Summer Balla-Kellett and Emma Froomes competing in Virtual House Cross Country for Beaulieu Blair

With Covid-19 bringing a disruption to both our School Sports Program as well as community sport, St Catherine’s students have been challenged to explore new ways to engage in sport and physical activity.

While the team camaraderie and competitive nature of sport has certainly been missed, there have been positive outcomes for many students. Some have come to enjoy a new activity, such as yoga, running or cycling, others have used the opportunity to hone their skills in readiness for School and community sport returning, while additionally, there has been a remarkable increase in families connecting through physical activity.

Numerous students have surprised themselves with their ability to self-motivate and plan ways to engage in physical activity throughout the Learn@Home program. This is great practice for their post-school life.

Victorious Langely Templeton Captain Sophie Hogan and her pets, after running the Virtual House Cross Country

The Sports Department provided a number of programs and resources for students to access throughout Term 2 and we commend the girls for taking it upon themselves to remain active and engaged in sport. These included targeted skill and fitness based sessions for Netball, AFL, Hockey and Water Polo, as well as online rowing ergo sessions conducted by Head of Rowing, Miss Brigette Carlile.

Freya Cantwell competing in Virtual House Cross Country for Davis and uploading her run via Strava

In an effort to remain connected, we created the St Catherine’s Sport Club on the activity tracking application Strava. It was pleasing to see over 80 students sharing their achievements and virtually supporting each other through this platform. We also thank our Sport Captains, Thalia Barbayannis and Harriet Fortey who provided fitness challenges and weekly workout routines via their Instagram account STC_letsgetphysical; another great use of technology to foster connections.

Our Head of Athletics, Mr Aidan Debernardi provided weekly Cross-Country Running sessions in the lead up to the Virtual House and Virtual GSV Cross Country Competitions. The House Cross Country Competition was a highlight of the term with over 285 senior students undertaking a walk or run during their Blue Ribbon Spirit Time. Likewise, we had 48 students enter a time in the GSV Virtual Preliminary Competition. St Catherine’s was the only School of the 24 GSV members to have two students in the top ten of each division; a great achievement. It was fantastic to see the benefits of the training undertaken throughout the term when we welcomed back students from Years 7 to 12 to Run Group during the past two weeks.

Sisters Eliza, Ruby and Annie Seymour competing in Virtual House Cross Country for Holmes Kilbride

Looking ahead to Term 3, we are excitedly anticipating a return to participation in sport at School. The GSV Weekly Sports available are Badminton or Soccer, while the GSV Carnival Sport is Athletics (Track and Field). Weekly Strength and Conditioning Sessions and Swimming Fitness Sessions are also available, as well as the upcoming Snowsports events.

Of course, these activities are dependent on the regulations set by the Government, various sporting bodies and the School. More specific information regarding these programs, including protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of all participants will be provided in due course.

Over the holidays, we encourage students to continue to remain active and to connect with their peers and family through physical activity. A great way to do this will be the running program that Mr Debernardi will be providing in preparation for the Athletics season.