🏊🏼‍♂️ College Swimming Carnival

Amidst the radiant sunshine and the electric atmosphere, St. Mary’s College recently hosted its eagerly anticipated College Swimming Carnival. It was a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and spirited competition as students from Year 3 to Year 11 dove into the pool to showcase their aquatic skills.

The anticipation leading up to the carnival was palpable. For the Year 3 to 5 students, it marked their inaugural experience, while for everyone else, it was the long-awaited return to normalcy after a two-year hiatus.

As the festivities commenced, it was evident that the students were determined to make the most of every moment. They eagerly participated in a multitude of races, from freestyle to point swims and novelty races, filling the pool with a vibrant energy.

Throughout the day, a sense of House unity prevailed, with students cheering on their peers and celebrating each other's achievements. The support extended beyond the pool, with College Leaders stepping up to assist the younger students in their 25-meter events, fostering a culture of mentorship and teamwork.

A massive thank you is extended to the our dedicated staff and students whose cooperation and enthusiasm contributed to the success of the carnival. Their collective efforts ensured that the day ran smoothly, leaving lasting memories for all involved.

In the ultimate display of sportsmanship and competitive spirit, McAuley emerged triumphant over Padua, clinching victory after a day filled with exhilarating races and memorable moments. However, the true essence of the carnival transcended the final scores, as it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the joy of participation.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Age Champions for their respective age groups:

	Girls	Boys
9 Year Olds	Anika Kingston	Lachlan Lynch
10 Year Olds	Ruby-Lee Cox	Oliver Liddell
11 Year Olds	Ellie Taylor	Jack Lomax
12/13 Year Olds (Prim)	Kai Raynor	Ava and Isabel Gordon
12/13 Year Olds (Sec)	Taylah MacDonald	Finn Melville
14 Year Olds	Sienna Lynch	Max Christensen
15 Year Olds	Kyra Pearce	Marcus Kingston
16 Year Olds	Mikayla Eriksson	Oliver Kingston
17 Year Olds	Chloe Butterworth	Zac Brown

Swimming SMC Records Broken

👟 College Athletics Carnival

With just a week separating us from the last flurry of excitement at the College Swimming Carnival, staff and students barely had time to catch their breath before diving into another thrilling event – the College Athletics Carnival. Despite the whirlwind pace, they eagerly laced up their shoes, ready to showcase their athleticism and school spirit at Kings Park.

Once again, Mother Nature smiled upon us, gracing the carnival with glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of sporting excellence. Against this picturesque setting, students from Year 3 to Year 11 eagerly stepped onto the track and field, determined to leave their mark and push themselves to new heights.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the day unfolded, with new records and students unleashing their best efforts across all events. From the lightning-fast sprints on the track to the gravity-defying leaps in the long jump pit, every moment was a testament to the dedication and talent of our students.

Behind the scenes, a grand effort of co-ordination and co-operation, with every staff member playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the carnival. Their tireless dedication and commitment ensured that the day flowed seamlessly, allowing our students to shine in the spotlight. Additionally, we express our appreciation to the parents and families whose support and involvement added an extra dimension of warmth and encouragement to the event. Special mention was made to Seymour Little Athletics for their invaluable contributions, providing equipment and canteen services that helped make the day a resounding success.

In the arena of competition, McAuley once again emerged victorious, edging out Padua by a mere 46 points in a display of sheer determination and skill. Yet, beyond the tally of points, the true essence of the carnival lay in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that permeated every race, jump, and throw.

As the day drew to a close, we celebrated with light-hearted festivities, including a Year 11 piggyback race and a thrilling 100-meter handicap. These moments served as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that athletics fosters, encouraging positive participation and teamwork among students of all ages.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Age Champions for their respective age groups:

	Girls	Boys
9 Year Olds	Maci Tennant	Patrick Liddell
10 Year Olds	Summer Hoefchen	Brock Inness
11 Year Olds	Ellie Taylor	Darcy Turner
12/13 Year Olds (Prim)	Mia Brown	Sonny Taylor
12/13 Year Olds (Sec)	Taylah MacDonald	Levi Brown
14 Year Olds	Zahira Wilson	Edi Waghorn
15 Year Olds	Kyra Pearce	Hamish Melville
16 Year Olds	Mikayla Eriksson	Sam Charles
17 Year Olds	Sophie Munro	Hugh Traynor-Murphy

Congratulations to all our students, staff, and supporters for their outstanding contributions to the College Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. Your passion, dedication, and sportsmanship have truly made this year’s events ones to remember. Well done, and here's to many more moments of sporting excellence in the future!

Athletics SMC Records Broken

🏊🏼‍♂️ District, Division and Southern Ranges Swimming Events

Following the resounding success of the College Swimming Carnival, St Mary’s College's aquatic talents have continued to make waves as they progress to the next levels of competition.

At the Primary level, a group of outstanding individuals stepped up to represent our College at both the Primary District and Division levels. Now an impressive group of 16 students have earned the honour of representing the school at the highly competitive Hume Regional Competition in Shepparton. These young athletes, brimming with talent and determination, are set to showcase their skills on Wednesday 6th of March as they vie for a coveted spot at the State Championships in the weeks to come.

Meanwhile, our Secondary students have been making waves of their own at the Southern Ranges Swimming Carnival in Benalla. The pool reverberated with excitement as several records tumbled and relay teams left an indelible mark with their stellar performances. With each swim, our Secondary students exhibited a blend of skill, determination, and teamwork, demonstrating the true spirit of McAuley College.

As the dust settles and the ripples of excitement subside, all eyes are eagerly fixed on the horizon, awaiting news of new records and age champions at these prestigious events. Stay tuned as we celebrate the achievements of our talented swimmers, whose dedication and passion continue to propel them to new heights in the realm of competitive swimming.

🏍️ Alpine High Country Schools Competition

On Friday 23rd February, Silas Brennan (Year 8) and Samuel Charles (Year 11) attended the Rocky Trail Academy Schools Mountain Bike Racing Competition in Mount Buller. This is an awesome opportunity for our students with interests and skills outside of our in-school offering to showcase their abilities and mingle with like individuals of their age. Sam finished 5th in his Senior Age Group and 12th for the overall day with a total of 95 competitors! Well done to both Silas and Sam who took on this opportunity.

I look forward to sharing more student sporting achievements in future College Marians!

Courtney Aldous

Sports Co-ordinator

courtney.aldous@smseymour.catholic.edu.au

P&F Association