St Catherine’s Sports Program started the year in excellent fashion, with some of our highest participation rates in recent times, and high levels of success seen across several sports. While our students didn’t have the opportunity to finish off their seasons as planned, we congratulate them on the hard work, determination and passion they displayed in their sporting pursuits. There were many highlights and achievements throughout Term 1 including:

Rowing:

Junior and Intermediate Highlights:

• All intermediate crews finished in the Top 8 and five out of eight junior crews qualified for A Finals (Top 4) at the State Championship Regatta. This saw a return of two bronze, one silver and two gold medals,

Senior Highlights:

• St Catherine’s won the Division 1 and 2 School Girl Coxed Eight races at the Australian Henley Regatta. This was accompanied by a second place in the School Girl Coxed Four.
• All three senior squads won their respective races at the Victorian State Championships Regatta. A feat not previously achieved by St Catherine’s and one that saw our senior rowers achieve the status of best in the state!

GSV Carnival Sport:

Swimming

Great numbers attended GSV Swimming training sessions throughout the term, where they honed their swimming fitness and racing skills. The team finished 5^th in their Preliminary Carnival and progressed to the Division Two Championship Carnival which unfortunately did not go ahead.

Diving

The St Catherine’s team finished 3^rd in their Preliminary Carnival, including a 1^st place finish in the Junior Division. This saw the team also progress to the Division Two Championship Carnival. A special mention must go to Year 7 student Audrey Doan who won the A Grade competition.

GSVWeekly Sport:

Tennis

Approximately 60 Year 7 and 8 students, 45 Year 9 and 10 students, and 35 Year 11 and 12 students participated in GSV Tennis. Thanks to the fantastic coaching provided by the Victorian Tennis Academy, all students involved saw development in their skills and match play. The Inter B Team finished undefeated and atop their ladder, while the Junior A and C Teams finished equal first in their respective zones.

Softball

In their second year working with our much loved Softball Coach, Tony (Coach T) Black, the softball program had its most successful season in years. The Junior A Team finished undefeated and atop their ladder, while the Junior B Team dropped only one game to finish second. After a brilliant start to their season, the Inter A Team were excited for a top-of-the-table clash against Ruyton to decide the winner of their zone. Unfortunately, this did not go ahead. Our softballers are looking forward to the chance to reach their full potential next year!

Engagement Sports:

Triathlon

28 students competed in the GSV Triathlon (10 as individuals, 18 as part of a team). Overall, St Catherine’s finished 8^th out of the 24 GSV Schools; a fantastic achievement. Sarah Marriott is congratulated on her second place finish in the Intermediate Long Course Event.

Girlsail

We congratulate Kate Oxley (Year 9) and Rhea Werner (Year 8), who competed in Division 2 of the Girlsail Event at Davey’s Bay Yacht Club.

Thank you to all teachers and coaches who have been part of the Program throughout Term 1. During the upcoming break, I encourage all students to remain active. The Sport and Physical Education departments have created a portal page with links and videos of activities that can be done with minimal equipment at home. Our Head of Athletics, Mr Aidan Debernardi, has also created a running program which is available to all students. These can be found on the Sports Homepage.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are looking for further ideas to stay active during this time. With regards to Term 2 Sport, more information will be provided as the situation evolves. I have no doubt that the resilience of the St Catherine’s community will ensure we continue to excel in sport.