John XXIII Rowing Club 

Dear Families

We’ve had a terrific start to the 2024 season with several noteworthy highlights. Our girls' team have been on fire, setting record points in consecutive IGSSA regattas. They scored an incredible 115 points in Regatta 2 and an even more impressive 134 points in Regatta 3. This momentum carried them to a College-best total of 466 points at the Head of the River regatta, surpassing the previous record of 383 points set in 2023. Additionally, our Senior Girls Eight crew earned a spot in the Head of the River race for the first time in 21 years—a proud moment for both the Club and College. Promoted from the Senior (3rd) Eights race to the 1st VIII after recording competitive times, they have truly showcased their dedication and skill.

Our boys' team has also demonstrated remarkable achievements, securing 12 podium finishes in All Schools Regatta 1 and 13 podium finishes in All Schools Regatta 2, including four wins across these regattas. They are building momentum as they prepare for the All Schools State Championships on 10 August. We are confident they will continue their impressive performance and bring home more victories.

A special shoutout to everyone who made the most of the opportunity to row during the optional sessions held over the holidays. Looking ahead, our Years 8/9 rowing program kicks off in Week 5, offering a fantastic introduction to competitive rowing. There are still places available in this program. All students registered will have the opportunity to participate in the House Regatta at Canning Bridge on Saturday 7 September and will be invited to the Rowing Presentation Night. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Saturday 20th July – RWA Pennant Regatta 1 (Boys)

On Saturday morning, there is a bus leaving from the school bus shelter at 6:00am taking the rowers to the regatta at Champion Lakes; please be at the bus shelter at 5:55am. Those who are not catching the bus will need to be at Champion Lakes by 7:00am for a quick briefing before we rig the boats.

Please bring:

• JTC racing zoot suit
• Wet weather gear
• College PE tracksuit
• Water bottle
• College sports bag
• JTC Rowing/College hat
• Socks
• Healthy snacks (e.g. fruit, muesli bars)
• Towel
• Any personal items you may need, such as medication, inhalers, or EpiPens.

All rowers are required to help with pack-up after the regatta, however, those who have let me (and their coaches) know they are attending other commitments after the regatta you are welcome to leave at the pre-arranged time.

The bus will leave Champion Lakes at 1:45pm for the JTC Boatshed at Canning Bridge for boat unloading. It is important that all rowers attend, with many hands making light and efficient work. Rowers will be available for collection from the Rowing shed at 3:30pm.

Years 8/9 Rowing Program Registrations Now Open

We are excited to announce that we now have places available for Year 9 students to join the Year 8/9 Rowing Program at John XXIII. Whether you're in Year 8 or Year 9, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in rowing and develop your skills on the water. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting program!

Program Details:

• Dates: Every Monday and Thursday, starting from Week 5, Monday 12 August and concluding in Week 9 on Wednesday 12 September.
• Session Times: The program will be comprised of two groups of 25 students, with alternating land sessions held at the College Gym from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, and water sessions at the John XXIII Boat shed at Canning Bridge from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
• Transportation: A dedicated bus service will be provided, departing from the College at 3:30pm and returning at approximately 6:00pm.
• Enrolment Procedure: The 50 places in the program will be filled on a 'first in' basis. To secure your child's spot, please use the link provided below to register their interest in the Year 8 Rowing Program by Friday 28 June. 
• This program is always in high demand, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
• Program Cost: The total cost of the Year 8 Rowing Program is $250 per student. This fee covers the expenses related to transportation, coaching, and equipment required for the sessions. 
• We believe this program provides an exceptional opportunity for your child to develop their rowing skills and foster a love for the sport.
• Weather Contingency: In the event of inclement weather, please note that a session may need to be cancelled. Rest assured that we will promptly notify parents and guardians about any schedule changes to ensure the safety of our students.

Registration Deadline and Group Lists:  We will release the group lists for the program on Friday 2 August. If, unfortunately, your child misses out on securing a place in this year's program, we encourage them to try out for the rowing team in Year 9.

Year 7 Learn to Row Program Registrations Now Open

We are thrilled to announce that registrations for the Year 7 Learn to Row Program at John XXIII are officially open! 

Program Availability: We have 25 places available for each session day. This program is always in high demand, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.

Program Details:

• Dates: The program will run during Term 4 every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, starting from Week 3 (Monday 21 October) and concluding in Week 7 on Thursday 21 November.
• Session Times: All water sessions will take place at the John XXIII Boatshed at Canning Bridge from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
• Transportation: We will provide a dedicated bus service departing from the College at 3:30pm and returning at approximately 6:00pm.
• Enrolment Procedure: To secure your child's spot in this program, please use the link provided below to register their interest in the Year 7 Learn to Row Program by Friday 6 September.
• Registration Link: Year 7 Learn to Row Registration 
• Program Cost: The Year 7 Learn to Row Program is completely free for those who wish to explore and try out the sport.
• Weather Contingency: In the event of inclement weather, please note that a session may need to be cancelled. Rest assured that we will promptly notify parents and guardians about any schedule changes to ensure the safety of our students.
• Registration Deadline and Group Lists: The registration deadline for the Year 7 Learn to Row Program is Friday, 6 September. Group lists will be released on Monday 16 September. If your child misses securing a place in this year's program, we encourage them to consider the Year 8 Rowing program in 2025.

We strongly believe that participation in rowing provides students with valuable life skills, team camaraderie, and physical fitness. Our coaching staff is dedicated to nurturing each participant's potential and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are excited to offer this opportunity to your child, and we look forward to another fantastic year of rowing.

Rowing training tops on sale

We have a limited number of blue training tops for sale in the Uniform Shop. Prices are as follows:

• Short-sleeved training tops: $15 each
• Long-sleeved training tops: $20 each

Rowers are able to wear their training tops to land training as an alternative to their school sports polo, so they are a great option to cut down on the weekly washing! They are also great under the zootsuits on the colder mornings. All proceeds from the sales of the tops will go directly to the club as a fundraiser, so even more reason to purchase one…or two.

JTC Rowing Club and Tommy Sugo 

John XXIII Rowing Club is raising funds to assist with the purchase and repair costs of rowing equipment.

Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey while supporting our beloved Rowing Club? Look no further because Tommy Sugo's gourmet pasta range is here to satisfy your cravings and help our Club thrive. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to savour delectable meals, while supporting our Rowing Club. Click the link below to explore the mouthwatering options and place your order today!

Term 3 Rowing Training Schedule

Buses

• Pick up: 5:05am at JTC Bus shelter
• Return: 7:30am from Boatshed

Key Rowing Events 2024

*Please note: the girls will compete in only the IGSSA season, except for those invited to join the All Schools Championship campaign. 

2024 will see this as a Saturday Regatta, and more information will be distributed in the next fortnight.

Stack Team App

Please download the ‘Stack Team App’ on your phone as this is the central place for training schedules, training updates, and access to the rowing handbook to name a few. It is important that all rowers and parents have access.

To get this app go to the App Store or Google Play and download Stack Team App onto your mobile device, then follow these simple steps:

1.  Sign-up to Stack Team App. You’ll be sent an email to confirm your registration.
2.  Log-in and search for JTCRC, then request to become a member.

Asthma and Allergies

A reminder that all rowers with asthma or allergies are required to bring their asthma puffers, EpiPens or medication needed to all sessions.

Rowing Handbook

You can access the Club's Rowing Handbook below.

Jerram Gibson

John XXIII Rowing Coordinator