We'd like to update you on how recent weather conditions have affected our Friday afternoon sport program.
As you may know, many decisions regarding interschool sport are beyond our control. The Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) determines whether council fields are open or closed, and this information is not updated until 8:30 AM on Fridays. Additionally, individual sports clubs using these fields may choose to close them, even if the GCCC has declared them open.
Our school participates in an interschool sport program involving over 10 other schools, both public and private. This means decisions about cancellations are made collectively. Each week, the Interschool District Sport Group 3 sports coordinators (from different schools) and a school principal make the final call regarding interschool sport on the Friday
Sport Fees and Cancellations
When calculating fees for interschool sport (including tennis), we factor in the likelihood of a few cancellations each term. In fact, we operate at a loss.
To avoid bus cancellation fees, sport must be cancelled by 11:00 AM on Thursday. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, the interschool sport committee is cautious about cancelling too early. If we cancel after 11:00 AM Thursday, we are charged a percentage of the bus cost. If we cancel by 10:00 AM Friday, we may be charged the full cost. Therefore, although sport may be cancelled costs are still being incurred.
Changes to the Sport Season as determined by our Interschool District Sport Group
The district sport group has decided due to ongoing disruptions this year—including weather, field availability (as determined by the GCCC), and other sporting events—the Term 2 and Term 3 sport seasons will be combined. Students will continue playing the sport they are currently enrolled in.
This decision was made because:
- Term 2 has been significantly impacted.
- Term 3 was originally scheduled for only 5 weeks.
We understand this may not be ideal for everyone, but it allows us to provide the best possible experience for students and value for families, as we will aim to have the students playing as many weeks as possible as long as fields are open and there is availability in the sporting calendar.
Please rest assured that when sport is cancelled, teachers still aim to provide games and physical activities on Fridays—weather and oval conditions permitting.