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Full of running

The sun was shining brightly over Westall Secondary College as students gathered with excitement, energy, and plenty of restlessness at the start line for the annual Cross Country Carnival. With laughter echoing across the school grounds and House spirit on full display, students from all year levels embraced the challenge of one of the school’s most enjoyable sporting traditions.

Most students tackled a demanding 3km course around the school, while the 16 Boys and Senior students pushed themselves even further by completing an exhausting 5 laps around the grounds. From the fastest runners charging out in front to students simply determined to finish, the carnival was filled with smiles, encouragement, camaraderie, and memorable moments.

A huge congratulations must go to every student who had a go. The day was not only about winning races, but also about participation, resilience, teamwork, and enjoying the atmosphere alongside friends and classmates. There were countless examples of students supporting one another and celebrating each other’s efforts throughout the day.

The success of the carnival was only possible because of the outstanding support from staff across the school. Thank you to all teachers who assisted as marshals around the course, encouraging students and ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish. The PE Department would also like to acknowledge the support and best wishes from the Principal team throughout the day.

A special thank you must also go to the office staff, who played an important role behind the scenes by assisting with the Compass event organisation and helping provide first aid support when needed.

One of the unsung heroes of the day was AFL trainee Mr Isbel, who worked tirelessly recording results from morning until afternoon. His organisation and effort ensured every student result was accurately captured.

For the first time, the four House Captains also played significant leadership roles during the carnival. Amber and Santosh worked non-stop all day counting laps and handing out finishing cards to exhausted runners crossing the line. Amy and Wilson were vital at the water station, ensuring students remained hydrated throughout the event. Their efforts demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the school community. With the Athletics Carnival coming up next, the House Captains will continue to take on important responsibilities at future carnivals.

The carnival also produced many excited winners, with several students now choosing to represent the school at the upcoming Kingston District Cross Country event at Karkarook Park.

One of the highlights of the day was the success of two sisters new to the school community. Sana Sirzad claimed victory in the Year 9 Girls event, while her sister Rezwana Sirzad won the Year 10 Girls race. The Sirzad sisters have already brought a competitive edge, determination, and strong athletic ability to Westall, and their performances were a fantastic achievement for both themselves and their family.

Mr Peter Kromlidis

Sports Coordinator

A school with a big heart

The Westall Secondary College Intermediate Girls Badminton

Team produced a remarkable performance last Thursday at the Kingston District.  Winter Championships held at Monash University, defeating McKinnon Secondary College in a thrilling final to capture the championship title.

Four Westall teams competed on the day, including two boys teams and two girls' teams, with the A teams chasing qualification for the

Regional Finals. From the beginning of the tournament, it became clear that the two strongest girls' teams were Westall and McKinnon. 

Their first meeting in the

group stage was an absolute battle, with Westall narrowly losing by only three points overall. Despite the loss, the girls had done enough to earn another shot in the final. This time the team was determined not to let the opportunity slip away.

The final started under pressure, especially with former Westall student Shruthi leading the opposition as McKinnon’s number one player.

Westall’s own number one player, Hadia Batool, had lost her first match earlier in the day, but after gaining confidence and adjusting to the tempo of the tournament, she returned far more prepared for the rematch. In one of the key moments of the day, Hadia turned the tables and won her singles match, setting the tone for the rest of the team.

From there, the momentum shifted dramatically. Westall’s girls lifted together, showing composure, teamwork, and determination to claim a superb 4–2 victory over McKinnon in the final — a huge reversal from the earlier result. 

This achievement marks the second consecutive year that the Intermediate Girls team has qualified for the Regional Finals. However, this year feels different. The girls are now the senior members of the squad, more experienced, more confident, and firmly in control of the steering wheel.  

The next challenge will be enormous. Standing in their path is Mac. Robertson Girls' High School, a badminton powerhouse that has won the Regional Finals every year for the last 15 years. Their dominance has made them one of the most respected school badminton programs in Victoria. While Mac. Rob are deserved favourites, Westall will enter the tournament prepared, determined, and ready to challenge the best. The victorious Westall team consisted of Hadia Batool, Xin Yu, Xin Fei, Mylla Tran, and Arjelee Tapic.

Mr Peter Kromlidis

Sports Coordinator 

Congratulations to our Year 7 Girls Volleyball Southern Metropolitan Regional Champions!

The Year 7 Girls Volleyball team won the Southern Metropolitan Regional Final against seven other quality teams from across the region. It was a tough competition, as expected, and after losing the first two sets during the pool stage, the girls kept a cool head and trusted that their best volleyball would shine through — which it did. After progressing to the final, they faced another undefeated school, Keysborough SC.

The girls well and truly saved their best for last. From the opening serve to the final point of the first set, they powered their opponents off the court. Doing everything right, they played an outstanding set. The girls played to their strengths — serving absolute rockets, controlling the ball to set up attacks, and spiking from all areas of the court. We couldn’t have asked for more.

The second set was always going to be tougher. Keysborough were determined to throw everything at the match before it was over and came out firing, jumping to an early 6–2 lead. After a timeout and regroup, the girls tightened the screws and fought their way back to level terms.

There were rallies that seemed to go on forever, along with serves and spikes that many adults would have been proud of. It truly was a fantastic spectacle to watch. At 19–19, Keysborough edged ahead 20–19 and earned a set point. However, our girls refused to give in. They won the crucial point before finishing the match with two powerful serves that couldn’t be returned.

Westall were champions and are now through to the State Finals!

An amazing achievement by all the girls. The best part was that everyone contributed evenly, and when their critical moments came, each player stepped up and delivered. We now look forward to seeing how far this team can go at the State Finals in November.

All the best, girls — and let the work begin!

Team Members- Grace, Threena, Mia, Rebecca, O Mar Mar, Josephine and Samantha.

Mr Jonathan Roberts 

PE Teacher