Sport & Outdoor Education

AFL Football

This year’s AFL experience was a great success with both our senior and junior teams placing first in the division.

Senior Team

The twenty girls who made up the senior team participated diligently in various training sessions before game day. The time spent perfecting our handballs, learning how to kick straight and most importantly, tackling clearly paid off. We played a total of four games and we only won each game by a couple of points. By the time the Grand Final came around, we were fired up and as determined as ever and we won by two goals. I would like to acknowledge the work of our parent-helper Kerry Saunders, our teachers Mr. Piazza, Ms. Baka, Ms. Jolly and Mr. Meilak who gave up countless hours to help us prepare for our matches. A special congratulations also goes to the MVP of the day for the senior division: Gwendolen Lynch of Year 11. Well done to absolutely everyone that participated: our teamwork, determination and diligence was worthwhile.

By Elyssar Dib Year 12

Junior Team

After weeks of training, 20 of MSJ finest junior footballers travelled to Highett on July 28 to compete in SCSA Football. Inspired by our coach Mr Piazza, and our determined, and encouraging trainers Kerry and Sarah, we were ready to play. For 4 weeks we had practiced kicking, marking, handballs, tackles and basic teamwork, but it wasn’t until the games were well underway that we truly became a team. We played games against Ave Maria, Academy and St Aloysius. Once we started playing, each player adopted a certain position, and all of us learnt tips and tricks of the game, that helped the team succeed. We beat all teams except Academy in the first round, and then went on to beat St Aloysius in the Semi Final. In between lolly-breaks and a few injuries, the Grand Final against Academy arrived. With great offense and defense tactics, we won by 5 goals, our biggest margin of the whole day. Congratulations to Maddison Rose, deemed MVP of our Grand Final, and a big thanks to Mr Piazza, Mr Meilak, Miss Baka, Ms Jolly and Kerry for their support and coaching.

By Laura Whitfort, Year 9

Sacred Heart Athletics Day

On August 21, MSJ student helpers went down to the Newport Athletics track on a freezing cold day to assist the Sacred Heart Primary School on their Athletics Day. Students from Years 7-9 helped with all types of jobs such as 100m running, 200m running, high jump, discus, shot put, long jump and much more. Each event had 2 MSJ students and a teacher assigned to assist. All of the 21 girls enjoyed the day helping the school and also having a lot of fun throughout the day. The MSJ students who were also past students of Sacred Heart, were able to see their teachers and some even met their ‘buddies’ again.

By Caitlin McGee 8 Joseph