SSP NEWS

“No shortcuts to greatness”

On Wednesday 16 March, students in the Specialist Sports Program (Year 7-10), the Academy and Year 7 PE were treated to a special Q&A with a six-time world champion powerlifter, Bev Francis.

As Bev is a past student of one of our founding schools (Bell Park HS Class of 1972), our Alumni Program invited her back to share her story and insights from her 50-year career in the sports and fitness industry.

Bev told the students how her career grew from a love of sport. After high school, she went to Melbourne University to become a PE and maths teacher. It was at uni that she met a coach who encouraged her to compete in athletics and trained her in the gym.

The gym has remained her “happy place” ever since. That love has driven her to break some 40+ world records, win world championships, represent Australia in athletics, push the boundaries of bodybuilding, star in a movie, and establish a gym in New York – despite being subject to criticism over her muscular appearance.

Speaking to different groups of students over two wide-ranging Q&A sessions, Bev spoke about the importance of being prepared to put in the hard yards in training to become the best that you can be. She also spoke about loving what you do, trusting in your coach and building resilience. There are no shortcuts to greatness, she said.

“I found her completely inspiring as a role model. More people would benefit from hearing her story". 

Alex Tortora (The Academy, staff)

"I admire the way she has taken her dedication and determination and used this to succeed in business".

Michael Cilmi (The Academy, student)

"Bev has a great mindset, everyone should look up to her".

Jaymz Farrell (The Academy, student)

Thank you to Bev for coming back and inspiring our current students! We’re incredibly fortunate to have such inspirational alumni who are willing to share their wisdom with us.

We are very proud of all our students at Western Heights and take great pleasure in acknowledging their individual accomplishments. In the past two weeks there has been plenty to celebrate!

Congratulations to the two members of the Western Heights rowing team: Steph Whatley (Yr.10) and Zander Bailey (Yr.8) who competed in the SSV regatta last Thursday. 

Zander added another couple of medals to his collection taking out the Yr 8 title in the SSV regatta and placing 2nd at the State Championships in Nagambie last Saturday competing in the Yr. 9 division. Steph completed her summer rowing season at the Head of Schoolgirls regatta over three days, winning her heat and posting her best time of the season in her final, taking 27 seconds off her previous best time set two months earlier. Well done to both students, as many of the race commentators mentioned it is great to see Western Heights being represented in this sport.

Congratulations to Maisie Corcoran Yr. 9 who has recently been named as an emergency for this year's Victorian Country State basketball Team who will compete at the Australian National Championships in Perth in July. This is an outstanding achievement for a bottom age player, well done Maisie!

Congratulations to Tanielle Knight on her selection for the U19 National Gems squad who last weekend travelled to the Centre of Excellence (Canberra) for a training camp. Our Director of Basketball, David Herbert is the coach of this team and led the camp and acted as a mentor for the coaching staff of the National U17 teams. A great learning experience for the both of them.

Congratulations to Yr.12 student Ollie Northam on his appointment as Vice Captain of the Geelong Falcons. Ollie is currently completing a building and construction VET certificate and combining Yr 12 studies in VCAL with a school based apprenticeship in carpentry. In his spare time he is also proving to be a valuable mentor to the younger AFL students and would do very well as a future Phys Ed teacher according to the AFL coaching staff.

Congratulations to Jaxon Elzinga Yr.9 who recently competed at the State Athletics Championships winning a bronze medal in the 300m hurdle event. Jaxon’s elite running ability was also on display this week when he participated in the beep test during one of the AFL sessions successfully completing level 13.13 - an extremely impressive result Jaxon!

Lastly, congratulations to Matthew Evans in Year 8 and Thomas Evans in Year 11 who competed in the CFA State Urban Championships in Shepparton last weekend.

They both had a great day with Thomas taking home 1st place and 4x 2nd placings, and Matthew with 2x 2nd placings.

Well done to the both of you!

UNIFORM FOR SALE 

We have some old stock available for sale at the General Office for a discounted price. 

Very limited sizes available, first in best dressed!

SBP Everyday shorts: 3xs

SBP Training top: kids 14, xs

SBP Softshell Jacket: kids 14

SBP grey zip jacket: 2xs, XS, M, L, XL, 2XL

SBP Trackies:  2xs

SBP Orange/Navy shorts: xs, kids 12, kids 14

Navy playing shorts: M,L, XL

Reversible singlet: M

SFP Longsleeve Training top/jersey: small, 2xs, 3xs, Medium, Large 

SFP Polo: kids 14, small 

SFP Training top: kids 12, kids 14, small, Xs

SFP Womens shorts: 10/small 

SFP Footy Shorts: XL, Xs 

SFP Everyday Shorts: 3xs 

Cap: x5

Mid Length Socks:x5(2-8)

Long Footy socks: x8

Ankle length socks: x5(2-8)

Grey zip jackets - 50% off 

All other stock - 30% off 

If you need to purchase SSP Uniform throughout the year you will need to order through this link - https://orders.indigowolf.com.au/whcssp

Please note we will no longer be keeping stock here at WHC, once you place an order through Indigo Wolf they will send it directly to your address. Any issues with sizing, you will need to contact Indigo Wolf directly.