Swim carnival cancelled

Bellbrae axes trials due to costs and other activities

A SURF Coast primary school has cited increasing pool and bus-hire costs in its decision to cancel its annual swimming carnival.

Bellbrae Primary School’s recent newsletter said students hoping to qualify for next year’s Bellarine division swimming carnival would instead need to be timed by a Bellbrae staff member in December at Kardinia Pool.

“Parents will be required to arrange transport to and from the pool on the day,” it said. “Any student that does not attend the timed trials will not be considered for the division swimming event in 2020.”

Bellbrae Primary School principal Christian Smith told the Addy the school was testing a new swimming trials format for students looking to qualify for the Bellarine Division Swimming Carnival for 2020.

“Due to the large number of other extra-curricular activities planned for December and the associated pool and bus hiring costs, we have decided not to hold the carnival this year,” Mr Smith said.

“We understand parents may be disappointed with this decision; however, we are continuing to offer a vast range of extra-curricular PE and sporting programs, including our Bluearth, intensive swimming programs, aquatics survivor and gymnastics programs.”

It is understood the school will review the new swimming trials format in 2020.

Bellbrae Primary School's student population has boomed in recent years.

According to My School data, it has 511 students enrolled in 2018, up from 369 five years prior in 2013.

The school’s ‘index of community socio-educational advantage’ value is 1091, figures on the My School website says. The average value is 1000. The score measures socioeducational advantage of students, and takes into accounts factors including parents’ educations and occupations.