Sport Update  

Artwork: Milla, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

Suvin, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus

Our recent UK Cricket Tour was an incredible opportunity to experience cricket in one of the world’s most historic cricketing nations. Throughout the tour, we had the privilege of competing against some of England’s most prestigious schools, testing ourselves against high-quality opposition and adapting to different conditions and styles of play. The opportunity to train, compete, and immerse ourselves in the traditions of English cricket was something that we will always remember. 

While the cricket provided us with unforgettable opportunities to develop our skills and represent our school on an international stage, the memories created away from the field were just as meaningful. Exploring new places, experiencing English culture, sharing team moments, and spending time together throughout the tour helped strengthen the friendships within the group. These experiences created a bond that extended beyond cricket and made the tour truly special. 

Representing Ivanhoe Grammar School overseas was a privilege, and the tour challenged us to grow not only as cricketers, but also as individuals. It taught us the importance of teamwork, resilience, and embracing new experiences. 

We are extremely grateful to our coaches, teachers (especially Mr. Lochran), and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. The UK Cricket Tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provided us with incredible cricketing opportunities while also creating memories and friendships that will last long after we return home. 

Eddie, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus

Between the 10th of June and the 2nd of July this year, 16 students from Years 9-11 had the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom on Ivanhoe Grammar School’s UK Cricket Tour along with staff members Mr Lochran, Mr Wade, and Mr Dahl. Over the course of the trip, we had the opportunity to travel to places such as Edinburgh, Lossiemouth, Durham, Harrogate, Manchester, Bath, and London, playing various club and school teams. 

This trip granted us the chance to meet other cricketers from the UK and share a love for the game. Over the course of three weeks we played 13 games, with 12 wins and only 1 loss. Some of the best games included a tight win at Durham School, a narrow win at St Peter’s College, a sure win in a T20 at Kingswood Bath School, and a narrow loss to the MCC. This trip allowed us to develop both our cricketing skills and bond as a team, while meeting like-minded cricketers and seeing the many sights of the UK. 

Joshua, Year 11, Plenty Campus

After three long weeks of trials, I secured a spot in the school's Firsts soccer team. For the Year 7 student who played every lunchtime with his mates, dreaming of representing the school at the highest level, this year has been a dream come true. 

Making the squad meant a new routine. Leaving a minute or two before the last bell, catching a minibus with our favourite Mr Muir and the rest of the boys and girls, the experience was so different to what I had previously expected. Before the first game had rolled around, I already felt a part of the team: all the boys training together, bantering and having fun playing football. Integrating into a cross-campus team turned out to be simpler than I had once feared. Through playing together, we bonded and strengthened our connections both on and off the field, creating a team filled with unity. 

However, I won't pretend that this change in scenery, teammates and location was a walk in the park. From the buses to Ridgeway Campus after a long day of school to the quiet buses back in the evening, it was an experience adapting to the sacrificed time and energy. It has taught me to be balanced, organised and efficient in all that I do. 

The season itself was surreal. A close 2-1 win against Peninsula set the standard, and from that post-game dressing-room war cry, we knew it would be a long and challenging journey. We carried this momentum forward, with a personal highlight being a 4-2 win against PEGS, and before we knew it, we had won all seven games, a huge testament to the boys' hard work and the endless hours sacrificed by coaches and teachers to get us to where we are. 

With the semi-finals ahead, looking back on the season, I've learnt and gained so much. My biggest takeaway is that what makes a team a team is not the people you have on paper, but the connection you have and the qualities you display. A line from one of our half-time huddles stuck with me: "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." It speaks to the close-knit group of boys and coaching staff we have. 

I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. Getting to know different people and creating connections with students across campuses while pushing toward a common goal has solidified this year as one of my favourite years at Ivanhoe Grammar School. 

Claudia, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus

Recently, the Ivanhoe Snowsports team went to Mt Buller for the weekend, to commence the winter season. Those competing enjoyed a weekend of skiing and snowboarding, training with the skilled instructors at the mountain. Some students spent time with highly skilled instructors while other enjoyed the amazing weather on the mountain, and the team met up for a dinner at one of Mt Buller’s best restaurants.  

To finalise the weekend, the team competed in time trials to judge our placement for the Interschools Week in mid-august. Given the slightly icy conditions and long lift lines, once we got to the end of the run, the team persevered and gave the course their all, before commencing on the drive back home.  

I would strongly recommend Snowsports for any students interested, as it is such a fun and exciting environment, and the team is also welcoming newcomers. Good luck to all those racing in August! 

Abby, Year 9, University Campus

On Wednesday the 15th of July, students in the aerobics program performed in the annual display night, where they can display what they’ve been working on for the past couple of months, as well as other members of the school community coming to watch. The display night allowed all students to perform the result of their hard work, dedication and commitment during the program. Their passion for the sport was clearly demonstrated during the event, and the venue was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. 

Students performing were able to showcase their impressive strength, flexibility and precision, hooking the audience with ease. Every routine performed had been precisely corrected by the hard-working coaches to execute an effortless performance for the audience, who were captivated by the variety of routines in terms of music, choreography and style.  

Not only is the sport a way to gain flexibility and strength, but all students involved were also able to strengthen their bonds with others and make new friends with similar interests, building confidence and resilience along the way. Their support for each other was nothing less than loyal, whether it was a hard training session or struggles with a specific move, everyone had each other’s backs. Students watching their friends perform in and of itself was an unforgettable experience. The synchronisation and chemistry between students during the display night was easily the ‘cherry on top’ of each performance and fully evident throughout the night. 

Each rehearsal, each routine, each section of choreography, and more, would be impossible without the dedication that the coaches and staff have to their students, but also the sport in general, spending time to ensure a beautiful routine is ready for the audience in ways you couldn’t imagine, demonstrating strong perseverance and commitment. For this, we extend our gratitude. We also would love to thank all the audience members, including, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and everyone in between, for creating such a vibrant environment for the students to perform in, supporting them from the sidelines. 

Overall, the 2026 Aerobics display night was filled with passion, support and overwhelming excitement from everyone in the room, and the routines were executed in a way where the audience could see the hard work everyone put into it, on stage or not. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the program unfolds, and we wish all performers luck for their upcoming Aeroschools State Competitions!