PE News....

Essendon Football club visit

Yesterday, the Yr 3 unit enjoyed a visit and clinic with some of the players from the Essendon Football Club. The children (and staff) enjoyed spending time with the players and learning some skills for the football field. Mr Moloney, an avid Essendon supporter, especially loved meeting the fellas.

The players who attended were:

• Elijah Tsatas

• Andy McGrath

• Ben McKay

• Archie Roberts

• Mason Redman

St Francis Sporting dates in 2026 

Swimming

The Yr 3-6 children will begin their swimming lessons in the first full week back at school in 2026. 

Yr 3-6 Swimming Lesson Dates  

• Tuesday 3 February
• Wednesday 4 February
• Thursday 5 February 
• Friday6 February 

These lessons will take place at the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre. 

Yr 3-6 School Swimming Sports -  Tuesday February 10             

The children will be invited to swim freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and optional butterfly. They can choose between the distances of 25m kickboard, 25m, and 50m. Events will be discussed and finalised during the swimming lessons in 2026. 

The day begins at 9:30am and will conclude at approximately 1:30pm. This will take place at Bendigo East Swimming Pool. Coffee Storm will again be available at the pool for your convenience. 

Other important dates in 2026

Swimming

• Catholic Swimming Championship: TBC 

• Divisional Swimming Championships: Friday 27 Feb 

• Regional Swimming Championships (Swan Hill): Tuesday 10 Mar 

• State Swimming Championships (Melbourne): Thursday 23 Apr

• Junior Swimming: Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5, Friday 6 Nov

Cross Country

• Whole School Cross Country at St Francis 9.15am-11am: Wednesday 1 Apr 

• Division Cross Country (Year 3-6’s): Friday 15 May 

• Regional Cross Country (St Arnaud): Tuesday 2 June

• State Cross Country (Melbourne): Thursday 16 July 

Athletics

• School Athletics Sports (3-6’s): Friday 24 July 

• Catholic Swimming Championship: TBC 

• Divisional Athletics Championship: Monday 14 Sept 

• Regional Athletics Championship: Monday 12 Oct 

• School Athletic Sports (Fdn- Year 2) on the oval 9.15-11am: Friday 30 Oct    

• State Athletics Championship (Melbourne): Thursday 5 Nov

St Francis of the Fields- Sporting Hall of Fame Induction

One of our valued and much-loved Learning Support Officers, Mrs Annette Exell, will be leaving us at the end of 2025 to move closer to her children and grandchildren. It was only fitting that we recognise her significant contribution to our school by inducting her into the St Francis of the Fields Sporting Hall of Fame.  

Congratulations, Mrs Exell! We will miss you dearly and thank you for everything you have given to our school community. 

Annette Exell’s induction into the Sporting Hall of Fame recognises her extraordinary dedication to supporting sport, students, staff and the St Francis community across more than two decades. Over her 21 years as a Learning Support Officer, Annette became a deeply valued presence within the school, and for more than 10 of those years she made an exceptional contribution to the Physical Education program. 

In her role supporting the PE department, Annette assisted with administration, maintained equipment, and attended every sporting event with unwavering enthusiasm. She was a constant, reliable presence at athletics days, carnivals, and interschool competitions, always willing to step in, always offering a warm smile, and always placing students at the centre of her work. 

Annette left a notable impact on many of our high jumpers. With patience, encouragement, and a genuine belief in every child’s potential, she helped countless students grow in confidence and refine their technique over the years. Her unique ability to lift students’ spirits- especially when performances didn’t go as hoped, became one of her defining strengths. Annette had a remarkable gift for helping students see the positives, reset, and continue striving. Her friendly, uplifting presence has supported staff, inspired students, and enriched the culture of sport at St Francis for many years. A phenomenal person, a wonderful supporter, and a true asset to our school, Annette’s contribution has left a lasting imprint on generations of young athletes. 

Annette, thank you for your service. 

World Championships 

Milanke Haasbroek is currently in South Africa competing at the World Championships. There are 31 Countries represented and over 1600 athletes competing! Milanke has performed incredibly well so far, with more events still to come. Congratulations not only on qualifying to represent Australia, but also on competing so strongly on the world stage! 

We’re all so proud of your achievements, Milanke — well done and good luck for the events ahead! 

Results so far 

• Biathle Semi-Final (U/15) - 1st
• Mixed Relay (U/17)- 2nd in the world!! Milanke’s teammate was older, so she ended up competing in the U17 category! Just brilliant. 
• Biathle Final (U/15)- 5th in the world!! 
• Triathle Semi-Final (U/13) - 2nd 
• Triathle Finals (U/13) - 8th in the world!! 

Friday 12 Dec • Laser Run Semi-Final (U/13) - Result TBC 

Saturday 13 Dec • Laser Run Final (U/13) - Result TBC 

Karting Success

Jack Morrell (3R) is thrilled to have won the Bendigo Kart Club 2025 Cadet 9 Club Championship.

Throughout the year, Jack competed in the Australian Karting Championship, travelling to Melbourne, Murray Bridge SA, Newcastle NSW, Ipswich QLD and Coffs Harbour NSW, racing against the top karters in Australia. He also raced around the state with 4 podium finishes.

Sporting News 

Parents, if you have sporting news that should be shared in the newsletter, please send through a completed write up and picture to:

dcoates@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au 

Danielle Coates - PE Coordinator