as the majority of our classes are consistently full.
What is your Learn to Swim program?
We offer Learn to Swim lessons (LTS) after school on Mondays-Thursdays beginning at 3.15pm. Each lesson is 30 minutes long.
Each child must swim twice/week in the weekday program. You may select the days your child would like to swim. We will place them in a class with children who have a similar skill level. We cannot guarantee or promise a timeslot. We do our best to overlap with a sibling in squads but it is not always possible.
If your child would prefer to swim once/week then they may join our Saturday morning program. Lessons begin from 8.40am and like the weekday program, the children are placed in classes with children of a similar ability.
We do not allow the combination of a Saturday lesson plus one weekday lesson.
All children must be graded before they can be placed into a class.
Can my child join the LPS swimming program if they are not enrolled at Lindfield Public?
Depends!
If your child is at high school then they may be able to attend our Seahorses squad in the evenings. Please email the Swimming Administrator to enquire further.
If your child is at pre-school and will be attending LPS in the following year then they will be welcome to attend Saturday morning Learn to Swim classes in Term 4. More details will be available during Kindy Orientation. We do not accept enrolment from any children younger than this.
If your child is attending another primary school then we cannot allow them to join our swimming program during weekdays. This is because we cannot cater for demand from within the school community.
HOLIDAY SWIMMING
Our holiday program is more flexible. We do allow school aged children from the local community to join us. The January holiday program permits Kindy starters to attend as well. The children must be graded before enrolling. Please email the Swimming Administrator to arrange.
I have a child in Kindergarten. Are they permitted to join the program?
Yes. While there is no Class Swimming for Kindy children, we welcome them to Learn to Swim lessons after school.
I have a child starting Kindergarten next year, when are they permitted to join?
We welcome children who will be starting Kind
If your child is at pre-school and will be attending Lindfield Public in the following year then they will be welcome to attend Saturday morning Learn to Swim classes in Term 4 and our holiday program in January. More details will be available during Kindy Orientation. We do not accept enrolment from any children younger than this. Children must attend a grading session with our coach. Please email the Swimming Administrator for further details – swimming@lpspandc.org.au
I am on a waitlist, what does that mean?
Occasionally some of our squads/sessions/learn to swim classes are fully subscribed. When this occurs your child will be placed on a ‘waitlist’. The waitlist is actively managed by the coaches and administrator who work towards placing all children into classes as quickly as possible. We understand that you may be disappointed or frustrated by the delay.
What you can do to speed up your entry to the program:
- start at the beginning of the Season (Term 3)
- be flexible in the days/sessions you can attend
- if you are enrolling more than one child, then one may have to start before the other or they may have to have lessons at different times/days to begin with.
Waitlists can also apply to particular squad sessions eg Friday morning. If you are waitlisted for a squad session then you will be offered a place only when another child vacates their spot. Sometimes this may take a whole Term.
Paying for Swimming Squads
DO NOT MAKE PAYMENTS UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE SWIMMING ADMINISTRATOR AND YOU HAVE A CONFIRMED BOOKING
STEP 1:
You should have already completed the Active Kids Voucher application at the Service NSW (SNSW) website. If not, you will need to have a SNSW account, and your medicare card to apply by following this link: https://www.service.
STEP 2:
Pay your Term 3 Swimming fees IN FULL by clicking the correct squad link below. FEES MUST BE PAID BY DUE DATE OF 31 AUGUST 2020 IN ORDER TO REDEEM VOUCHER. TAKE NOTE OF YOUR ORDER NUMBER included on your receipt of payment, as you will need this to claim your voucher refund.
STEP 3:
Submit your Active Kids Voucher Number and Order number via the form link in red below. (NOTE: Active Kids Voucher numbers are in the format XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX (as provided by Service NSW). Order numbers are from the receipt for Swimming fees paid.)
STEP 4:
On payment (in full) of your fees, and completion of the active kids redemption form (including your voucher number and order number) you will be refunded the $100 voucher credit (back to the credit card which you made your payment on).
Please note that this process has been put in place by the PandC for the redemption of Active Kids Vouchers… the payment in full and $100 refund is their implemented process for redemption to make the administrative process easier for them.
As per all previous communication, if your family is experiencing financial hardship at this time, please ensure you communicate with the Swimming Administrator (in strictest confidence) to discuss fee payment.
NOTE: If your fees have not been paid and your Active kids Vouchers are not submitted prior to August 31st, your voucher will not be able to be redeemed for your $100 refund.
TO CLAIM YOUR ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT THE FORM
Paying for Learn to Swim
DO NOT MAKE PAYMENTS UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE SWIMMING ADMINISTRATOR
If you are new to the school or our program, please contact the Swimming Administrator to arrange grading of your swimmer. Please email swimming@lpspandc.org.au
Our Learn to Swim (LTS) program is 2 days/week on weekdays. You may nominate the days but we cannot guarantee the time. We offer one lesson per week on Saturday mornings only. We do not allow the combination of a Saturday lesson plus one weekday lesson.
School Holiday Swimming
Information regarding School Holiday Swimming will be updated shortly.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast club has been suspended at this time due to COVID19 restrictions. We will advise further when it can be reinstated.
Seahorses Club Night & Swimming Events
Seahorses Club Night is held at the LPS Pool every Friday evening during Term 4 and Term 1 of school. Club Night is open to all current LPS students including squad members, children in learn to swim and students who may be swimming elsewhere. Seahorses’ aim is to provide a fun and inclusive environment for children wishing to swim in races.
Due to COVID, there are a number of changes that have had to be made. Please click HERE to view the protocols which outlines the way the race nights will be run and the volunteers that will be needed. Please read carefully to ensure success of our race program.
To be eligible to swim on Club Nights, you must purchase one of the following passes:
- Family – more than one family member will be participating in Club Night
- Individual – one child only will be participating in Club Night
- Visitor – one child only, on one Club Night.
Family and Individual passes allow you to swim at all Club Nights. Visitor passes are to be purchased on a one-off basis. The cost of the passes is intended to cover our costs of running the evening. There is no pro-rata rate available.
Seahorses Club Night participants are also subject to the Seahorses Club Rules 2017-2018
Please sign up to TeamApp for information, race entries and volunteer signup. Please following these instructions on how to sign up: Seahorses Swimming Club Team App.
Swimming Accessories
Sport & Swim Committee
Swimming Administrator
Alison Gladen
Email: swimming@lpspandc.org.au
Our Mission Statement
1. PURPOSE
The not-for-profit LPS swimming program provides opportunities for swimming teaching and training to all children in the School community, ranging from those learning to swim to our elite swimmers.
The program aims to ensure:
1. All children in our school community have necessary skills to be safe near and in water
2. All children have an opportunity to progress their swimming skills and confidence
3. Competitive swimmers have an opportunity to perform at their best at school and inter-school competition
4. Elite Swimmers have an opportunity to perform at their best at school and inter-school competition and have the knowledge, skill and stamina to progress along the SNSW elite swimmer pathway.
2. METHOD
2.1 Constraints:
1. Pool size
2. Seasons (pool availability)
3. Economically sustainable
4. Limited to the school community (students, siblings and ex students)
2.2 Implied
Wherever applicable, the programs goals and outcomes are aligned with Government guidelines and regulations, the swimmer pathways of Swimming Australia and Swimming NSW, and the recommendations of ACSTA and Lifesaving Australia relating to safety and swimmer welfare.
2.3 General outline
The program is a not-for-profit initiative of LPS P&C.
The program will provide a range of swimming lessons and training opportunities. The ‘Levels’ are:
1. Learn to Swim (LTS)
2. Mini
3. Junior
4. Intermediate
5. Senior
6. Competition
7. Elite (NEW)
The program will provide professional coaching and maintain the pool to ensure availability of pool time appropriate for each Level. Some offsite services may be needed from time to time.
The training and teaching for each Level will vary in terms of:
1. Sessions in the pool each week
a. LTS – 1-2
b. Mini – minimum 3
c. Junior – minimum 3
d. Intermediate – minimum 3
e. Senior – minimum 4
f. Competition – 6-7
g. Elite level – 6-9
Adult squads will also be offered when they do not affect the outcomes of the LTS to Elite programs.
2. Duration of the season:
a. LTS – 1: Summer including holiday swimming
b. Mini – Summer including holiday swimming + shoulder
c. Junior – Summer including holiday swimming + shoulder ISNT IT AUGUST TO MAY AT LPS?
d. Intermediate – Summer including holiday swimming + shoulder ISNT IT AUGUST TO MAY AT LPS?
e. Senior – Summer including holiday swimming + shoulder, Winter off site optional ISNT IT AUGUST TO MAY AT LPS?
f. Competition – Summer including holiday swimming + shoulder, Winter off site ISNT IT AUGUST TO MAY AT LPS?
g. Elite level – Summer + shoulder, Winter off site ISNT IT AUGUST TO MAY AT LPS?
2.4 Opportunities for competition:
a. The program operates Seahorses Swimming Club. Seahorses provides the main opportunities for competition for most swimmers
b. As SNSW competitions and the SNSW swimmer pathways are available to all SNSW registered Seahorses swimmers, based on merit (times achieved in the pool and success in competition), the club ensures availability of the SNSW swimming pathway to elite and competitive swimmers
The content of each session and overall program for each level is led by the coaches, with the goal of achieving the performance outcomes listed in 3. below.
2.5 Cost and fundraising
Naturally, some of these program activities will be more costly than others – swimmers who are early and more matured along their swimming pathway will require more support and resources.
For this reason, budget decisions will be made on a ‘community’ basis, where the program will as a whole will be operated on a sustainable basis, even though elements of it may be operated at a loss.
This is justified, as all swimmers in the community have the opportunity to progress from the earliest to most advanced level, subject to their effort and talent. If the program did not offer the complete range of services and a pathway from LTS to elite, community members may elect to train elsewhere.
The various programs will be funded by fees charged to swimmers, fundraising and sponsorship. The intent is for fees to cover the majority of costs so that the program is not reliant on successful fundraising.
The exception to the community funding model is Adult squads and off site winter training. For this element the greater of actual costs or a fair market rate shall be borne by the participating swimmers.
When undertaken, fundraising events will have multiple aims, varied from time to time as the committee sees fit:
1. community awareness (K-2 fun nights etc)
2. promotion of membership (K-2 fun nights etc)
3. enjoyment of swimming (K-2 fun nights, Aquathlon, Lindfield Laps)
4. targeted events to fund infrastructure improvements.
2.6 Operation
The main day to day tasks for the program and therefore expenditure will be:
1. Pool maintenance
2. Teaching and administration
For these purposes, the program has engaged the services of professional coaches (Larissa and Oleg) and an administrator (Michele) who will oversee the program and operate the pool on a day to day basis, to achieve the objectives of the program.
The budget for maintenance, teaching and administration is set by the Committee.
3. END STATE
The measure of performance of the program shall be:
1) Swimming:
a) As far as practicable, all children in the school community have the opportunity to learn to swim in our program
all K-2 swimmers can compete safely and confidently in an event at the school carnival
b) All 3-6 swimmers can compete skilfully in an event at the school carnival
c) LPS school team to win at zone
d) Most LPS relay teams win at zone and Area.
e) Most LPS relay teams to make finals at State
f) 10-20 swimmers qualifying for State Age Championships (including in relays)
g) A number of swimmers competing at PSSA State championships
h) Our elite swimmers to be finalists at State Age and PSSA state championships
i) Senior Elite Swimmers (12 year old and over) qualify for Australian State Age Championships and our 11/U elite swimmers are on a path to achieve that goal
j) No 12/U swimmer will need to leave the program to fulfil their swimming potential.
2) Financial:
a) The program has a conservative contingency for foreseeable events in any year
b) In any year, the program operates on a not for profit basis, providing the abovementioned opportunities to the ‘community’ of swimmers