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 competed at Modern Pentathlon Victoria’s State Laser Run, Triathle & Obstacle Laser Run Championships and the final OLR Series event on Saturday. He achieved an incredible result, taking first place in all four events, including a personal best of 10.58 minutes in the Laser Run.

This was the first time all events had been held on the same day. The schedule was designed to give athletes heading to South Africa for the Laser Run, Triathle and Biathle World Championships in December a taste of what to expect, as they may need to compete in multiple heats, and in some cases the finals, on the same day. This format is intended to test their skills, fitness, stamina, and mental resilience.

Being crowned State Champion in all four disciplines has given Levi a big boost of confidence as he prepares for Worlds.

Western Heights College Basketball – Takes on the best in the Nation!

We wish our Year 8-12 Basketballers the very best as they embark on their first Nationals Campaign on an 8-day competition on Queensland. We can’t wait to hear how you all go and wish you every success both on and off the court.

Keep an eye on our socials for game day updates.

Bellpark FNC Clinics

Bell Post Hill Football & Netball Club. As a local community club, we’re currently welcoming new junior players for our 2025 Summer Season and our 2026 Winter Football and Netball programs.

We are hoping to connect with families in the area and were wondering if your school would be happy to include a short notice in your upcoming school newsletter (and/or social media page, if appropriate).

We have opportunities available for:

• Junior Netball – Under 11s, Under 13s & Under 15s
• Junior Football – Under 10s, Under 12s & Under 14s
• Come & Try Sports Clinic – Saturday 6th December, 9:30am at Myers Reserve(Netball ages 8–15, Football ages 6+, free BBQ included)

I’ve attached our flyers for both netball and football, along with the Summer Clinic poster, should you be able to share them with your school community.

Our programs are open to all experience levels, from beginners to returning players, and focus on fun, teamwork, confidence building and community connection.

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

SSP NETBALL 

Last week saw our 2025 YR 12 students celebrate the completion of their learning journey at Western Heights College at their Graduation Ceremony. It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with such great young women all of whom have progressed in their netball, academics and as young people. We cannot wait to hear where you next adventures take you and we wish you all the very best!!

Week 7 saw our Junior and Intermediate cohorts participate in our yearly Fast5 Netball interschool tournament. A much anticipated and favourite time of the year. Students learnt and researched the modified version of traditional netball and have trained in its format over the previous 4 weeks leading into the tournament day. Students also designed and performed their own unique team dance as tradition as part of the entertaining start of a Fast5 tournament. All students did an awesome job and were very entertaining. Both cohorts match play was of a great quality as they have learnt to adapt their games to the Fast5 skill sets. Highlights included Indi Madden’s buzzer beating 6pt shot (double point period outside of goal circle) to win the game and bring the house down with applause. A big thankyou to the Parents, Family and Friends who attended to support the students. 

Wednesday saw our Junior students head to the State Netball Centre at Parkville for our Melbourne Vixens High Performance Day. Student athletes were privileged to spend a day training and using the facilities Melbourne Vixens utilise. From courtwork on Vixens training court to strength and conditioning with Seth in the HP Gym space, to the recovery pools and finished off with a Q&A chat with Melbourne Vixens Specialist Goaling Coach and past Australian Player and Melbourne Phoenix legend Eloise Southby Boyle. This Junior experience along with October’s Intermediate/Senior experience were unique opportunities for our students to not just see the home of Melbourne Vixens but utilise these HP facilities, also used for Netball Victoria’s High Performance Pathway Programs for both Women’s and Men’s Netball. Students were all extremely engaged and should be commended on their behaviour and efforts

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