Upcoming Sporting Dates

Catholic Athletics (yr 3-6's qualifying on from our school sports) 29th August
Divisional Basketball (Yr 6 only) 5th September
Divisional Athletics (Yr 4-6's qualifying on from the Catholic sports) 15th September
Regional Athletics (those qualifying on from the Divisional School Athletics) 13th October
Divisional Cricket Blast (year 6 only) 24th October
Junior Athletics Morning (here at school on the oval) 31st October

SSV National AFL Championship

We all met at the airport and flew to Maroochydore, where we kicked things off with a team dinner. The next morning, we joined the opening ceremony alongside all the other states—an incredible atmosphere to be part of!

Our first round was a bye, and then we faced every state across the week. We had convincing wins against QLD, NSW, ACT and NT, while WA and SA were our closest games—but we managed to build strong leads and get the job done.

I played many positions across the championship, and when forward, I did manage to kick the opening goal of the game against NSW, kicking a goal from the pocket. The highlight was probably my snap that resulted in a goal against ACT and took our score to 100!

Midway through the week we had a much-needed recovery day, with a swim, a walk, and some great team bonding. After our final match, we swapped signed jumpers and team gear with the other states—it was really special meeting players from all over Australia.

At the closing ceremony, we were presented with our medals and the trophy. Awards were also handed out, and I was very proud to be named, ‘Most Versatile Player.’

Aside from the wins, the friendships I made and the chance to play footy at such a high standard made it such a rewarding experience.

A huge thank you to Mum and Dad for all their support getting me to trials and games, to Leigh and Danny for their encouragement, to my amazing teammates (and their parents!), and finally to my schoolmates and teachers for cheering me on throughout the journey.

By Layla Hand

Regional Soccer – Girls

On Tuesday 19th August, our girls’ soccer team travelled to Swan Hill for the Regional Soccer Championship. After a long bus ride, we warmed up and set our starting positions, ready to go.

Our first game was against Tongala, where we came away with a strong 3–0 win. In round two we faced St Mary’s Swan Hill, taking another victory 4–0 with excellent defence and plenty of scoring chances. Our final match was a heated and evenly matched game against Castlemaine, which finished in a 0–0 draw.

On percentage, we finished second overall and just missed out on progressing to the grand final. Despite that, it was a fantastic day filled with teamwork, fun, and plenty of laughs.

A big thank you to Mr Morrissey for coaching us, Mrs Zealley for helping us prepare, and Miss Maud for coming along on the day.

By Gemma Short & Ivy Lennon

Regional Soccer – Boys

In Swan Hill, the boys’ team got underway with Mr Zera setting us up in our positions and taking us through a solid warm-up. Our first game was against Taradale–Winters Flat, which we won 3–1. We then faced St Mary’s Swan Hill and came away with a big 5–0 win, followed by a 2–1 victory over Castlemaine.

This set us up for the grand final against Kennington. It was a real thriller, with the score locked at 0–0 until the dying seconds when Kennington managed to sneak in a goal, leaving us as runners-up.

It was a fantastic day of soccer with plenty of highs and lows. We worked together, supported each other, and played with great spirit. A big thank you to Mr Zera for coaching, Mr Sharp for his support, and to all our opposition for the great games and wonderful sportsmanship.

By Ned Bowe & Will Penno

Regional Netball – Girls

At the Regional Netball Carnival, the girls played three round games and two finals.

Our first game was against Romsey, a tough but beatable side, and we came away with the win to start the day strongly. Next, we faced Echuca Primary, which was probably our hardest pool game, but again we managed another victory. Our third game against St Mary’s Robinvale was full of laughs, and we secured another win to finish the rounds undefeated.

In finals, tiredness started to creep in, but it didn’t stop us from playing our best. We defeated our rivals St Theresa’s by ten goals in a strong semi-final, before moving into the grand final against St Mary’s Swan Hill. Fired up and determined, we worked hard for a five-goal win to be crowned champions!

It was an amazing day, full of fun and great netball. A huge thank you to our fantastic coach Miss Mangan – we couldn’t have done it without you – and to Christie Rogers for helping on the day, Mrs Exell for scoring, and Mrs Coates and Mrs Zealley for organising.

Bring on States!

By Eden Rogers & Ivy Pinner

Regional Netball – Boys

We had a fantastic time at the Regional Netball Carnival! When we arrived, we bibbed up, did some warm-up drills and half-court practice to get ready for the big day ahead.

In Game 1, we faced Kyabram and came away with a strong win. Game 2 was against St Mary’s Mildura, and we continued our form with another comfortable victory. Game 3 was a tough battle against Swan Hill, and while we went down by a narrow margin, we were proud of how hard we fought and pushed such a strong side.

In the semi-final, we played St Therese’s, and, despite another great team effort, we fell short. Across the day, we improved every game, supported one another, and showed great teamwork and camaraderie. From where we started, finishing 3rd in the region is great!

A big thank you to our parents and friends for cheering us on, and to Mrs Coates and Mrs Zealley for coaching us and helping us develop our skills. We had a ball!

By Nash Dickson & Paddy Horan

Little Athletics State Cross Country Championship

On Saturday, 9 August, Lyla Edwards, Milanke Hassbroek, and Ada Emmerson represented Bendigo at the Little Athletics State Cross Country Championships at Lake Dewar.

All three girls ran exceptionally well, with Milanke placing 3rd and Lyla finishing 5th in the 12-year girls’ age group. Ada also put in a fantastic effort, finishing 11th in the 10-year girls’ age group. Well done girls this is fantastic.

Also, a massive GOOD LUCK to Lyla & Milanke ahead of the All Schools Nationals in Ballarat on Saturday, where they will be representing St Francis and Victoria. Go well girls!

Judo

We are pleased to let you know that Leo Kirke has passed a Judo practical and knowledge test called a grading at the Judo Bendigo Club.

This is no easy task and requires a great deal of practice. The grade is awarded by the presentation of a coloured Judo belt.

Junior Judo belts are in varying colours signifying age and expertise. Leo has been awarded a Junior Yellow belt.

Congratulations Leo!

Horse Riding

We would love to share some exciting news about Maddy Bridge. She has recently been nominated as 1 of 4 nominees for the Young Horse Rider of the Year Award (Under 18 years) in Victoria, as well as for her rider class at the National Championships at the end of the year.

Qualifying for the Young Horse Rider of the Year award is a huge achievement, as riders must be consistently successful throughout the season to even be considered. The awards night is held at the Hyatt in Melbourne, which makes it a very special occasion. Maddy is not only excited about the recognition of her hard work, but also about the chance to get dressed up and celebrate alongside the other top riders in the state.

She has been working tirelessly with her ponies and is looking forward to an exciting show season ahead. We are so proud of her dedication, commitment, and the joy she takes in her sport.

PE Awards

Each assembly week, we present a tuck shop award.

The criterion for receiving these awards is very straightforward. Students demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, effort, and attitude will be the prime candidates for these awards.

Congratulations:

Sylvie Mason, Conor Gregg & Eddie Perry

Sporting News: Parents, if you have sporting news that should be shared in the newsletter, please send through a completed write up and picture to:

dcoates@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au

Danielle Coates- PE Coordinator

St Francis Newsletter

Term 3 Week 5 · 21 Aug 2025

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