SSP NEWS

SSP NETBALL 

As we farewelled our Year 12 Netball Athletes a few weeks ago and as we head into the final stages of this year, we have continued to enjoy a great mix of hard work and fun on and off the court for our Year 7-11 SSP Netball Athletes.

On court, we have been focusing on the modified Fast Five game of netball. This is a fast, fun and action packed version of netball with only five players per side (no WD or WA). There are some slight variations in rules with the chance to score 1 point, 2 points or 3 points depending on where the shot is taken. The quarters go for 6 minutes and points are doubled when scored in the last 2 minutes of play of each quarter. Our netballers have been put in teams and as is tradition with Fast Five, each team has come up with a fun dance they do when introduced onto court before they play. Everything our student athletes have been learning and practising over the last few weeks will culminate with a WHC SSP Netball Fast Five Round Robin/Tournament. This will be held Thursday 20th November at Corio Leisure time Precinct, and we warmly invite parents/carers to come along and watch. 

Year 9 & 10   9:15 – 10:30

Year 7 & 8     11:15 – 12:30

In education we are continuing to work through the Athlete Wellbeing Unit, where our students are learning all about identity, mindset, resilience, team culture, handling pressure, setbacks and motivation. They are building an Athlete Wellbeing Portfolio which will hopefully add to their toolkit of strategies and helpful tools to build their mental preparation and capacity as an athlete.

The Netball students have also recently completed their strength and fitness testing to track their progress and see how their training is translating into performance. The sessions included a range of tests such as the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) to measure lower-body power, hop tests to assess balance and single-leg strength, short sprints to gauge speed and acceleration, and the Yo-Yo test to measure fitness and endurance. It was a fun and competitive session, with students pushing themselves and encouraging each other throughout. The results will help guide upcoming training blocks and give each athlete a clear picture of their current strengths and areas to improve as they continue to develop both on and off the court.

Looking forward, our Year 7 & 8 students will be attending a High Performance excursion in Melbourne on Wednesday 26th November. The student athletes will get to spend the day utilising Vixens training facilities at the State Netball Centre. They will take part in a court training session, S&C in the gym, recovery pools and a guest speaker in the athlete theatre. It will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the facilities and environment of elite level netball. 

SSP Netball Coaching Team

SSP News

Student-Athlete News and Achievements

A huge congratulations to some of our student-athletes who have been doing incredible things in their chosen sport. 

Arlo Shawcross: Arlo Shawcross (Year 8) has earned a wildcard entry into the 2026 Australian Open following his impressive performance at the Australian National Wheelchair Championships last weekend. Arlo, as a 14-year-old dominated the tournament (U/18), dropping only four games across all his matches to secure a spot in the boys’ wheelchair singles draw, where he will make his Grand Slam debut. We are so proud of you Arlo, not only for your on court achievements, but also your approach to school and life at WHC.

Check out the article on Arlo, on the Tennis Australia website: https://www.tennis.com.au/fan-zone/news/2025/11/10/aussie-weekly-wrap--parker,-shawcross-earn-australian-open-2026-wildcards

Levi Tubailagi: Recently Levi competed in Beijing at the UIPM World Obstacle Championships (OCR) and achieved the following results:

• 100m 5th eliminated in the head-to-head quarter finals by the athlete who went on to win the gold medal. Levi had run the 3km individual final only three hours before the 100m quarter finals.
• 400m 9th (missed out on the final by 1 place)
• 3km individual 4th
• 3km open team 14th (only 64 seconds behind the gold medal team)

It was a great experience for Levi, especially as the sport is still relatively new in Australia compared to America and European countries, who also have more opportunities to compete at an elite level. 

Below is an extract from a Modern Pentathlon Australia article regarding Levi:

In the Under-17 men’s division, Levi Tubailagi impressed in a fiercely competitive field, finishing 4th in the 3km (15:20.21) and reaching the quarterfinals in the 100m (1:00.00).

On the final day of competition, these talented young athletes teamed up (Tubailagi and Sewell twins) for the Open 3km Team Event, finishing in 14th place with a time of only 64 seconds behind the winners. The trio tested themselves against some of the best elite obstacle specialists in the world, gaining invaluable experience and showcasing their determination and teamwork on the global stage.

The UIPM OCR World Championships brought together elite young athletes from across the globe to test their speed, agility, and endurance in one of the sport’s toughest competitions. For the Sewell twins and Tubailagi, it was an unforgettable experience and a glimpse of the exciting future ahead in international obstacle racing.

SSP Trials – Year 7-11 Students

The Specialist Sports Program (SSP) will be hosting trials for any AAP or mainstream WHC student for 2026.

Students must register via the QR code on the attached flyer. No registration = no trial (and No excuses).

Trial Details:

AFL: Monday 17th November (Registrations close Thursday 13th November)

Basketball: Thursday 20th November (Registrations close Tuesday 18th November)

Please understand that there are very few positions (if any) available pending the sport and year.

Please understand that the following criteria are all considered;

• Athletic ability
• Coachability
• WHC attendance (above 85%)
• WHC effort and behaviour.
• WHC work habits (above 3.0)

SSP and AAP Fees

We thank all families for ensuring that SSP and AAP Fees are either paid in full or via a payment plan.

These fees are vital to the successful operation of the program, helping to cover costs such as;

• Transportation to and from venues (training and / or competition)
• Court or facilities hire
• Program resources, uniform and equipment
• Coaching and program support. 

If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please remember that you can utilise the following funds:

• CSEF – Requires a valid means tested concession card (please contact WHC).
• School Saving Bonus - $400/student for any Victorian Government Student (2025)
• Geelong Uniting Care - $500: Please call to book an appointment. Ph: 42101100.

Please understand that WHC will work with families as best we can, and come from a place of support. We ask that SSP and AAP fees and deposits are paid in a timely manner. Also, if fees remain unpaid or have residual amounts outstanding, we may unfortunately need to exit student-athletes from the program. This is absolutely a last resort, but please be aware it is a possibility.

We thank you for your support in advance,

Schools Round – Geelong Venom WNBL Home Game (See attached flyer)

We’re thrilled to invite your school community to Schools Round at the Geelong Venom WNBL home game! This is a fantastic opportunity for students, teachers, and families to experience the highest level of women’s basketball in Australia, right here in Geelong.

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Time: 12:30 PM

Location: Geelong Arena – 110 Victoria St, North Geelong VIC 3215

But it’s not just about basketball – we’ve got a wild lineup of entertainment including a special Venom appearance from Wildlife Exposure! Meet pythons, crocodiles, and more up close. Plus, enjoy giveaways and surprises throughout the day.

Special Offer: To celebrate Schools Round, we’re offering 20% off tickets for the first 100 tickets purchased using the code: SCHOOL20

Book now via InTix: https://www.intix.com.au/org/geelongvenom 

Let’s celebrate an incredible school year together - at the basketball!

We can’t wait to see you there and make sure you get in quick. 

P.S. Don’t forget to wear your school colours!

There will be prizes for the school with the most colours in the crowd.

GO VENOM! 🐍🏀

Renee Lane

SSP Leader

Link to Purchase Sport Uniform

* For SSP and AAP students only

https://indigowolf.com.au/whcssp

NEWS:

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 2025, 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

Key Contacts for the Specialist Sports Program

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

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

Nick Richardson High Performance Manager Nicholas.Richardson2@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

Basketball Program:

Ashley Arnott (Yr 7 - 8): Ashley.Arnott@education.vic.gov.au

Kaleb Sclater (Yr 9-10): Kaleb.Sclater@education.vic.gov.au

Kris Blicavs (Yr 11-12): Kris.Blicavs@education.vic.gov.au

Netball Program:

Ainsley Corrigan (Yr 7-8): Ainsley.Corrigan@education.vic.gov.au

Stacey Dodds (Yr 9-10): Stacey.Dodds@education.vic.gov.au

Susan Meaney (Yr 11-12): Susan.Meaney@education.vic.gov.au

Seth Tomlinson: Seth.Tomlinson@education.vic.gov.au

Soccer Program:

Joseph Didulica: Joseph.Didulica@education.vic.gov.au

Sean Mahon: Sean.Mahon@education.vic.gov.au

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

SSP News: 

Student-Athlete News and Achievements

A huge congratulations to some of our student-athletes who have been doing incredible things in their chosen sport. 

• Levi Tubailagi: Levi is making waves in the sport of Modern Pentathlon and we welcome him to our High Performance and Olympic Pathway program, as he has been talent identified for LA28. Levi has a host of upcoming training and competitions scheduled from the AIS to Lithuania and Egypt. Exciting times ahead and we can’t wait to see your progression Levi.
• Ruby Flett: Geelong Cricket Club seniors debut last weekend in the Victorian State Premier League – super effort for a student that is still in Year 9 at school!
• Annie Taylor: Congratulations your recent selection for the Under 19’s Victorian Cricket Squad. An outstanding achievement. 
• Leo McCaughley: Leo has recently returned to WHC after placing 4th place in the ‘King of Kuta Worlds' men's open skate tournament in Bali. You continue to reach great heights Leo. Well done! 

• Raina Snidjers: Raina has recently joined our High Performance Program, as a swimmer and the results she has achieved at the recent State Age (12yo) Short Course championships, are nothing short of incredible. 

  400m and 800 Freestyle - gold 

  200m Freestyle, 200m Individual Medley and 400m Individual Medley - silver 

  100m Freestyle -  bronze 

European Soccer Tour

A huge congratulations to our SSP Soccer program on their successful campaign in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. The U/16 Boys won 5 out of 7 games against some of the best academy teams in their respective countries. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves and what an amazing experience.

Be sure to read Joey’s Newsletter report and check out our social media platforms for some of the trip highlights. 

A huge thank you to Joey for his incredible organisation of an amazing experience and also to Adam Ross and Jackson Ramus for supporting the tour in country.

SSP Trials – Year 7-11 Students

The Specialist Sports Program (SSP) will be hosting trials for any AAP or mainstream WHC student for 2026.

Students must register via the QR code on the attached flyer. No registration = no trial (and No excuses).

Trial Details:

AFL: Monday 17th November

Basketball: 20th November

Netball: Monday 10th November

Soccer: Thursday 13th November

Please understand that there are very few positions (if any) available pending the sport and year.

Please understand that the following criteria are all considered;

• Athletic ability
• Coachability
• WHC attendance (above 85%)
• WHC effort and behaviour.
• WHC work habits (above 3.0)

Fyans Park Primary School Visit

A huge shout out and thank you to all of our Year 11 and 12 student-athletes in all four pillar sports who recently supported one of our local feeder schools – Fyans Park in a ‘taster’ session of our incredible Specialist Sports Program. The level of energy and positivity was next level, and importantly our student-athletes were simply wonderful role models. Please see some action photo’s from the day.

Please see the email we received from Rick Scade (Acting Principal of Fyans Park):

“I just wanted to express my gratitude — and that of our Year 4 and 5 students and staff — for yesterday. The enthusiasm from your Sports Coaching team and, especially, from your students was truly bucket filling to witness. Your students encouraged our Year 4s and 5s to join in, participate, and celebrate the little wins.

Several of our staff have since approached me with positive feedback about the day, particularly commenting on how well your students conducted themselves e.g. enthusiasm but also having a radar for those students who needed a little extra support. For what it’s worth, in my 25 years of teaching in Geelong, I haven’t seen that level of engagement and interaction between secondary and primary students before — it was exceptional.

So, thank you to you, your staff, and your students. I genuinely hope our families give Western Heights some serious consideration”

Road Safety

Can we please invite parents to have a conversation with their child regarding road safety. It is critically important that our students cross at designated crossings or lights only. We have had many near misses of cars and students, particularly crossing Ballarat Road on the way to the North Geelong Train station. Our student-athletes need to be responsible and recognise the importance of their own wellbeing and safety.

Renee Lane

SSP Leader

SSP Netball: 

As we return for Term 4, we congratulate all players who have been involved in local league Grand finals. Well done all those who made it to the final game of the season regardless of results, it’s a fantastic effort. The holiday break also saw League and Club presentation nights where many of our netballers took our awards. 

• Alex McCashney B&F 17&U Geelong West GDFNL
• Ruby Cook B&F 15&U Division 1 Bell Park GFNL
• Kaycee Taylor B&F 15&U Division 2 Bell Park GFNL
• Georgie Willson B&F 17&U Division 1 East Geelong GDFNL
• Ava Caruana B&F 15&U Bannockburn GDFNL
• Indi Madden 15&U Hot Shots Shooting Award GFNL
• Paetyn Diamond League B&F 13&U GFNL, 13&U Bell Park Div 1 B&F GFNL
• Annabelle Mitchell B&F 13&U Division 2 Lara GFNL, Junior Club Person at Lara FNC
• Stella Marsland B&F 13&U Division 1 St Albans GFNL
• Isabella Balodis 13&U Hot Shots Shooting Award BFL
• Zoe Boyd League B&F 13&U GDFNL Division 3, B&F 13&U Division 3 Bannockburn GDFNL
• Tilly Warren B&F 15&U Wyndham League
• Maddison Dewsbury B&F 15&U Anakie GDFNL
• Jack Te Paa 17&U State Development Team

Congratulations to the long list of award winners. If we have missed any achievements or there are some award winners later in the year, please feel free to email any of the netball staff so we can acknowledge the students and all of their hard work.

Week 2 saw our YR 8, and Intermediate teams head to Bendigo as we continue our traditional friendly matches against Bendigo SESC. Teams played across 2 matches in both the junior and intermediate cohorts with some strong performances from WHC. Matches were played in great spirit as friendships continue to grow across the schools. Past Melbourne Vixen and England International Elle McDonald addressed the playing group detailing her journey, highlights, challenges and advice to netballers on navigating the Netball Victoria High Performance Pathway. We send a warm thankyou to our hosts Bendigo and we look forward to them returning to Geelong next year as we continue the relationship. 

With the International Netball Season in full flight, students in Education completed an investigation into South African Netball during the recent Diamonds vs South Africa series. Students have also commenced a unit on Athlete Wellbeing which will continue throughout the term. 

This week our Intermediate and YR 11 Students will travel to Melbourne for their Melbourne High Performance Experience utilising Vixens training facilities at State Netball Centre on court, S&C in the gym, recovery pools and a guest speaker in the athlete theatre. A fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the facilities and environment of elite level netball.

Thursday also marks the exciting but also sad day, our current year 12 cohort complete their on-court netball sessions as they knuckle down to focus on the upcoming YR 12 exams.  We have been privileged to have worked with such a great cohort of young women who have all grown in confidence and capacity both on and off the court. With highlights of the NZ Tour this year and tournaments over the years with this group they will be memories shared forever. We wish them all the best during the exam period and the next exciting adventures in their lives. Well done!!

Please note that Representative Trials are underway currently with Barwon Region State Titles trials coming up in November. For any further information please contact or come and see any of the netball staff.

Have a great rest of the week!

Susan, Stacey, Ainsley & Seth

Specialist Netball Program

SSP AFL: 

Our football program is back in full swing after a well-deserved break over the school holidays. The boys and girls have returned feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to attack a big Term 4 with plenty of energy. It’s great to see everyone back, eager to keep improving their fundamentals and continue building on the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year.

This term will have a strong “pre-season” feel, with an increased focus on conditioning to prepare the players for next season. Alongside their on-field work, the group will continue to train hard in the gym, aiming to get stronger, faster, and more powerful each week. Testing will also be a key focus, kicking off in Week 3.

All the coaches are keen for a challenging yet very beneficial term ahead.

Perksy & Spoorsy

SSP Soccer: 

⚽ Specialist Soccer Program – An Incredible Month of Success and Experience

It’s been an amazing month for our Western Heights College Specialist Soccer Program, with so much to celebrate both on and off the pitch!

Our Girls U/14 and U/16 Futsal Teams were crowned Victorian Schools Champions, showcasing their skill, teamwork, and determination. Adding to the success, our Boys U/14 Futsal Team also claimed the state title, making it a clean sweep for our futsal squads – an outstanding achievement for our players, coaches, and the entire program!

Meanwhile, our Boys U/16 team has just returned home from an unforgettable European tour, where they competed against some of the most respected youth academies in world football. The results were nothing short of phenomenal — with wins over Ajax Amsterdam U/15, PSV Eindhoven U/15, Racing Genk U/15, Fortuna Düsseldorf U/16, and TOP OSS U/19, along with narrow losses to Feyenoord U/16 and top amateur club Jonathon U/19–U/23.

Beyond the competition, the boys experienced the very best of European football and culture. They attended matches at Borussia Dortmund’s iconic Signal Iduna Park and Ajax Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena, and were warmly hosted by both PSV and Feyenoord. A special highlight was a visit to the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association), where the team toured their world-class facilities and learned about the Dutch approach to player development.

Off the field, the trip offered students the chance to explore the rich culture and history of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Den Bosch, and Düsseldorf, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Coach Joey Didulica praised the effort and teamwork behind the tour, saying:

“A trip like this needs great people to execute it, and the staff at Western Heights College were absolutely phenomenal. Mr Ross and Mr Ramus made sure the energy was flowing daily and the experience unforgettable.”

Congratulations to all players, staff, and families involved for their incredible commitment and success. The future of the Western Heights College Specialist Soccer Program has never looked brighter!

Joey Didulica- SSP Soccer