FROM limited numbers, Gravesend Public School has achieved an incredible sporting milestone by making the top eight teams in two sports at this week’s PSSA State Small Schools Knockout Competition in Sydney.
The tiny school has qualified for netball and touch football after winning preliminary games in both sports when competition started in June.
In netball, the Gravo kids beat Gilgai 8-5 and Boggabilla Central School 23-nil.
In the round of 16 earlier this month, the Gravo team beat Blakebrook Public School, 14-10 and on Thursday will play Rous Public School in the quarter-finals.
The semi-finals and final will be played the same day.
In netball, Gravo beat Gum Flat Public School 5-4 then won on forfeit against Toomelah Public School.
On Wednesday, they’ll play The Risk Public School in the quarter-finals, with the semi-finals and final the same day.
The children left for Sydney on Monday, and will spend time taking in the sights of the city, including trips to Taronga Park Zoo and Sydney Opera House.
Teacher Amber Barnett said the kids are excited about making it to the quarter-finals.
“At the beginning of 2024, students voted on the PSSA sports they would like to represent, and this year they picked two – netball and touch,” Amber said.
“Our principal, Mrs Todd, gave the nod, but little did any of us anticipate we would be in Sydney this week playing in the smalls schools PSSA state knockout for both sports, meaning we are in the top eight.”
Such is the size of Gravesend Public School, most of the kids are playing both codes.
“Our pool of kids is limited but doesn’t lack commitment and grunt, so 99 per cent of the kids are playing netball and touch football back-to-back, and are pumped for the challenge,” Amber smiled.
“This is an outstanding achievement for all of these kids, many of whom hadn’t thrown a touch ball at the beginning of the year.”
Preparation for the semi-finals has been a whole-of-community campaign, Amber said.
“There’s been a few David and Goliath matches against parents, Gwydir Shire Council staff, friends and teachers to give us game time as part of the preparation,” she said.
“The journey so far as we head to Sydney has been fun, and the kids look forward to representing the school and the Gravesend community on Wednesday (touch) and Thursday (netball).
“It has also meant balancing two training sessions with an already jam-packed list of opportunities at Gravo, but our players are prepared and ready to step up and give their best,” Amber said.
“The kids thank everyone who has helped along this journey, including everyone who supported our Gravesend Long Lunch. That has made this experience more affordable for families.”
