Upcoming Sporting Dates

Term 3

Regional Girls Football (Yr 6 only) - Thursday 13th August
Regional Girls & Boys Netball (Yr 6 only) - Tuesday 18th August
Catholic Athletics (students qualifying on from our school sports) - Thursday 20th August
Divisional Basketball (Yr 6 only) - Wednesday 9th September
Divisional Athletics (Yr 4-6's qualifying on from the Catholics sports) - Monday 14th September

Term 4

Regional Athletics (Yr 4-6's qualifying on from the Divisional sports) - Monday 12th October
Divisional Cricket Blast (Yr 6 only) - Friday 23rd October
Regional Basketball (Yr 6 only) - Tuesday 27th October
State Athletics (Yr 4-6's qualifying on from the Regional sports) - Thursday 29th October
Fdn-2 Junior Athletics Morning - Friday 30th October
Fdn-2 Swimming Program - Tue 3rd, Wed 4th, Thur 5th & Fri 6th November
Regional Cricket Blast (Yr 6 only *If we qualify on) - Friday 13th November

State Cross Country

On the 16th of July, 10 children went to State Cross Country. It was a cold rainy day, and the course was very thick and muddy, but everyone had so much fun.

Everybody did an outstanding effort finishing the race with a smile on their face. We are so, so very proud of the kids who participated. As Captains, we felt very grateful to be able to help and encourage everyone along the way.

A massive, big, huge thank you to Mrs Coates for her coaching and organisation, also to Paul for his coaching and Sarah for assisting.

By Lotti Childs & Quade Baker

Divisional Footy Write Up

Boys football

On Tuesday the 21st of July the grade 6 boys footy team went to represent St Francis at the Sandhurst division under 12 football competition at CMC. It was a rough day but we had a lot of fun winning two of our four games.

We started off the day with a good win against St Killian’s, but we had our toughest game next against St Thereses, our rivals. We ended up losing by 6 goals which was disappointing. Next game against Girton we were a bit flat, but we kept our heads high and gave it our best, but we still ended up losing to Girton by about 2 goals.

We were fired up for the next Game to finish off the day with a win. We had a really good game and ended up beating Strathfieldsaye by two goals. Thank you to Mr Crameri and Mr Zera for coaching and a big thanks to Mrs Coates and Miss Zealley for organising the whole day.

Aiden McDermott and Henry Harrington

Boys Football captains.

Girls Football

On Tuesday the 21st July it was our footy carnival. The day started off with a triple by. Ten minutes before the game we started a tense warm up and then we went straight into our first game. It was foggy and hard to see but we ended up thrashing them. For our second and third game we were a little nervous, but we came onto the field confident and came off with 2 quick wins.

Our fourth game we versed Strath PS which was going to determine if we made the finals. We came out with a win and ended up on top of the ladder. We had 30 minutes until the big game.

As the boys sadly didn’t end up making it to the next level, they were there to watch us. In the big grand final we started off strong by keeping them goal-less throughout the whole 5 minutes. With the first quarter done we scored about two goals and then going into the second quarter they snuck a quick point against us, but luckily our defenders were strong and got it out of their forward and into ours and then we scored another goal! The end score was 18 goals to 1!

We were very proud of how we played and were very grateful for our coach Mr Zera and to Mrs Coates and Mrs Zealley for organising. And a very big thanks to all the parents that got us ready for the day.

By Albie Tyler and Eadie Willis.

Girls Football Captains.

Divisional Netball Write Up

Boys Netball

On Wednesday the 29th of July, the boys’ and girls’ netball team jumped on a bus and headed to Red Energy Arena. The boys first game was against Strathfieldsaye Primary - it was a close match, but we got the better of them winning 12-6. We were going into the next game with high expectations, going against White Hills. We ended up winning that game 18-0.

After that we played Marist. We went in knowing this would be our toughest game yet, we played well and ended up with the win 10-4. Our final game, against St Inglebridge, was important. We needed to win that game to make it to grand final. We came in nervous but smashed them, the scores were 26-0.

Finally, we played against St Thereses, and we won that game 11-3. We would like to thank Ollie Ryan, Mrs Zealley, Mrs McDermott and all the parents that came to watch, and Mrs Coates for organising everything.

By Will Hearps and Max Nielsen

Boys Netball Captains

Girls Netball

10 girls went to the stadium, we played outside the whole day, We had 16 minutes in-between each game, to get water and refuel our body before the next game starts. the first game was against white hills, and we came out strong with the win. Then we had 5 other games ahead of us. The other 5 teams were quarry hill, spring gully, st kilian’s, Strathfieldsaye and victory.

After winning all of games if was all up to the grand final where we versed your biggest rivalry St Therese’s. it was a tight game at the start but then we used all our effort and came out with a win 5 points In front. Now WE're off to swan hill on the 18th of august.

THANK YOU TO Miss mangan and miss Montana for taking time out of their day to help us, mrs coate’s and mrs zealley for organising the day and miss Williams for coming to help us at our trainings.

By Kaley Marsh and Pippa Fishley

Girls netball Captains

We congratulate our footballers and netballers on representing our school so wonderfully throughout these competitions. You should all be incredibly proud of your efforts, commitment, and sportsmanship.

We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding conduct of our Year 6 boys during the girls' football Grand Final. Despite the disappointment of not playing in a Grand Final themselves, they could not have been more excited or supportive as they cheered on the girls from the sidelines. Their encouragement, enthusiasm and selflessness were a wonderful reflection of the culture we strive to build at St Francis of the Fields.

It also shines a light on the incredible work of our junior and grassroots coaches, who do so much more than teach skills and tactics. They develop students' understanding of the game while instilling the values of respect, teamwork, humility, and resilience. These are the qualities we hope our students display in both victory and defeat, and our Year 6 boys demonstrated them beautifully.

To all of our coaches, thank you for the countless voluntary hours you give so generously to our community. Your passion for developing young people lays the foundation not only for better athletes, but for better people.

Thank you also to our wonderful staff, Mr Crameri, Mr Zera, Miss Mangan, Mrs McDermott, Mrs Zealley and Miss Williams for assisting in coaching and preparing the students for these days, along with Mrs Bone, Mrs O’Connor and Miss Montanna Maud who supported on the day.

YEAR 3-6 School Athletics Sports

Congratulations to all of our students on their enthusiastic participation in this year's School Sports. It was fantastic to see so many students challenging themselves, encouraging one another and embracing the spirit of the day. Whether they were striving for a personal best or simply giving every event a go, every effort was something to be proud of.

Thank you to our teachers and staff for their outstanding support throughout the day, and to the CMC students for their assistance in helping everything run so smoothly. A special thank you also to Mrs Zealley for her support in the lead-up to and throughout the carnival. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's contribution to making the day such a success.

A huge thank you to the parents who stepped in at the last minute without batting an eyelid when we unfortunately found ourselves short of the number of secondary helpers we had planned for. Your willingness to jump in at a moment's notice made a tremendous difference. Thank you Emma and Michael Ciancio, Nic Emmerson, Lexi and Sally Arundell, and Darcy Rodda. Your generosity, flexibility, and support are greatly appreciated.

All the very best to our strong team of athletes that we will be heading to the Catholic Athletic Championships on Thursday 20th August.

House Point Results - 2026

Green (Francis): 1101
Red (MacKillop): 1046
Blue (Backhaus): 1024
Yellow (Clare): 1004

Best contributors - 2026

12/13 year boys: Jenson Chambers & Josh Rodda

12/13 year girls: Bella Hope

11 year boys: Banjo Place

11 year girls: Adelaide Ciancio

10 year boys: Gus Arundell

10 year girls: Hazel McDermott

8/9 year boys: Leo Mangan

8/9 year girls: Sophie Coultas

Congratulations, you will receive your medals at tomorrow's assembly.

Records

Congratulations to the students below, on breaking records at our athletics sports on Friday.

A MASSIVE 28 records were broken last Friday!

9 Years – Boys

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
100m	Leo Mangan	16.13 (previously 16.14)
100m (Multi Class)	Jack Campbell	17.36
200m (Multi Class)	Jack Campbell	36.36
Long Jump (Multi Class)	Jack Campbell	1.97
Shot Put (Multi Class)	Jack Campbell	3.55

9 Years – Girls

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
Triple Jump	Sophie Coultas	7.12m (previously 6.53m)
80mh (45cm)	Sophie Coultas	16.06 (previously 16.53)
800m	Sophie Coultas	3:18.78 (previously 3:24.42)

10 Years – Boys

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
80mh (45cm)	Gus Arundell	14.91 (previously 15.27)
100m	Chimdi Ilozue	15.25 (previously 15.68)
Long Jump	Gus Arundell	3.82m (previously 3.51m)
Triple Jump	Gus Arundell	7.60m (previously 7.30m)
800m	Gus Arundell	2:42.48 (previously 2:52.96)

10 Years – Girls

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
200m	Hazel McDermott	34.25 (previously 34.76)
80mh (45cm)	Iris Booker	14.86 (previously 15.42)

11 Years – Boys

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
Triple Jump	Will Campbell	8.36m (previously 7.94m)
100m	Banjo Place	14.66 (previously 14.79)
200m	Banjo Place	30.01 (previously 31.24)

11 Year – Girls

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
100m	Adelaide Ciancio	14.55 (previously 15.31)
200m	Adelaide Ciancio	31.36 (previously 31.62)

12 Year – Boys

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
800m	Josh Rodda	2.29.80 (previously 2.44.55)
Discus	Henry Harrington	22.06m (previously 21.60m)
100m	Jenson Chambers	13.80 (previously 14.21)
200m	Jenson Chambers	28.61 (previously 30.07)

12 Year – Girls

Event	Athlete	New Record (Previous Record)
80mh (45cm)	Bella Hope	13.53 (previously 13.67)
Long Jump	Bella Hope	4.01m (previously 3.90m)
Triple Jump	Bella Hope	8.21m (previously 8.20m)
200m	Bella Hope	31.81 (previously 31.91)

A special thank you!

As this was our final major sporting carnival with Mr Moloney at the helm, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank him for his unwavering support of our school sports program over many, many years.

Tim has attended every school sporting event, and has been an integral part of every stage, from the set-up, running of the day and pack-up. He never stands back or simply oversees proceedings; instead, he asks what needs to be done, rolls up his sleeves, and gets involved. He truly leads by example and models the kind of hands-on support and commitment that makes a difference.

Having Tim’s constant support has allowed me to focus on providing the very best opportunities for our students, knowing there is always someone willing to step in wherever needed. His belief in our program, his encouragement and his willingness to contribute have shaped positive experiences for our students and have played a significant role in the success and growth of our school sporting culture.

Tim, thank you.

Regional Little Athletics Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to Ada and Ollie Emmerson & Luca and Pia Meyer who competed in the Regional Little Athletics Cross Country Championships on Sunday, 19 July.

Ada & Luca students produced outstanding performances to earn podium finishes and qualify for the Little Athletics Victoria State Cross Country Championships.

Ada Emmerson placed 2nd in the Girls U11 event
Ollie Emmerson had a great run! No places given in his age group
Luca Meyer placed 3rd in the Girls U9 event
Pia Meyer placed 2nd in the Girls U7 event (too young to qualify on)

The Little Athletics Victoria State Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Myrniong.

This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish Ada and Luca all the best!

Year 6 Netball Tournament:

Our girls competed in a netball tournament last Sunday and came away with the win!

Well done, girls!

Other important dates in 2026

Swimming

Junior Swimming: Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5, Friday 6 Nov

Athletics

Catholic Athletics Championship: Thursday 20th Aug
Divisional Athletics Championship: Monday 14 Sept
Regional Athletics Championship: Monday 12 Oct
State Athletics Championship (Melbourne): Thursday 29th Oct
School Athletic Sports (Fdn- Year 2) on the oval 9.15-11am: Friday 30 Oct

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:

Theo Willis
Ayak Malual

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

Community Sporting notices

Girls Footy in Bendigo this Term!

Join the Bendigo All Girls Auskick & Superkick Program at Weeroona Oval from 25 August.

✅ Auskick (4-7 years) - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d2d8ae

✅ Superkick (7-12 years) - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/9fe464

✅ Girls-only environment

✅ Learn through fun games and activities

🎁Register and go in the draw to win a Richmond AFLW guernsey!

📅 Tuesdays | 4:15pm – 5:15pm

St Francis Newsletter

Term 3 Week 3 · 30 Jul 2026

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