Co-Curricular - Senior Sport 

I would like to welcome back everyone and hope the holidays were restful as we are in for a BIG term of sport.

Training recommences for Football, Rugby, Tennis and Cross Country this week. The Senior School sport schedule has been posted on the Orbit App, SPC App and can be accessed below. This also serves as a friendly reminder to students to please ensure you are arriving to training diligently and wearing the correct training uniform.

There are no games this weekend due to the Anzac Day long weekend, however games will begin on Saturday 2 May. Football and Tennis commence with Round 1 of the ISA Competition while Rugby will play trial games against Knox Grammar School. The Cross Country team will compete at their first invitational meet held at Centennial Park. 

Congratulations to all students and staff who travelled and competed in various tours and tournaments throughout the holidays. 

Timothy Donlan

Head of Sport

Our First XI competed in the prestigious Sydney FC Cup held at Macquarie Sports Fields. The team performed exceptionally well, winning the Plate Final after competing in very humid conditions and playing eight games across two days. A standout effort saw the boys win their semi-final against Newington College on penalties, before backing up immediately to defeat The King’s School 2–1 in the final. I am extremely proud of the team’s resilience and “never give up” attitude.

Well done to Blake Timillero, Oliver Xuereb, and Jordan Bottalico for their collaboration, knowledge, and professionalism in preparing the team.

Our Year 6 squad travelled to Brisbane to compete in the EREA Tournament, where they delivered an outstanding performance. The boys won all their group matches and secured the championship, defeating Nudgee in the final on penalties after a 0–0 result at full-time. Their composure under pressure was excellent, and this result marks an impressive five consecutive titles.

Congratulations to Brendan Conneely for his commitment in preparing the team, including early morning sessions, and guiding them to success. A sincere thank you also to Mr John Locke for organising the tour and providing his experience and support throughout.

In additional pre-season fixtures, we played Scots College, with strong results across both teams:

• Second XI: 4–0 win

• First XI: 5–1 win.

   

This concludes our pre-season campaign. Congratulations to all students and coaches for their commitment and efforts during the holiday period — your dedication has provided our players with outstanding experiences.

We now turn our focus to the season ahead, and I wish all teams the very best for the year. 

Jason Falzon

Head of Football

Kia Ora! 

The New Zealand Rugby Tour provided 11 unforgettable days of cultural immersion, rugby development, and exposure to the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island. It was a journey that fostered growth, strengthened bonds, and created memories our students will carry with them for a lifetime. 

The tour began in Queenstown, where the town’s world-renowned scenery offered a stunning backdrop for the group. Students enjoyed a range of activities that showcased the beauty and vibrancy of the region, setting an exciting tone for the days ahead. Following a scrimmage against St Augustine’s, the squad were prepared for their first round of fixtures in Dunedin. 

Our senior team experienced the haka for the first time in a tight and physical contest against The King’s School. Although they were defeated, the match provided invaluable experience. The junior team faced a much larger Otago Boys’ High School side but displayed impressive composure and determination to secure a memorable victory. A major highlight of the Dunedin stay was attending a Super Rugby match at Forsyth Barr Stadium. After the final whistle, spectators were invited onto the field to meet players from both teams. Brumbies Co‑Captain Allan Alaalatoa joined our group for a photo and generously spent time speaking with the students, creating a moment many will never forget. 

The final leg of the tour took the group to Christchurch. Both teams faced St Bede’s College, and it was an honor to once again stand before the haka. Our players rose to the occasion, executing their game plans with confidence and finishing the tour strongly with wins in both fixtures. Beyond the rugby field, students explored the city, learned a special haka, and even performed it against each other in a spirited exchange. They also gained insight into Christchurch’s recent history, learning about the impact of the devastating earthquake and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the community. 

The tour concluded with a deep sense of achievement and connection. The combination of cultural experiences, competitive rugby and the stunning environment of New Zealand created a powerful learning opportunity for all involved. It was a privilege to witness the growth of our students as athletes, teammates, and young people. 

Thank you to Mr Simpson, Mr Chase, Mrs Tatola, Mr McCann and Sio Tatola for their professionalism, time, and mentorship through this journey, from early morning to afternoon training sessions and sacrificing time away from your families, this tour would not be possible without your support. 

Thak you to everyone involved in making this tour possible and affording our students this wonderful opportunity. 

Macquire Tatola  

Head of Rugby 

Baseball Little League Success at State Championships

Congratulations to Year 7 students Jackson V and Ian C, who recently represented the Ryde Hawks Little League Baseball Team at the NSW State Championships. 

Coached in part by our own Year 6 teacher, Mr O’Connor, the Hawks competed strongly against teams from across the state, finishing as runners-up.

The team secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory in their semi-final before going down 6–12 in the Grand Final. 

Both Jackson and Ian played key roles throughout the competition, showing great composure and skill under pressure. In their third game of the tournament, the pair took on the demanding roles of both pitcher and catcher. 

Ian delivered an impressive performance on the mound, pitching three full innings and allowing just two runs. 

As a result of their strong performance at the State Championships, the Ryde Hawks have now qualified for the National Championships in June. 

The winner of this tournament will earn the opportunity to represent Australia at the Little League World Series in the United States a remarkable and prestigious pathway.

We congratulate Jackson and Ian on their achievements and wish the Ryde Hawks the very best as they prepare for Nationals.

Felicity Warsop

Year 7 Coordinator | Science Teacher | MIC Baseball/Softball