Liz’s cornerKia ora and welcome to the Term 2 2026 addition of our newsletter! 🌊 🍂🏊♀️ WELCOME BACK TO TERM 2! 🏊♂️🍂 We’re so excited to welcome all our swimmers and families back for another great term in the pool! 💙 As we head into the cooler winter months, there’s no better time to keep up the momentum and continue building those important swimming skills. Consistency is key, and Term 2 is a fantastic opportunity for swimmers to grow in confidence, strength, and technique. Our pools are warm, our team is ready, and we can’t wait to see everyone back doing what they do best – learning, improving, and having fun in the water! 🌊✨ Let’s make this a strong and successful term together! Cheers, |
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Getting to know……..Wendy Karl – Reception Manager and Senior Swim Instructor
I started to teach swimming in 2003 in Perth, Western Australia. I have been teaching at Liz van Welie Aquatics since 2013 and some children I have taught have now become instructors making me feel like I have been teaching a long time! I have always had a love for the water as a young child and love to be able to share this with teaching babies, children and adults learning how to swim for the first time or refining their technique. To be a part of the individual learning journey and seeing a new skill being learnt and know they have mastered it with pride is pretty special. Being an instructor I enjoy passing on the knowledge of how to swim, however it is much more than that for me. I see skills develop and self confidence grow and the “I did it” to hear they are happy to come back to lessons the next week. To learn about themselves and see them grow and move up through the levels with a love and passion for the water. I think I can relate and have empathy to allow my swimmers to know they can trust me and I can show them the love of water, learning new skills whilst staying safe. When a new skill is practiced and mastered I would like to think I get as much satisfaction as the swimmer does. |
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Making a Splash: Swim Success StoryA big shoutout to Graysun Martin-Pratt
Graysun has been part of the Liz van Welie Aquatics family since 2020, and it has been incredible to watch his journey as he has worked his way through the levels and into our Drysdale Squad. From the very beginning, Graysun has shown a true passion for the water. Along the way, our teachers and coaches have built strong, supportive relationships with him, taking the time to understand and work alongside him – helping him grow not only as a swimmer, but as an individual. A big part of Graysun’s journey has been the unwavering support of his Nan, Christine, who brings him to every lesson and proudly watches his progress each week. 💙 Christine shared: Graysun, your dedication, determination, and love for swimming truly shine through. You have shown incredible grit to reach this level, and we are so proud of everything you have achieved. Ka pai, Graysun — this is just the beginning! If you have a story you would love us to share please contact us via email. |
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Club Corner🏆 Congratulations to LVW Swim Club – Winner of Top Club at Division II 2026! 🌊🎉
We are thrilled to announce that the Liz van Welie Aquatics Swim Club has won Top Club at Division II in Dunedin. We experienced a phenomenal weekend of racing, achieving remarkable personal bests and impressive placings. Claiming the Top Club in New Zealand title was the ultimate triumph, a testament to our outstanding teamwork and dedication. This prestigious award recognizes our cumulative excellence. Huge appreciation to Coach Tai and managers Trudy and Bex for their exceptional leadership and care. New Zealand Age Group ChampsIn April we took a team of 14 swimmers to NZ Age Group Champs in Napier where we finished 11th Club in New Zealand. This was our highest ever club finish. Mackenzie Jury got two bronze medals (400 IM + 200 IM), Levi Dixon got his first ever national medal in the 200 Back (bronze), and Fletcher got multiple medals (4Bronze, 1Silver, 1Gold) including taking the national title in the 200 Free. Our junior boys team of Fletcher, Lucas, Flynn, and Levi also got a bronze in the 4×100 Free relay! |
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Teach with Purpose: Welcome to the team
Welcome to the Liz van Welie Aquatics Team with our new Learn to swim teachers for Term 2. Left to Right above: Aliyah, Sophie, Hayley and Hannah. |
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Adult Fitness
Keen to stay active this Autumn? If you’ve set yourself some fitness goals but need a bit of a nudge (or a splash), we’ve got just the thing! We run Adult Fitness sessions that are fully coached and tailored just for you – no matter your level. Prefer to do your own thing? We’ve got casual swim options too, so you can cruise at your own pace. Check out our Adult swim options It’s never too late to learn how to swim. We also offer Private Adult Learn to Swim lessons to start your swimming journey into a fantastic life skill. |
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Baby Corner
🍂💙 Why Autumn is the BEST Time for Baby Swimming 💙🍂 Autumn is the perfect season to start your baby’s swimming journey and set them up for summer ☀️ At Liz van Welie Aquatics, we’ve created a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for you and your baby. With underfloor heating, heated pools, family changing rooms, and a space for little ones to play, everything is designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. Even on those rainy, chilly days, you’ll find a cosy place to connect, learn, and enjoy special moments together 💕 Regular swimming helps babies stay active, adapt to different environments, and continue developing important life skills. Taking long breaks can often set progress back – so Autumn and Winter are the perfect time to keep that confidence growing. And perhaps most importantly, these lessons are a beautiful opportunity for one-on-one bonding time between you and your baby – something truly special when outdoor options are limited. 🍂 Autumn Tips for Parents: To book your free trial or more information please contact us via email. |
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| Did you know…….
Swimming lessons build more than just swimming skills! Regular swimming lessons help children develop focus, listening and confidence – all while having fun in the water In the pool, children learn to: These little moments of concentration add up, helping children grow their attention, understanding and self-confidence both in and out of the water With calm, structured lessons, swimming supports children to listen, respond and progress at their own pace – all while feeling safe, supported and having a splash-tastic time! |
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Teacher of the term
A huge congratulations to Shay, our Teacher of the Term for Term 1!She was selected based on glowing feedback from our swim families and thoughtful input from our supervisor team. This recognition is a true honor and reflects her outstanding dedication and passion for teaching.Shay consistently demonstrates the qualities we value most in our instructors:
Thank you Shay for making a real difference in the water and beyond – and thank you to our wonderful customers for your feedback! |
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Important DatesWeek 5 18th May – Parent teacher interview week |
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Listen to simple instructions
Wait their turn
Focus on one skill at a time
