FINN ACHIEVES TWO NATIONAL MEDALS

Finn Goddard of Year 4, represented New South Wales at the Australian National Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania on Saturday 31 August 2024. 

Competing against the top 38 Cross Country athletes in Australia, the cold (9 degree celcius) weather conditions created an additional challenge with rain, wind and an unfamiliar muddy, waterlogged course.

Finn executed his run beautifully, showing sheer determination to get out of the gates quickly, to avoid being stuck in the pack with the potential for a slip and fall.

Finn held his position to finish the race in 3rd place, just 2 seconds behind the winner to claim the Australian Championship bronze medal. Finn's impressive run also contributed to NSW taking home the Gold medal in the team event, being the first state to have 3 runners complete the course!

We are so proud of Finn's commitment, humble attitude and determination finishing his Cross Country season for 2024 !

Well done Finn!

SPORT IN 2025

Throughout 2025, students will be provided with multiple sporting opportunities including school sport carnivals (swimming, athletics, cross country) and gala days (including netball, soccer, basketball and cricket). These events are opportunities for all students to participate and develop their skills, enjoyment, be part of a team, improve wellbeing and contribute to a positive school culture. 

Some students in Years 5 and 6 in 2025 will be provided with the opportunity to access representative levels of sporting pathways, and opportunities to progress into state representation through trialling for Wollongong representative teams with the Diocese of Wollongong Sports Council.

Nominations for the 2025 representative pathway selection trials are now open. Details on how to nominate your child were sent to Year 4 & 5 2024 Parents/Carers via Compass on 19 September and may be accessed here.

Nominations for Cricket, Basketball and Tennis are due by 19 September 2024.

Nominations for all other sports are due by 15 November 2024.

No late nominations will be accepted.

Some of the trials for 2025 teams will commence in Term 4 2024, therefore it is important that nominations are completed now. 

Students at St Michael’s have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Gala Days. Whilst there are a lot of events offered by different organisations we are unable to participate in every event.  Moving forward, our school will attend only Diocesan-organised Sport Gala Days .

This decision has been made after careful consideration of the impact that attending these additional gala days has on our school’s staffing. Ensuring that our students receive the best possible education is our primary responsibility, and the demands placed on staff to manage both regular teaching duties and additional off-site sporting events has become increasingly challenging.

By focusing on Diocesan-organised events, we can maintain a balance that supports both our students' academic and extracurricular activities without compromising the quality of education or the well-being of our staff. These Diocesan events provide a well-structured and inclusive environment for our students to engage in sports, develop their skills, and represent our school with pride.

We understand that sport is an essential part of our students' development, and we remain committed to offering students enriching opportunities to participate in organised sports. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we make these adjustments to better serve our school community.

SUMMER SPORT

Now that winter sports are coming to an end, we can start to look towards summer sports. There are a host of sports on offer for the students to participate in. I have listed a few below with a link or phone number for further details;

• Summer Soccer - http://summer.shoalhavenfootball.com.au/
• Little Athletics - https://lansw.com.au/get-involved/how-to-register/
• Nowra Athletics - http://www.nowraathletics.org.au/
• Cricket - https://www.playcricket.com.au/junior/cricketblast-juniorblasters
• Baseball - https://www.shoalhavenbaseballassociation.com.au/
• Nippers - https://nowraculburraslsc.asn.au/
• Tennis - https://www.shoalhaventennis.com.au/
• Swimming lessons;
  • Waterways Swim School ph. 4423 6798
  • North Nowra Swim School ph 4448 6299
  • Donna’s Dolphins ph. 4422 4661
  • Bay and Basin Leisure Centre                                             http://www.shoalhavenswimandfitness.com.au/Our-Centres/Bay-Basin

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday 19 September: Year 3 & 4 Basketball Gala Day (selected nominated students)

Friday 20 September: Year 6 Basketball Gala Day (selected nominated students)