Co-Curricular - Junior Sport Stage 3

As we hit Week 5 of the term (I know, time flies when you’re having fun!), we near the end of the Summer sport season. With only two rounds to go for the year, I wish all our teams all the best. May the final two rounds of sport be your best of the year. May all the pieces fall into place and hopefully we all end on our best performances.

The unfortunate side of sport administration roles is that you often hear the disappointing side of events, and they are the ones that are quickly brought to your attention. So, it is refreshing to hear of the positives and success that our teams have. One such positive moment was brought to my attention with our Tennis teams. Over the past few weekends our tennis teams have played schools that, for one reason or another, have had students leave at the moment their games have ended, leaving the St Patrick’s team basically alone on the courts. Our boys have, on each occasion, remained together and stayed until the end. Last weekend, when only the opposition coach and one player were left, our boys were there to cheer on that final player. This is the epitome of team cohesion and good sportsmanship. The boys in Junior School Tennis are a beacon to us all about the true value of sport. Well done boys.

Recently, Andy Zhang of 5 Gold competed in the 2025 Australian School Championships for Judo. Andy performed well and after a number of bouts secured first place in the Under 11 Boys Division. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Andy’s hard work, dedication, and passion for his sport. Well done, Andy, I know the whole College community is proud of your efforts.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of boys that have been collected from training late of an afternoon. In some cases, boys have been left at school for 45 minutes to an hour after their training session has ended. This poses a number of issues, mainly around the safety of the boys. It is expected that boys be collected within 10 minutes of their scheduled training finish. It is unsafe for boys to be left waiting at Kiss and Drop,or the Merley Road side of the College, and unfair on the staff that are compelled to stay with the boys and make sure that they get home safely. I appreciate the challenges with juggling family commitments; however, the boys’ safety is paramount.

This Friday the Junior School will head out to Birrong Pool for the Annual House Swimming Carnival. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Please be aware that there is a small entry fee for spectators, around $4.90. If you have not been on to the TASS Parent Lounge to confirm medical details and give permission for your son’s attendance, could you please do so promptly. I look forward to an exciting day.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”                                                                                                                                    Michael Jordan

John Locke

Head of Stage 3 Co-curricular