“Today is a day that we spun that thread that binds us all, a thread of gold and blue. But today, we stitched our way into history and firmly spun a very strong, unbreakable and durable thread of GOLD!!!” C Lloyd

The history making win of the First VIII competing in The Fearless Girl (aka The Ferg) coupled with the win also by the Second VIII competing in the St Catherine’s 120 (aka The Scotty), at the Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta (HOSG) in Geelong has given rise to a week of celebration.

As the events of the Regatta unfolded across the weekend and news travelled that The Scotty and The Ferg had blitzed their heats and semi-finals, the St Catherine’s community of past rowers, and their parents, were drawn to the Barwon River for the pinnacle race at 4.12pm on Sunday. As I stood somewhat anxiously by the river during the afternoon, I proudly realised in the crowd (and watching on the live stream across the globe) that there was a sea of pale blue – the St Catherine’s community had emerged in a wave of support for our crews. Their presence was one of excitement, anticipation and visibly spoke of the unity of the St Catherine’s community.

Teachers, Old Girls, parents – past and current have all reached out to the School to express their congratulations on this history making feat. In the 33 years of rowing at St Catherine’s, there have been eight silver medals and in 2021, finally the gold in the Blue-Ribbon event of the Senior First VIII. Wonderful to achieve this in our 125^th celebratory year.

“I just wanted to say, I watched the rowing finals and it was very emotional for me to see those girls that I have known since they were very young, rowing their hearts out to take home the Gold. After the 2020 year they had and their sheer resolve to continue to train and dig in to their goal for 2021 it is quite simply inspiring. I am so unbelievably happy for all the girls and their coaches. It is such a testament to the whole St Catherine’s community that we continue to show such phenomenal strength and utter commitment to our purpose.

Today is a day that we should all rejoice in the grit and courage of our girls. I am so very proud of them all!!

Today is a day that we spun that thread that binds us all, a thread of gold and blue. But today we stitched our way into history and firmly spun a very strong, unbreakable and durable thread of GOLD!!!” Ms Lloyd, Head of English

On behalf of the School, I congratulate the crews on this fine achievement, worthy of our applause with a season that will long be remembered for enduring months of pre-season ergo training beamed into lounge rooms on MS Teams across the COVID Winter of 2020. Never before has the training been so visible to parents and family members, with the girls drawing on their support to persevere with grit and determination in hope of a season that would bring much joy.

The celebratory news has travelled to the home of Past Principal, Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM who phoned me this week to regale her 1986 story when she “bought a boat”. At the time, the Headmaster of a competing (co-educational) regional school phoned Miss Pizzey and admonished her purchase, explaining he would now need to buy a boat for the girls. He had been happy for the girls to row in the boys’ boats! An inspiring act by Miss Pizzey, leading the way for girls’ sport in Melbourne and giving rise to generations of young women rowing in St Catherine’s zooties!