John XXIII Rowing Club
Dear Rowing Families
Congratulations to all of our rowers and their parents for a fantastic season. We celebrated all of our rowers and coaches at the Presentation Dinner on Saturday evening and thank you to all who were able to attend.
Year 7s had their third session this week and are loving seeing their progress.
Rowing Presentation Dinner
Thank you to all rowers and their parents who attended the Rowing Presentation Dinner on Saturday. We celebrated the season and recognised coaches, rowers and parents with some fantastic and entertaining speeches. Thanks also to the Parents Rowing Committee for their tireless support through the year. Our Award winners for 2026:
- Most Improved Year 9 Female Rower – Emily Zheng
- Best Year 9 Female Rower – Ciara Thornton
- Most Improved Year 9 Male Rower – Seth Ricciardo
- Best Year 9 Male Rower – Nick Davis
- Most Improved Year 10 Female Rower – Gabby Mattes
- Best Year 10 Female Rower – Izzy Ptolomey
- Most Improved Year 10 Male Rower – Archie Kain
- Best Year 10 Male Rower – Henry McGlue
- Most Improved Senior Female Rower – Liv Newcombe
- Best Senior Female Rower – Lily Lucas
- Most Improved Senior Male Rower – Joe Scott
- Best Senior Male Rower – Scotty Armstrong
- Female Club Person 2026 – Georgie Ellis
- Male Club Person 2026 – James Sommerfield
We also recognised those students who managed over 90% attendance at land and water sessions over the rowing season with Munesu, Annie, Cailin, Emily Z, James S and Thomas A getting to over 90% of sessions. Two students achieved the remarkable – attending 100% of sessions – congratulations to Evan and Aidan on getting to every session!
House Regatta
Our House Regatta was held despite the windy conditions, with some very close racing between the Houses. A four-way tie resulted in a fast last heat with all crews vying to race in the final against Campion.
The final saw the strength of Loreto take on the grit of Campion, and Campion came away with the victory. Congratulations Campion!
The final race of the day saw a stacked student crew take on the coaches. A very close tussle over the first few hundred metres with crews level halfway down the course. The coaches managed to get a few seats lead and the conditions helped the coaches get away to cross the line first!
It was a little rough to send the parents out to give rowing a try, but if anyone is keen to learn, just let me know!
Year 7 Learn to Row
Year 7s are three weeks into their learn to row course, and already we see some great talent! We’ve had quad and double sculls and some single scullers take to the water.
Please note the students catch the bus at the bus bays at the front of school and will be dropped back there at 6pm on their return. Rowers can be picked up at 5:30pm from the boatshed, but please let Claire know if this is occurring.
Please email Claire.woolfitt@johnxxiii.edu.au for more information.
The session on Tuesday, 8 September, has been cancelled due to the Year 7 Social event, and an additional session has been added on Tuesday, 22 September.
Asthma and Allergies
All rowers with asthma or allergies, please remember to bring your asthma puffers, EpiPens, or required medication to all sessions.
Claire Woolfitt
John XXIII Rowing Coordinator