Swimming Carnival

THS Swimming Carnival 2026 – A Splashing Success at Tenterfield High School

Wednesday, 11 February 2026 will go down as the day the pool shimmered, the Houses roared, and the Seniors took lifeguarding fashion to previously unseen heights.

With a perfect summer sky overhead and 162 students in attendance, this year’s annual Swimming Carnival delivered everything you’d expect from a premier sporting event — fierce competition, deafening House spirit, and just enough novelty races to keep everyone involved and cooled off. The weather ensured the pool was an essential recovery strategy from the heat, while the House areas pulsed with colour, chants, and energy.

From the outset, the tone was set. The united Senior cohort, dressed head-to-toe as lifeguards, made it clear that safety was the priority — though their synchronized strutting around the pool deck suggested Baywatch auditions may also have been underway. With music blasting from the DJ tent, the carnival atmosphere was less “school day” and more “summer festival featuring freestyle.”

The Battle of the Houses

This year’s competition was so tight that results were checked — and then checked again — and then triple checked for good measure.

After the calculators cooled down and the tally sheets survived the pressure, Stewart emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish. Cunningham pushed them to the very edge, finishing a razor-close second. Oxley and Parkes showed true grit as always — while history suggests their dominance may lean more toward track than the pool. There are still plenty of points up for grabs in the Cross Country, Athletics, and Term House sports. The overall House championship race is far from over.

Final House Standings

1st – Stewart 2nd – Cunningham

3rd – Oxley 4th – Parkes

Age Champions – The Pool’s Finest

Across every age division, students delivered outstanding performances, proving that preparation, determination, and possibly a well-timed dive can make all the difference.

12/13 Years

Girls Champion: Lexi Kelly (Runner Up: Leah Middleton)
Boys Champion: Valentyn Lavea (Runner Up: Lucas Hill)

14 Years

Girls Champion: Chelsea Edmonds (Runner Up: Charlotte Potter)
Boys Champion: Blair Parker (Runner Up: Beau Sharpe)

15 Years

Girls Champion: Pippa Koch (Runner Up: Ruby Kirk)
Boys Champion: Alexander Edmonds (Runner Up: Ethan Kelly)

16 Years

Girls Champion: Tayah Everson (Runner Up: Claire Vasta)
Boys Champion: Jack Chapman (Runner Up: Isaac Kirk)

17+ Years

Girls Champion: Reagan Sharpe (Runner Up: Katie McCowen)
Boys Champion: Levi Murphy (Runner Up: Brock Brown)

Each champion earned their title through consistency, speed, and the ability to perform under the watchful gaze of lifeguard-clad Seniors and an exceptionally vocal crowd.

More Than Just a Carnival

Beyond the results, what truly stood out was the spirit of the day. The high attendance, exceptional behaviour, and willingness of students to participate in both competitive and novelty events reflect the culture that makes THS special. Carnivals like this aren’t just about medals — they’re about House pride, shared laughs, and memories that stick long after the chlorine fades.

Yours in sport,

Mr Cook