On Tuesday the 17th of September, seven Year 7-8 students competed against other schools in the district at the Annual Police Competency Simulation Test at Balclutha's Cross Recreation Centre. The PCT is an event run annually with teams of intermediate age students taking part in a variety of mental and physical challenges. The fitness test is what future police recruits tackle solo in under 3 minutes as part of their entry to the NZ Police College. The frontline police crew redo it every 2 years to stay sharp. 

The students were split into 4-person squads, all excited and eager to win the Lis Bartlett Trophy under the supervision of Mrs Bichan. Graham Twaddle, Ruby Watt, Isla Brookland and Bailey Powell teamed up and Jacquelyn Barrett, Jesse Powell, and Khloe Dawkins worked together as our second team entered. Teamwork was an essential skill, helping them smash challenges such as trailer-pushing, wall-climbing, zigzag sprints, balancing on beams and lugging a heavy 'body bag'. The event was supervised by the police, making sure things were all in check.

A commendable effort to both of our teams as being first up to start a competition is never easy. Congratulations to Catlins One who placed 8th out of 13 teams in the Lis Bartlett Memorial Round. Catlins One placed 10th overall and Catlins Challengers placed 18th out of the 32 teams in total. Huge thanks to the local police staff and Police P.E. Instructor Sean Richardson for organising and running this event, as it is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience.