Year 8 student, Emma Hoban practising her soccer skills

Throughout Term 3, the students of St Catherine’s took up the challenge to remain active, despite the barriers posed by the current restrictions. The Sports Department got creative and worked to provide opportunities for the students to participate in the new world of sport online. In an effort to facilitate connections amongst students and between students and coaches, all sporting activities were conducted in real time via MS Teams. The synchronous nature of this method of delivery allowed participants to receive instruction and feedback from their coaches, and to participate with their peers.

Our GSV weekly sports of Soccer and Badminton moved to online, skill-based sessions. With over 40 girls involved in these sessions each week, great development was seen in the footwork and skills of each participant. Year 11 student Lucy Campbell says that the online Badminton sessions “Have been a great way to keep active. They helped me to build up my skills and I can’t wait to get back into GSV sport.” We are certainly looking forward to seeing the benefits of this hard work when the girls re-join the baddy courts and soccer pitch.

Year 11 students, Francesca Demetriou and Anouk Heidenreich enjoying a run group session together

Through our online Run Group sessions, Mr Debernardi and Ms Hobson maintained the outstanding running culture that has been an integral part of sport at St Catherine’s. Twice a week, students joined their coaches to receive instructions for the session, before enjoying the opportunity to get off the screen and out in the fresh air. Year 11 student Francesca Demetriou commented, “I love the variation of the sessions and I find I am always looking forward to it through the week. Being interactive and in the normal times that we would have Track & Field training meant it kept me accountable.” Our 2020 Track & Field Captain Isabella McDonald added, “The girls all came together to keep our spirits high. I really enjoyed being able to continue to train and maintain my fitness whilst still feeling part of a team. The coaches put together a fabulous set of training sessions which ensured that we had the variety to keep us motivated.”

Year 10 student, Olivia Nigido-Scott completing a run group session

Our Rowing team has started their campaign for the 2020/2021 season, with the girls hungry to build on their outstanding previous season. Led by Head of Rowing Ms Brigette Carlile and First VIII coach Mr John Saunders, the students have replaced on-water sessions with online ergos, strength and conditioning, as well as weekend recovery sessions. While the girls are looking forward to getting back into the boat, the online platform has allowed rowers from across year levels to train simultaneously. Undoubtedly, the younger rowers have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from our senior crews.

Year 10 student, Sarah Marriott completing a rowing ergo session

The Sports Department is incredibly proud of the resilience and determination shown by the St Catherine’s students through their efforts to remain active. Looking ahead to Term 4, we are hoping for a return to participation in sport at School. More specific information regarding Term 4 sport 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.