Pickleball 

Any students looking to join a club or further their skills in the game of Pickleball please see Mr Rowe for further details. 

Luke Rowe
Leader of Learning - Sport 

Diocesan Athletics Championships 

On Wednesday 21 August the St Clare’s Athletics team of 34 students travelled down to Glendale Athletics Track to compete in the annual Diocesan Athletics Championships.  Students performed well with some great individual results on the day. Well done to the students below that made the trip and competed on the day: 

Christian Botros, Zane Brown, Amiel Camphuis, Khloe Catalan, Sansita Edaggotti, Selina Gordon, Zane Kesby, Jessica Richardson, Eva Sansom, Lachlan Stephens, Milla Thompson, Grace Zarate, Hamish Anderson, Leo Beckton, Triston Brody, Annabelle Laurence, Jakayla Minns, Kobi Patterson, Tahleah Van Kampen, Darcey Oades, Samuel Stephens, Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell, Mya Ford, Charlotte Andrews, Kannika Broadbent, Mitchell Hardy, Adele Whitehouse-Miotto, Matthew Clements, Ashley Allan, Flynn Small, Liam Rodgers, Phryne Rowe, Adam Russell, Jay Lee, Gemma Eady-Muxlow. 

Thank you to Mrs Karen McCann, Mr Michael Morson, and Mr Ed McCann for assisting the school team and running events and all the parents who travelled and supported the students throughout the day.  Your continued support is appreciated. 

CCC Athletics selections 

Following the Diocesan Athletics event, the team to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC Athletics Championship was selected.  St Clare’s students who have been selected to compete at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships to be held on Monday September 16 are: 

Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell who was selected in the 15 years boys Discus and Javelin. 

Congratulations Cade.  

Luke Rowe
Leader of Learning - Sport

All Schools Touch State Finals 

On 13 August, Penrith was host to the NSW All Schools Touch Football State Finals, where St Clare's High School proudly competed with two teams—the Year 7/8 Girls and Year 9/10 Girls. Throughout the day, both teams faced intense competition, showcasing their dedication, skill, and teamwork against some of the toughest opponents in the state. 

Year 7/8 Girls Touch Team 

The Year 7/8 Girls team kicked off their campaign with a thrilling match against Mt St Benedict College, who would eventually finish as the tournament’s runners-up.  The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams showing exceptional defensive and offensive plays.  Mt St Benedict took an early lead, but St Clare’s quickly responded, making it a 2-2 draw by the final whistle. 

In Round 2, St Clare's faced Macquarie Anglican Grammar School in another tightly contested match.  The game was a defensive masterclass, with both sides struggling to break through each other’s lines.  Despite several close calls, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the evenly matched nature of both teams. 

Round 3 brought a challenging encounter against Ulladulla, where the St Clare's girls faced one of their toughest opponents yet.  The match was characterised by strong defensive strategies on both sides.  Ulladulla managed to edge out a 1-0 victory with a late try, but St Clare's fought hard until the very end, displaying a never-give-up attitude that earned them the respect of their opponents. 

Undeterred by the previous loss, St Clare’s came out with renewed energy in Round 4 against William Clarke College.  This game was a testament to the team’s offensive capabilities, as they dominated the field with a stunning 9-1 victory.  The girls moved the ball with precision and flair, overwhelming their opponents and boosting their confidence as they headed into the final rounds of the tournament. 

In Round 5, the Year 7/8 girls continued their winning streak with a solid 4-2 win over St Mary's Catholic School.  The match was more closely contested than the scoreline might suggest, with St Clare’s pulling ahead late in the game through a combination of quick passing and sharp finishing.  The team's ability to adapt and capitalise on opportunities was on full display. 

The final round saw St Clare's go head-to-head with St Peter's Anglican Grammar in a tense and highly competitive match.  Both teams were determined to end the day on a high note, leading to a fast-paced and physically demanding game.  Despite St Clare’s best efforts, St Peter’s secured a narrow 2-1 victory.  Nevertheless, the Year 7/8 girls finished the day with their heads held high, having shown remarkable progress and teamwork throughout the tournament. 

7/8 Girls Touch Team
Back Row (L-R):  Milla Thompson, Lanae Rutledge, Eva Sansom, Beth Harris, Calli Hammond, Zarlie McDermott, Jarrah Ingram and Brooklyn Williams
Back Row (L-R):  Stella O’Connor, Eva De Bono, Jess Uwland, Jayda Theophanous

Year 9/10 Girls Touch Team 

The Year 9/10 Girls team began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against St Johns College in Round 1.  The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities.  St Clare’s managed to equalise late in the game, demonstrating their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure. 

Round 2 presented a daunting challenge against Hunter Sports High School, the eventual State Champions.  The match was a true test of skill and determination, with St Clare's pushing the champions to their limits.  Despite a valiant effort, St Clare’s narrowly lost 3-2, but the game was a highlight of the tournament, showcasing the team's potential to compete with the very best in the state. 

In Round 3, the Year 9/10 girls bounced back with a commanding 5-2 victory over Kildare Catholic College.  The team played with confidence and cohesion, executing their game plan to perfection.  Their passing was crisp, and their defensive coordination was spot-on, allowing them to control the tempo of the game and secure a well-deserved win. 

The momentum continued into Round 4, where St Clare's faced off against Mt St Benedict College.  The girls displayed great chemistry on the field, combining swift attacks with solid defensive play to secure a 4-2 victory.  The win was a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion as a team, as they outmanoeuvred their opponents and capitalised on every scoring opportunity. 

Round 5 was a closely contested match against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School.  Both teams fought hard, but Lindisfarne managed to edge out a 1-0 win with a decisive try.  St Clare’s played with heart and determination, keeping the game close and showcasing their ability to adapt to different playing styles.  Although the result didn’t go their way, the team’s effort was commendable. 

The final round saw St Clare’s taking on SCEGGS Darlinghurst in what turned out to be a thrilling 2-2 draw.  The match was a fitting end to a day of intense competition, with both teams giving their all in a fast-paced, high-energy game.  St Clare’s showed resilience, fighting back from a deficit to earn a draw and finish the tournament on a positive note. 

Back Row (L-R):  Ruby McNeil, Lucy Millard, Molly Trotter, Marley Brown, Pyper Cross & Taylor Brown
Back Row (L-R): Miller Morrissey, Ruby Polson, Georgie O’Connor & Sara Harris 

Lastly, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Jane Polson, Mrs Rebecca Harris and Mrs Marian Parvin for their invaluable contributions to our teams.  Their unwavering commitment, dedication, and support in training, coaching, and mentoring our players were instrumental in their success.  Without their exceptional and tireless efforts, events like this would not have been possible. 

Matt Collier
State Touch Coordinator

NSW Schools Netball Cup 

The St Clare’s 7/8 Boys and Girls Netball teams participated in the NSW Schools Cup held in Port Macquarie on Thursday, 8 August.  The event, marked by clear skies and warm weather, provided an excellent setting for both competition and camaraderie.  They played teams from all over our region, Forster, Gloucester, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Coffs Harbour.  While both teams experienced wins and losses, the day was a resounding success in terms of skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 

 

The team's performance throughout the day showcased their growing netball skills and determination.  Out of the series of matches, they achieved notable victories in several games, demonstrating their ability to apply strategies and work cohesively under pressure.   However, the competition was intense, and the teams faced several tight matches where the outcomes did not fall in their favour. Despite facing some tough competition, the team's determination never wavered.  They demonstrated a commendable level of perseverance, maintaining focus and effort throughout the day. 

The essence of teamwork was a highlight of the day.  The players supported each other both on and off the court, fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere.  This spirit was not only visible in their interactions but also in their collective resilience during challenging matches.  Both the boy’s and girl’s teams showcased enthusiasm for one another, displaying sportsmanship and community spirit. 

Overall, the Gala Day was a fantastic opportunity for growth and enjoyment.  Everyone can take pride in their accomplishments and look forward to building on this experience in future games.  The companionship and enthusiasm shown throughout the day are testaments to their dedication and love for the sport. 

Kaneana May
Netball Coordinator