SSP NEWS

SP Netball News

This week has seen the Specialist Netball Program begin Fitness Testing across all year levels. Student athletes have completed a 5m, 10m and 20m sprint, the Yoyo fitness test and will complete agility testing later in the week. It has been great to see students persisting, challenging themselves and encouraging one another.

On Friday, our Year 9 and 10 students will be visiting ARC Sports Recovery in Geelong as part of their athletic development and recovery education. During the visit, students will learn about the importance of recovery in sport and physical activity, including strategies such as contrast therapy, mobility work, and recovery techniques used by high-performance athletes.

This experience will give students practical insight into how athletes look after their bodies to support performance, reduce injury risk, and recover effectively between training sessions.

Student Achievements:

Congratulations to Jack Te Paa on making the SSV 15&U Boys Netball Team who will compete in the School Sport Australia Championships in Parkville at the end of July 2026. We wish you all the best Jack!

Congratulations to Milla Eldredge who has been Talent Identified to trial for the 2027 Talent Academy and State Team Programs. Keep up the great work Milla!

Celebrating Our High Performance and Olympic Pathway Students

Western Heights College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of brothers Leo and Paddy McCaughley, who both enjoyed incredible success at the Moomba Australian Skateboarding Championships over the weekend.

Leo McCaughley delivered a remarkable performance to take out 1st place in the Men’s Open Australian Skateboarding Championship, finishing ahead of a field of 22 of Australia’s best open male skateboarders. His win earned him the championship title, the major prize cheque, and selection to compete at the World Asia Championships in April.

Adding to the family’s success, younger brother Paddy McCaughley also claimed victory in the Under 16 Australian Championship, producing the winning run to secure the national title in his division.

These results highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of both athletes and reflect the commitment they bring to their training and development.

The McCaughley family would like to thank Nick Richardson and the Western Heights College Specialist Sports Program (SSP) for their ongoing support of the boys on their skateboarding journey.

Congratulations Leo and Paddy on these fantastic achievements. The Western Heights College community looks forward to following Leo’s progress as he heads to the World Asia Championships in April. 🛹👏

Good Luck, Isaiah!

Western Heights College would like to congratulate Isaiah Nanat on his outstanding achievement in being selected to represent Victoria, Australia, with Coach D, Basketball Australia, at the NBTC (National Basketball Training Centre) Tournament.

The international tournament will be held in Manila, Philippines, where Isaiah will compete in the Under 16 Boys division against teams from several countries. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to test their skills against high-level international competition.

Isaiah’s selection is a testament to his hard work, commitment and talent in basketball. Representing Victoria and Australia on the international stage is an outstanding accomplishment, and the entire Western Heights College community is very proud.

We wish Isaiah the very best of luck in the tournament and look forward to hearing about his experience competing overseas.

Staffing Key Contacts for the Specialist Sports Program;

SSP Leader

Renee Lane – SSP Leader Renee.Lane@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Management Team

Cate Johnson – Operations Manager Cate.Johnson@education.vic.gov.au

Nick Richardson – High Performance Manager Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Learning Community Leader

Paul Rogers Paul.Rogers@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

For any student injury concerns, please contact Ryan Spoors: Ryan.Spoors@education.vic.gov.au

Coaching Team: Matthew Scarlett, Brad Ottens, Kate Darby, Brendan McCartney, Georgie Prespakis and Ryan Spoors 

Basketball Program:

Head Coach - Ashley Arnott: Ashley.Arnott@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Kaleb Sclater, David Herbert and Kris Blicavs: Kaleb.Sclater@education.vic.gov.au

Kris.Blicavs@education.vic.gov.au

David.Herbert@education.vic.gov.au

* The program will continue to be supported by players from Geelong United WNBL team, including Taylor Mole.

Netball Program:

Head Coach - Susan Meaney: Susan.Meaney@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Stacey Dodds and Ainsley Corrigan: Stacey.Dodds@education.vic.gov.au

Ainsley.Corrigan@education.vic.gov.au

For any student injury concerns, please contact Seth Tomlinson: Seth.Tomlinson@education.vic.gov.au

Soccer Program:

Head Coach - Joseph Didulica: Joseph.Didulica@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Sean Mahon and Dan Conte: Sean.Mahon@education.vic.gov.au

Daniel.Conte@education.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Victory Coaching Team: Peter Kofinas and Cassian Anghel.

For any student injury concerns, please contact Nick Richardson: Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

Please note: Any mainstream concerns are via the relevant Sub-School Leader or Learning Community Leader

Link to Purchase Sport Uniform

* For SSP and AAP students only

https://indigowolf.com.au/whcssp

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 2026, 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