What a wonderful term of sporting experiences and achievements we have had! From swimming, to AFL gala days to cross country events, it certainly has been full of great opportunities for our students to showcase their skills. I am sure term 2 will again prove to be another busy term with all things sport. 

NSWCPS Swimming Sydney
It was a privilege it was to be able to watch 5 of our students swim at the Sydney Olympic Pool last Thursday. All of the students swam so well, representing both St Mary’s and The Canberra Goulburn Diocese proudly. It made the boys all very happy to know they had the support of their friends back at school as classes logged in to watch the live streamed events throughout the day. To reach this level of achievement is an outstanding effort. Congratulations boys!

Leo: ‘Last Thursday I went to Sydney to swim at the Olympic pool at the swimming championships. I swam in the junior relay and 11 years butterfly. There were lots of kids all swimming their best and I was a little nervous sometimes. In the relay, we placed fifth overall and that was pretty cool.’

Oliver: ‘It was a bit scary having so many people in the crowd watching us swim. It was pretty cool swimming at the Olympic pool and having my Mum and Dad watch me.’

Xavier: ‘Before swimming in the relay, I was very nervous because I had never been there before and I was swimming at the Olympic pool. It was really cool making  it all the way to Sydney with my friends.’

Spencer: ‘It was a great day but it was a very long day too because I was in one of the very last events for the day which was the IM race. The best thing was that I came first in my heat in the IM.’

Ky: ‘The best thing about swimming at Sydney was that I came 3rd in my heat in 50m Breastroke. I cut 3 seconds off my best in this event. I also beat my freestyle time by about 2 seconds too so I was very happy!’

Cross Country
We were lucky to have a sun shiny day for our school cross country back in week 8. There was lots of involvement and participation for the students, either in the fun run or the competitive 2 km and 3 km races. It was quite a warm day but the children all tried their very best and were determined to finish the long run - some in tutu’s even! A special thanks to the little team of staff helpers who assisted with the set up of tents and heavy lifting before and after carnival. We congratulate the following students who will make up the St Mary’s Cross Country team that will travel to Wolumla on Friday 28. Information regarding the Southern Region Team was sent out via COMPASS earlier this week. 

St Mary’s Cross Country Team.

8/9 Girls: Maya C, Indi C, Ashley H, Neiva P, Reign C, Emerson D
8/9 Boys: Xavier E, Patrick W, Beau McD, Hugo D, Alex S, Tane M
10 Girls: Madi C, Elka H, Mackenzie H, Abbie H, Brielle B, Charnaya T-K
10 Boys: Declan T, Spencer S, Dion P, Leo S, Sam H, Sam W
11 Girls: Felicity P, Ava B, Poppi E, Fiona S, Evie G, Lila W,
11 Boys: Mitchell W, Kobi P, Roarke C, Billy I, Ky N, Liam F
12 Girls: Betty D-B, Indi T, Grace R, Lilly M, India-Arie H
12 Boys: Xavier H, Darcy F, Jaxon E, Jake P, Cooper H, Noah D

If your child is unable to attend the SR Cross Country, please be in touch with me asap so that I can fill their spot in the team with the next runner in line. There is a mini bus booked with limited seats available if your child needs transportation, please be in touch if you will need assistance with this.

Soccer Trials
On Monday, Cooper C, Ky N, Darcy F and Betty D-B all travelled to Canberra to trial for the Canberra Goulburn Soccer teams. There were lots of students from across the diocese all vying for a spot on the team. Congratulations to all our soccer players for doing their very best and showing off your impressive skills.

Cooper C: ‘There were a lot of kids - 44 boys all trying to get into a team of 14. We did lots of skills and drills and some of the drills were fun, like the passing and interchange drill. I liked that one the best.’

Betty D-B: ‘The best thing about the soccer trials on Monday was that I made lots of new friends as I only knew one other person there. We did loads of drills and finished off with a small game with the girls.’

Ky N: ‘At soccer on Monday I met some new friends. The best part was being selected in the possible and probable teams to have a short game and then be picked for the final Canberra Goulburn team to play in May.’

Following the trials, Ky N, Darcy F and Betty D-B have been successful in gaining positions into the CG Soccer teams (boys and girls). Congratulations to all the boys and girls on your wonderful efforts.

Upcoming Dates:
Friday, 28 April: Southern Region Cross Country (the first Friday of Term 2).

Wednesday 3 May: NSW Netball Eurobodalla Cup, Broulee. Interested students (boys and girls) to see Mrs Grant to register. (Team selection trials may need to occur at school during lunchtimes for some teams if numbers are too big)

Thursday 11 May: Weyman Shield - Stage 3 Rugby League/League Tag Gala Day, Ack Weyman Oval (details TBC)

Monday 15 May: Canberra Goulburn Rugby Union Trials, Canberra. To register, please go to the CSNSW website. Year 5 and 6 students only who have played Rugby competitively.

Friday 19 May: CG Archdiocesan Cross Country: Mt Stromlo Canberra

Thank you to all parents and friends who have helped at the many sporting events over the course of the term. Your help and support is always invaluable.I am looking forward to all the exciting sporting events planned for Term 2.

Wishing all families and friends a safe, happy and Holy Easter break.

Megan Grant
Sports Coordinator