Monday saw students return, many in their smart new uniforms, but without twelve Year 11 students who were completing a rugged course in Outdoor recreation. This Certificate II course is run by Lithgow TAFE and contributes 2 units towards their Higher School Certificate.

Students reported that although the course was physically challenging, it was fun and very worthwhile.

Tuesday heralded a visit from Max Shepherd of Cricket NSW. Cricket NSW conducted clinic at all three local schools. Mr Shepherd ran a skills clinic for students at lunchtime and then spent the last hour of the school day with the Lachlan Cricket Cup team, fine tuning their skills for the following day.

Cricket continued to be on the school's mind Wednesday when the Lachlan Cricket Cup team defeated Condobolin in the final of the Junior Secondary Schools competition which was held over from last season.

This is the first time Canowindra has made the final in the history of the Lachlan Cricket Cup competition, so the team and Mr Bob Scott, their coach, are to be congratulated.

Success also followed the school's dance group at the Bathurst Eisteddfod on Wednesday when the girls were awarded a third and fourth place in competition. This was just reward for the efforts they have made throughout the year under the tutelage of Miss Krystal Eppelstun and Mrs Kath Balcombe.

More success came on Thursday when the school's Public Speaking Team travelled to Boorowa to compete in the Thirteenth Annual Public Speaking Competition.

Competition was very strong with around sixty competitors, one of whom was a national champion. A smiling Emily Furlong was loudly applauded when she went forward to receive her medal for fifth place in her category. Other speakers performed well including Cameron Bennett, Tracey Smith, Jessica Frecklington and Shaun Howlett.

Meanwhile the school's agriculture students also travelled to The Australian National Field Day on Thursday. Students were most impressed with what they saw, Year 9 boys commenting on the fencing innovations in particular. Seeing first hand the finalists in The Land Invention of the Year was an education in itself for the students.

This current week Year 10 students will sit their trial School Certificate tests, with the statewide tests taking place later in the term. Other Year groups will face the challenges of annual assessments and examinations later this term, as well as the annual Life Saving School coordinated by Mr Mark Edwards.

Social and cultural education will be the focus when Year 8 travel to the Warrumbungles and Year 10 to the brighter lights of Sydney for excursions later this term while the term will conclude with the annual Interest Electives with the fishing camp to Wyangla Dam always proving popular. Hopefully there will be enough water in which to catch a fish.