On 21 February, 420 students attended MSJ’s Annual Swimming Carnival. We arrived at Werribee Outdoor Pool, ready for the first race to begin at 9:30.
House spirits were high, especially from Cameron - the House Spirit winners of the day! As the day progressed, students competed in a number of events such as 100m and 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly.
The Year 12 students were also given the chance to compete in various novelty events, including the infamous staff vs student boat race!
Throughout the day, the House leaders tried their hardest to raise as much House spirit as possible with an epic House mascot dance-off, won by McCormack, a flash mob from Cameron to “Eye of the Tiger”, and a dance from Kincumber’s mascot, Bruce the Shark, to the song “Baby Shark”.
To finish off the day, the Year 12 and 9 House Leaders competed in a spirit relay - it was amazing to see everyone cheering for their Houses; a truly successful day!
Congratulations to Providence, the winners of the Swimming Carnival of 2022! And congratulations to the individual winners from each year level as well as those who will represent MSJ in the SCSA competition.
A huge thank you to all of the staff, students and lifeguards who made this day possible for us all!
Lacrosse is not traditionally played during January, but after the crazy year that was 2021, I probably should have just expected it!
In the middle of 2021, many talented lacrosse players, including myself and other MSJ students Peyton Knox and Holly Austin, tried out for a spot on the U15 Fire and Ice lacrosse teams. For those who were successful in securing a place in one of the four teams, training began every Sunday and was a great opportunity not only to prepare for the tournament but compare playing styles and learn new things from fellow lacrosse players.
But then disaster struck and the tournament (which should have begun in September) was delayed by 4 months and resumed on 17 January 2022 over 4 days.
Despite the competitiveness and pressure to win, everyone had a great time. I was able to learn so much playing against other teams filled with lacrosse players from all over Melbourne who have a real passion for the sport. I was even able to branch out from midfield (which I usually play) into defence and get more experience and tips I hope to try out at my own club.
I have so many great memories of my team where everyone played a vital role in every game. Our incredible goalie Holly made catching shots look easy and blocked almost every goal that was thrown her way and was awarded the MVP! Peyton, who zipped around the field, was truly invaluable in the game.
We made it to the grand final in which both teams gave it their best but, in the end, only one team could win and that was our team, Ice Blue. It was an amazing experience and I hope to do it again!
Ruby Regan Year 8
On 15 February, myself and a few other student leaders attended a sports leaders breakfast with other sports leaders from schools in the area.
We got to enjoy a delicious breakfast which was concluded with guest speaker Jelena Dokic, an ex-pro tennis player who gave an incredible speech. She talked about her struggles of physical abuse from her father and growing up with that fear of losing. It was extremely inspirational and interesting. Listening to her talk about the abuse she would receive from her father after a match, win or lose, was heart-breaking but eye-opening. It made me think about how strong she must have been, both physically and mentally to keep going. Overall, it was a great morning!
