On Monday 2 March, the Year 11 Outdoor Environmental Studies class embarked on a snorkelling expedition to Port Phillip Bay which involved swimming with dolphins, seals and sting rays, jumping off the boat and participating in many other fun activities. We were first dropped at Chinaman's Hat where we got the opportunity to swim with local brown fur seals.
The seals were very interactive and we also saw a 2.5m long stingray. The team got a radio call by other ships who informed them that there was a pod of dolphins spotted. We then made our way to the spot where they were last seen. It was an incredible experience swimming with the dolphins at Portsea. We were shocked that they got up close and personal with us. Through this experience, we gained a connection with our class and teachers, and it gave us more of an appreciation of the marine environment we were in. Overall, it is safe to say we had an amazing experience and could not believe how lucky we were to experience this. It will be a memory and experience that we will cherish forever.
By Ashley, Zoe & Jasmine - Year 11
On 13 March, MSJ competed in the SCSA Tennis competition at Boroondara Tennis Club. On what turned out to be a perfect day for tennis, all teams competed very well and did MSJ proud. Our Junior team fought all day and successfully reached the final, where they unfortunately lost to Marian College in an exciting final, while our Intermediate team, undefeated for the day, came out victorious.
A special mention to Charlotte, who won the Most Valuable Player for the final. Our Senior team fought hard all day and they were able to reach the semi-finals, however, in a close match, weren’t able to come out on top. A big thanks to all Year 12 students for continuously competing in the tennis competition throughout their final year. Thank you to all students who competed and for representing MSJ with pride. Also, this day wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the teachers, so thank you to Sue Sofarnos, Mr Tresize and Mrs Bowring.
By Annie Veloukas - Year 12
On Wednesday 4 March, MSJ’s best swimmers headed to MSAC to compete in the 2020 Division 2 SCSA Twilight Swimming competition. The results for the night were outstanding. Everybody swam their best and those who needed to, stepped up and filled in when needed.
We really excelled this year, claiming Junior Champions, Senior Champions and overall Aggregate Champions for the whole competition! Competing against four other schools and their best swimmers, it was definitely no easy task, but we managed with the support of not only each other, but the teachers and parents there on the night. The results are amazing! As this is my last swimming carnival representing MSJ, it is with great pleasure that I was appointed as MSJ’s first swim team captain and I am so proud of every single person's effort.
A massive thank you to Sue Sofarnos for assembling the team in just over a week and organising us to train and compete. We really would not be able to do it without you. Another big thank you to all the teachers and students who helped out on the night and congratulations to the team for an outstanding result.
By Caitlin McGraw - Year 12 & 2020 MSJ Swim Team Captain
Our Year 10 Marine Camp took place at the Mornington Peninsula in early March. It was an amazing experience and the sea creatures we saw were absolutely astonishing. These activities included surfing, rock pool ramble coastal walks and even snorkelling. We snorkelled at Rye beach near Flinders and were able to see seahorses, fishes like the old wife and even stingrays of many sizes - including an adorable baby stingray! In the rock pools, we were able to observe many types of seaweed and organisms in the intertidal zone. Some of the students were brave enough to plunge into the cold, clear blue waters of one of the deeper rock pools.
Surfing had been quite a challenge for me as I could not get my balance right. I would be on the board one minute, and the next I was submerged in the beautiful but cold water. It was still an amazing experience and would absolutely go again if I had the chance.
I enjoyed snorkelling most because it was very relaxed. Being able to see what we had learnt in class, the different marine environments and the animals that occupy them, it just made our learning more solid. We were able to see sandy plains where we snorkelled, and intertidal and subtidal rocky plains where we surfed. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity and I am very pleased that I was able to experience what I did with many of my peers!
By Zoha Talpur - Year 10
I competed in the 2020 Victorian climbing state titles at my home gym, Cliffhanger, on 1 March. I went through two qualifying rounds before making it to finals. Whilst I did not finish my final climb, I was still proud that I got as high as I did. I ended up placing third in my age division for the overall competition, however, overall in Victoria, I placed 2nd in my age division. I have qualified for the Nationals and I look forward to that.
By Sarah Price - Year 10
Alexandra Phanuruk, Year 10, won the Senior Girls Golf Championship at Waverley Golf Club on Monday 16 March by 12 strokes from her closest rival.
Alex now goes onto represent MSJ at the Victorian Independent Secondary School Golf State Final at the National Golf Club, Long Island, in May.
Congratulations, Alexandra!
I took part in the Weetbix "Tryathlon" at Catani Gardens on 8 March. My age group, 13-15 year olds, had to complete a 150m swim, 6km cycle and 1km run. As it was my first ever triathlon, I trained and pushed myself to my limit by completing a series of workouts that would strengthen me mentally and physically. When we arrived in St Kilda, I placed my bike and gear in transition and waited for my event to be called. It was a very long and nervous wait, however, when the gun sounded, I was ready to go. I was going against very good swimmers and came out the water at the back of the pack, however, was able to make a very fast transition. In the bike leg, I started in the middle of the pack, then started making my way to the front. As soon as I got back to transition, I kept a good pace and managed to pass many boys and girls.
Overall, I was very fortunate to place 3rd out of over 50 people.
By Imogen Koropeckyj - Year 10
