Dear parents,
Classes are now in great demand at Howell’s following the final closure of Sophia gardens swimming pool, and the temporary closure of Ely leisure and Fitzallan swimming pools. Therfore it would be wise to pay for your childs course next week to ensure their places are booked for the next 10 week course which starts on May 26th 2008.
Charges remain the same at £35 .00 per child for 3/4 hour lessons and awards at £2.00 per certificate and badge. Please let your coach know at the end of the course if you wish to have an award. We keep records of all skills achieved and you can also purchase record cards for your own use from the ASA.
Im pleased to see that both parents and children enjoy our sessions and we look forward to seeing you all again on the next course.
Kind Regards
Jean
Chief cook and bottle washer! 
Swimmng classes are now filling up. Spring and its promise of warmer weather, prompts sensible parents to think about booking their childen on a learn to swim course in readiness for summer holidays- all of which are mainly centered around water where the fear of your child drowning is ever present!
Our courses are designed to teach survival in water- treading water, sculling and techniques in swimming stroke improvement are some: in addition, new to all classes, a short introduction to basic land- based rescues and the teaching of water safety will be in-coporated into all ability levels, including beginners. Rope throws, lifebelts and reaching aids will be introduced together with basic resuscitation.
These will be fun based and will take place on the last 8-10 minutes of the class in place of “free time” Parents will be invited to participate in these land based rescue skills - if they wish.
I am pleased to welcome Gloria Dunn as our new level 2 teacher and who has taken over Helen’s class (group 2) beginner /Improver.
It is possible that a teachers will leave and we try our hardest not to spoil the continuity of teaching by keeping the same teacher throughout the groupings; You will note that we have been very successful over the years in that aspect.
There are some spaces in the beginner group at 11.00-11.45 Please contact me at 20 253784 if you wish to book, alternatively, pop into the pool on any Saturday.
If you have any problems you wish to discuss on any aspects of our club in confidence or otherwise, please do not hesitate to see me. I need feed back as our aim is to make the lessons enjoyable interesting and educational.
It is very important that you inform us of any illness your child may suffer in order that we can respond in the most suitable way necessary should a problem occur.
All water dragon s/c staff are fully qualified in lifesaving rescue, resuscitation and first aid.
Please note that Howels school will close the pool to our club on Saturday 21 March 2008, but we will resume at the normal time slot therafter.
My thanks to all members for paying for their children’s swimming course on time, it is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Jean.
Happy New Year to all.
I do hope your Christmas celebrations went well!
We start back on January 12th 2008. There are four weeks remaining to complete the November 10 week swimming course, and this will take us to February 2nd 2008. There are awards to be given out on that date but only if they have been ordered. Please see Eileen or myself by the 19th January to order and pay for the certificate and badge.
News just in. Helen Our Level 2/3 coach will not be returning to teach at the club, she will be needing more time at home as she is expecting her first baby in July. We are very sorry to lose her and will miss her dedication and expertise. Helen is also sad to be leaving but I am sure you will share with me our best wishes to her and her coming happy event. Beverley, who is currently taking the beginner group, will take on Helens classes, and I for my sins, will be taking the beginner group.
The new ASA format for 2008 in teaching the skills of movement in water is now to be started in earnest by our club. This will involve the chidren in all aspects of movement in water Do not be surprised to see them practicing the skills of ball handling, for water polo practice, movement to music, water rescue, water safety practices, survival, resuscitation together with much more concentrated work on all stroke techniques. The theory behind the above practices is that it will help them understand how correct movement of hands, feet, and body position in water can hone the skills needed in all swimming strokes. In its turn this will hold the children in their groups for longer, or until the skills are well learned. In the past the tendancy has been to move them “up” too soon, and when they are moved into the more advanced classes they then find they are unable to attain the higher standard expected, often resulting in loss of confidence and self worth. This appears to be the reason why so may children with promise drop out. Variation is now the “go” word, which aims to make swimming classes more fun, and at the same time improves stamina and teaches a much higher level of understanding in all aspects of the sport. I will be bringing in the new ASA folder for anyone interested to look through on Jan 12th.
I look forward to another successful year at Howells’ pool and look forward to seeing all your little “cherubs” once again
Kind regards,
Jean