Interschool Sport

Hello everyone, and welcome to Captains' Corner by Liam Russell and Jacksyn Fitzsimons. We would like to start by saying how lucky we have been to take on the role of being Captains at Norwood in 2025. It has already brought us a great opportunity to make our last year at Norwood a special one to remember.

Today we would like to share the highlights of our first Interschool Sports Day for our Senior School students in 2025. On Monday the 10th February, senior boys and girls headed out to their chosen sport, which involved options such as Volleyball, Cricket, Softball, Baseball and Tennis.

Volleyball seemed to be the popular decision as we had a total of 5 teams of students head out to Mullum Mullum Stadium to take on Melba, Mooroolbark and Ringwood. Despite our amazing efforts, neither of Norwood’s A teams were able to head onto the next round. However, the day was still successful as it was full of exciting and competitive Volleyball that brought the best skills and performance out of each participant.

We would love to end by thanking all the teachers and helpers that came along to make the day run smoothly and get the best performance out of each student. Mr. Jag, Ms. Kite, Ms. Smith and Mrs. Beggs for Volleyball, Ms. Glare for Tennis, and Mr. Dernikos for Cricket. We couldn't have done it without you!

We hope you enjoyed your week!

Performing Arts

D block is back in action this year as the music and performing arts programs slowly whir to life once again. Concert band has begun this year with a new conductor, the amazing Ms Innes. We’re ready to go with a new piece, 'Sahara Adventure', which was just performed for the college community at this week’s Investiture Assembly. Likewise, the string orchestra and senior chamber ensemble have also launched back into rehearsals, both conducted by Mr Howard. Chorale has also started, led by our new choral director Ms Tunaley. I would like to welcome the new staff joining us in the music block this year, with Mr Evans teaching classroom music, Ms Tunaley taking charge of vocal lessons and chorale, and Mr Jaaz returning to teach woodwind and conduct the future junior band, which will begin rehearsals later in the year.

I would also like to welcome the many new Year 7 students who have joined the music program this year. I hope you all have so much fun learning a new (or familiar) instrument and I wish you the best of luck! I would like to invite all Year 7 students enrolled in the instrumental music program to a meet and greet happening next week on Wednesday, 12 March. This will be a great opportunity to play some games and get to know some of our music students in older year levels as well as my fellow music captains.

In the production space lots has been happening as well, with rehearsals for our production 'Oliver' already in full swing. Ms Filor has been helping the lead characters with their characterisation while Ms Dema and Ms Tunaley have begun vocal instruction in some small groups. Our dancers have also begun their masterfully created dance routines with Hayley Tonkin stepping in as our lead choreographer this year. Meanwhile Ms Cherry is working her magic behind the scenes as producer of our show. Ms Dyson has already got to work sourcing our costumes which is very exciting, and I can’t wait to see how the show progresses with our performances on the 28th, 29th, and 30th August in Term 3.

I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible performances the music and performing arts programs will produce this year. Stay tuned for dates of upcoming events in future newsletters!

Swimming Sports

On Monday, 24 February, Norwood hosted its annual swimming carnival at Aquanation, providing a fantastic opportunity for all our new and Year 7 students to participate for the first time. Everyone who swam on the day earned points for their House, and even those who cheered loudly contributed points by showcasing their school spirit and supporting their peers. Swimming events included freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and relays. Additionally, there were novelty races like noodle relays and ball scrambles. Our Year 12s continued the tradition by dressing up for the occasion, adding to the fun and festive atmosphere. It was great to see the Year 12s fully embrace their last school Swimming Carnival.

The carnival featured not only swimming events but also year-level volleyball and for the first time ever, water polo. Every year level had the opportunity to compete against their peers, with our Year 12s taking on the teachers in a highly competitive and well-fought game. The teachers emerged victorious in the first of many ‘Teachers vs Year 12’ battles for the year.

As the day drew to a close, the anticipation grew for the announcement of the winning House. Congratulations to Yarra, Norwood’s 2025 Swimming Carnival champions!

Well done to everyone who participated and earned points for their House. We look forward to our next whole school sporting event, the Athletics Carnival, on Tuesday, 25 March!

Music

Jo Dema - Music Coordinator