Sport news

Parkdale Shines at State Cross Country Championships

Thursday 24 July – Yarra Valley Racecourse

Parkdale Secondary College proudly sent a talented team of distance runners to the 2025 State Cross Country Championships, held at the stunning Yarra Valley Racecourse. With crisp winter air and ideal running conditions, our students rose to the occasion against the state’s best in a fast and fiercely competitive meet.

Outstanding results included:

• 12/13 Girls:

  Eliza Ayres stormed home to claim 2nd place in an impressive time of 11:48

  Eden Benton also ran a strong race, finishing in 13:14

   

• 14-Year-Olds:

  Freya Livingston – 14:39

  Huw Roberts – 11:35

   

• 15 Girls:

  Kahsia Lockwood placed an incredible 4th in a time of 12:27

   

• 15 Boys:

  Joel Dean – 10:26, finishing 8th overall

  Charlie MacGeorge – 11:54

   

• Senior Boys (17–20 years):

  Cooper Bayliss – 17:03, placing 16th

  Alex Pizer Di-Ciero – 17:24

   

It was a fantastic day of racing with great performances across the board. The Parkdale team displayed determination, sportsmanship, and school pride in every stride. Congratulations to all runners on their incredible efforts at the state level!

Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 12th August, Parkdale Secondary College came alive for the annual House Athletics Carnival. With colour, energy and competition filling the track, it was a day that celebrated not just athletic achievement, but also school spirit and community.

After a huge day of events, Iluka (Green) were crowned champions with 1145 points, narrowly holding off Kingston (Red) (1139 points), Livingston (Yellow) (1136 points), and Warneet (Blue) (1101 points). With only 44 points separating first and fourth, it truly was one of the closest carnivals in recent memory.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were the Year 12 students, who embraced the tradition of dressing up in their final carnival. From creative costumes to plenty of laughs, their presence brought fun and colour to the day.

The Staff vs Students relay was another highlight — always hotly contested. This year, the students claimed bragging rights, edging out the teachers in a fast and exciting race that had the crowd cheering.

Alongside the main events, the novelty activities kept everyone entertained, including sack races, egg and spoon challenges, and the always-popular tug of war. These ensured there were smiles all around, with participation and enjoyment at the heart of the day.

Several brilliant performances saw records fall this year, including:

• Harrison Scurrah (M17) – 200m in 23.53s

• Joel Dean (M15) – 800m in 2:13.69

• Cooper Bayliss (M20) – 800m in 2:08.57

• Imogen Jeffery (F13) – Discus 27.80m & Shot Put 8.36m

• Declan Pitkin (M15) – High Jump 1.50m

• Noah Jeanes (M16) – High Jump 1.70m

• Eliza Ayres (F13) – 80m Hurdles in 12.86s

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These incredible efforts show the depth of talent at Parkdale and the determination of our students to push themselves.

Winners of events will represent Parkdale at the Kingston Division Athletics on Thursday 11th September. We can’t wait to see our students shine on the big stage.

A massive thank you to staff, student leaders, and competitors for making the 2025 House Athletics Carnival one to remember!