YMCA ST IVES June 2016

“YMCA St Ives” 4 Porters Ln St Ives 9449 5182

It is hard to believe that we have reached the middle of the year and, as usual, YMCA St Ives has been as busy as ever! Our Kindergym and Kinder Rec classes are full of kids learning new skills in a fun, safe environment, while our colours and stages students continue to develop into very capable gymnasts. Our levels gymnasts have also been very busy, performing very well in trial and competitions.

St Ives Gymnasts, Jessica Wye and Kathryn Ramsay have recently returned from a very successful Australian National Championships held in Melbourne from 23rd to 27th May 2016. Both gymnasts are members of the Competitive Gymnastics Program at YMCA St Ives in Porters Lane. “This was Jessie’s fourth Nationals and the third for Kathryn,” says YMCA St Ives head coach, Maegan Rose. “But what made this one extra special was that both girls will be representing NSW, in the level ten team, for the first time together”.

Kathryn, who has been doing gymnastics since she was 6 years old, won bronze in both the Vault and Floor events. And both Jessica and Kathryn scored consistently well in all events contributing to the overall third placing for the NSW team.

Over 400 gymnasts are currently enrolled in the YMCA St Ives’ Gymnastics program. This well established centre runs classes for all ages and capabilities. “Our Kindergym classes cater for 18 month to 5 year olds and is a great way to develop fundamental movement skills, while the recreational program focuses on teaching foundation gymnastics skills. Our Levels classes are for our competitive gymnasts and follows the National program as set by Gymnastics Australia”, says Adam Rose, the Gymnastics Manager.

“Success at the Nationals follows on from great performances at the Women’s Gymnastics Senior State Championships in April,” says Maegan. “Jessie placed 4th overall in this competition, while Kathryn placed third overall and was first on beam.”

“YMCA St Ives” 4 Porters Ln St Ives 9449 5182

YMCA St Ives gymnasts recently attended a Winter Wonderland Foundation Competition at YMCA Epping. Foundation competitions are specifically for YMCA gymnasts at the Colours level and are designed to offer participants a taste of competition in a fun environment. Our girls did very well – congratulations!

Chesney Baillie and Claire Watson recently represented YMCA St Ives at the Level 6 State Qualifier. This was Ches and Claire's first level 6 competition and both girls performed very well.

Julia Creighton-Jones and Ashleigh Kerry took part in the level 5 qualifier. This was their second level 5 competition and both gymnasts did themselves and YMCA St Ives proud.

Our Kindergym and Kinder Rec have welcomed some new members this term and everyone seems to be enjoying our fun themes. Below is a list of upcoming themes for term 3.

Disney: 4 – 10 July

Fitness Frenzy: 11 – 17 July

Animals: 18 – 24 July

Under the Sea: 25 – 31 July

Pirates: 1 – 7 August

Olympics: 8 – 14 August

Olympics: 15 – 21 August

Around the World: 22 – 28 August

On the Farm: 29 Aug – 4 September

Footy Fever: 5 – 11 September

Construction & Transport: 12 – 18 September

Circus: 19-25 September

“YMCA St Ives” 4 Porters Ln St Ives 9449 5182

Introducing Veronica De Rossi

Veronica is one of our fabulous colours and stages coaches. She is a keen gymnast herself and has been doing rhythmic gymnastics for 12 years! Veronica has competed in state and national championships in Australia, America and New Zealand! Her highest achievements include 2006 State Champion, and 2006 Runner Up National Champion. Veronica enjoys working with children and passing on the skills she has accumulated over the years. She is studying to be a primary school teacher and hopes to travel the world some day!

YMCA St Ives would like to welcome a new friendly face to the customer service team! This is Andrew Sommerich, our new Customer Service officer working alongside Alex. Andrew is a fourth year languages teaching student at The University of Sydney. In his spare time he loves to bake bread. He also speaks French and Spanish, and is learning Chinese. Bonjour, hola, néih hóum Andrew!

Congratulations to our colouring in competition winners Abigail Lenarduzzi, Cassie Tinyow, Cadence Goh, Amelia Bowman and Jasmine Brown. Don’t forget to get creative and enter our design your own leotard competition. Winners will be announced in term 3 and will receive a YMCA St Ives gymnastics t-shirt!