AROUND THE COLLEGE

Western Heights College Athletics Carnival at Landy Field

On Thursday, 5 March, almost 900 Western Heights College students headed to Landy Field for our annual Athletics Carnival. With clear skies and warm conditions, the day provided a fantastic setting for students to compete, support their houses and enjoy a great day of school sport.

Participation and house spirit were outstanding across all year levels, with students giving their best in both track and field events. A huge thank you also goes to the staff and student helpers who assisted with the smooth running of the carnival throughout the day.

Congratulations to Green House, who were crowned the 2026 Grand Aggregate winners with a total of 1342 points, followed by Red (1173), Yellow (1081) and Blue (988).

One of the highlights of the day was the number of records broken. An impressive 23 new school records were set, showcasing the depth of talent across the college. Standout performances included Macy Brdar (Blue), who broke four records in the 13 Year Girls age group; Tahnee Hutchison (Yellow), who set three new records in the 17 Year Girls events; and Oliver Schouten-Durham (Blue), who broke two records in the 15 Year Boys events. Exceptional field performances also came from Samantha Miles (Red), who broke records in both the 15 Year Girls Discus and Javelin, and Jack Christie (Red), who set a new record in the 17 Year Boys High Jump.

A new feature of the carnival this year was the introduction of the King and Queen of the Track event. The fastest male and female students from each age group were invited to compete in a final 100m sprint to determine the overall fastest athletes of the day. It was an exciting race to finish the carnival, with Tahnee Hutchison (Year 11) crowned Queen of the Track and Oscar Rixon (Year 12) taking out the title of King of the Track.

Congratulations to our 2026 Age Group Champions:

• 13 Year Girls: Macy Brdar (Blue)
• 13 Year Boys: Luke Simpson (Blue)
• 14 Year Girls: Clara Gardiner (Red)
• 14 Year Boys: Arian Ahmeti (Blue) Lochlyn King (Green)
• 15 Year Girls: Parwaan Kaur Aulakh (Blue)
• 15 Year Boys: Oliver Schouten-Durham (Blue)
• 16 Year Girls: Katarina Arbanas (Green) Arhlia Cvetkovski (Green)
• 16 Year Boys: Ethan Young (Red)
• 17 Year Girls: Tahnee Hutchison (Yellow)
• 17 Year Boys: Kirby Donaldson (Green)
• 20 Year Girls: Alexandra Whatley (Red)

• 20 Year Boys: Kye Smith (Green)

   

The Athletics Carnival continues to be one of the highlights of the school calendar, and it was great to see so many students involved, competing and supporting their peers throughout the day. Well done to everyone who participated and represented their house with pride.

Outdoor Recreation Surfing

In Week 5 and Week 7 week our Year 10 and 11 Certificate II Outdoor Recreation students travelled to Ocean Grove for a practical surfing session on the Bellarine coast. Conditions were ideal for the first session, with more challenging conditions in the second session. Students made the most of the opportunity to build confidence in the water, improve their paddling and board control, and practise catching waves. Just as importantly, they represented our school exceptionally well, showing respect for instructors, the beach environment, and members of the public. Their positive attitude, teamwork and willingness to challenge themselves made the day a fantastic success and highlighted the strong culture of our Outdoor Education program this year.

Western Heights College is proud to celebrate Harmony Day and Diversity Week from Monday 23rd – Friday 27th March 2026.

Harmony Day is a time for Australians to recognise and celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, and to promote the message that everyone belongs. Diversity Week provides an opportunity for our school to acknowledge and appreciate the different cultural backgrounds, languages and traditions represented within our community.

Throughout the week:

• Our canteen will offer a range of culturally diverse food options at lunchtime, allowing students to experience flavours from around the world.

• Different cultural music will be played for the school bell each day, celebrating global cultures.

   

On Friday 27th March, students and staff are encouraged to wear a “touch of orange”, the official colour of Harmony Day. Orange symbolises respect, inclusion and belonging for all Australians.

Please note this is not a casual clothes or out-of-uniform day. A “touch of orange” might include items such as a hair tie, socks, earrings, or another small accessory, worn alongside the regular school uniform.

We look forward to celebrating the diversity that makes Western Heights College such a vibrant and inclusive community.

International Women's Day yarns with Jas Knox

A number of First Nations students last week celebrated International women's day through an afternoon of connection with Jas Knox. Jas is a Badimaya and Yamatji woman who continues to have a massive impact on young mob living on Wadawurrung Country. 

Together the group did some weaving and yarned about Jas' work in Djilang Sporting Organisation, Wathaurong youth hub and her new role at Wadamba team as the Partnerships Coordinator. This year Jas was awarded the First Nations Community Woman: Community Engagement and Connection Award in Geelong's First Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) Awards. Jas was celebrated alongside 8 other amazing women supporting the First Nations community to thrive including Aunty May Owen, Liza Couzens and Bri Apma-Hayes who are also connected with WHC. 

During our session year 8 Alecia said her favourite thing about being a woman was that women are able to come together connect and talk about absolutely anything. The girls appreciated Jas' time and all that she gives to the community and are looking forward to connecting again in the future.