SSP NEWS

Soccer News:

While most students were relaxing over the holidays, 15 Western Heights College students were stepping onto the national stage. Selected to represent Victoria at the National Championships, our boys’ and girls’ U15 and U16 players didn’t just participate, they made a statement. Scoring goals, saving goals, or being decisive when the game was on the line, our students were seen to lead their teams, and this showed when each of their teams featured a Captain or a vice captain from our college. 

“It’s an unbelievable feeling as Head of the Soccer Program to see our students not only selected, but excelling at that level,” said an incredibly proud Joey Didulica. “This is what the program is all about. These players are setting the standard, and I have no doubt this won’t be the last time they catch the eye of Australian selectors. The challenge now is to keep building, to train harder, be humble, get better, and keep pushing the limits every single day. That applies to everyone in the program, players and coaches alike.”

Back on home soil, our senior boys delivered a phenomenal performance in the Victorian Premier League final, going toe-to-toe with Maribyrnong College in a gripping contest at the home of the Matildas. In a match that had everything, it was Maribyrnong who won 1–0 but the scoreline barely tells the story.

The intensity. The quality. The fight. Western Heights left everything out on the pitch.

While the result really hurts, it’s only added fuel to the fire. The belief is stronger, the hunger is real, and the mission is clear. We will win it next year! 

Netball News:

A huge welcome back to all term 2, a super exciting term where we head into match play focus preparing for upcoming Junior SSV competitions and start preparing and Intermediate and Senior Squads for their events that commence in Term 3.

Diamonds Addition!!! 

We would like to welcome Madi Browne former Australian Diamond, Liz Ellis International Player of the Year and current SSN Commentator who has been supporting our program in specialist sessions and educations classes bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. Welcome to Madi!!

In Education Madi has taken some cohorts through some match analysis of games from both an attacking and defensive perspective. Our senior and Intermediate group have progressed from match analysis to collating a Match Report summary and presenting, bringing together important information, key statistics, history and key moments. They all did a great job.

Fitness Testing has been completed and overall have had some significant improvements in results across the board in Aerobic Capacity, Speed, Power and General Strength which has been great to see and a credit to the hard work of students and guidance of Seth. 

Yr 7’s are showing some great potential. There were standout performances from Amelia McHenry 17.6 in the Yo-Yo, Maddison Dewsbury and Ruby Cook in strength testing in counter movement Jumps. Some positive indications that improve functioning that we now look to translate to on court performance.

Our Junior Cohort had a Practice Match against Christian College YR 7 & 8 teams which we saw some strong performances and great teamwork and sportsmanship from both schools continuing the partnership of playing friendly matches in the lead into SSV tournaments.

Staffing Key Contacts for the Specialist Sports Program;

SSP Leader

Renee Lane – SSP Leader Renee.Lane@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Management Team

Cate Johnson – Operations Manager Cate.Johnson@education.vic.gov.au

Nick Richardson – High Performance Manager Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Learning Community Leader

Paul Rogers Paul.Rogers@education.vic.gov.au

Please contact the appropriate staff / coaches at each of the Year Levels below if you have any concerns regarding your child’s athletic performance;

AFL Program:

Thomas Hunter (Yr 7-9): Thomas.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

Will Sexton (Yr 10-12): William.Sexton@education.vic.gov.au

For any student injury concerns, please contact Ryan Spoors: Ryan.Spoors@education.vic.gov.au

Coaching Team: Matthew Scarlett, Brad Ottens, Kate Darby, Brendan McCartney, Georgie Prespakis and Ryan Spoors 

Basketball Program:

Head Coach - Ashley Arnott: Ashley.Arnott@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Kaleb Sclater, David Herbert and Kris Blicavs: Kaleb.Sclater@education.vic.gov.au

Kris.Blicavs@education.vic.gov.au

David.Herbert@education.vic.gov.au

* The program will continue to be supported by players from Geelong United WNBL team, including Taylor Mole.

Netball Program:

Head Coach - Susan Meaney: Susan.Meaney@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Stacey Dodds and Ainsley Corrigan: Stacey.Dodds@education.vic.gov.au

Ainsley.Corrigan@education.vic.gov.au

For any student injury concerns, please contact Seth Tomlinson: Seth.Tomlinson@education.vic.gov.au

Soccer Program:

Head Coach - Joseph Didulica: Joseph.Didulica@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Sean Mahon and Dan Conte: Sean.Mahon@education.vic.gov.au

Daniel.Conte@education.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Victory Coaching Team: Peter Kofinas and Cassian Anghel.

For any student injury concerns, please contact Nick Richardson: Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

Please note: Any mainstream concerns are via the relevant Sub-School Leader or Learning Community Leader

Link to Purchase Sport Uniform

* For SSP and AAP students only

https://indigowolf.com.au/whcssp

Travel to and from SSP Training Venues Friendly Reminder:

Every child, regardless of their postcode is expected to travel with their class to and from practice venues, as a part of our Duty of Care. Students are not to arrive late or leave early from venues. In 2026, there will be no permanent ‘late’ arrivals or ‘early’ departures issued. It is expected that choosing WHC and the SSP, means you are committed to our 9am-3pm school hours – every day of the week. 

If, your child is required to leave early or arrive late (on the odd occasion), due to an appointment, please contact Anthe Petrovics our Attendance Officer via email to arrange this, so that it is visible on compass (for all staff). This is not to be arranged via Sport Coaches or Teachers.

Anthe Petrovics: Anthe.Petrovics@education.vic.gov.au