Sport teaches us so much about ourselves and builds up our confidence and resilience. As we come to a close of Semester 2, it is an important time to reflect on everything we have accomplished as well as things that we can improve upon as a school and as individuals. 

One thing I have spoken to many students about is following through with their team commitments. Each person plays a vital role in getting our school teams up to standard and prepared for their game day and it is their commitment to the team that ends up getting our sporting results.

As we move forward to Term 3, we have the Diocesan Athletics Carnival, which heavily relies on students showing up for not only themselves in an individual event but also for our relay teams and also overall school champion points (Vince Villa Trophy). It is a great day out and one that we have the potential to really excel at. As you will see below, some incredible team achievements have occurred in the past fortnight and this has come from students committing to their team training and having the belief that we can WIN!

The last thing I leave you with is three reflective questions to ask yourself…

Did you commit to your team and coach? 

Did you give it your all? 

What can you do better for next term?

Years 7-8 Girls Netball

The Junior netball team had a very successful carnival. After a tough campaign last year, the girls trained really hard to improve their skills and work on their game. The day started with a very impressive win and the girls all played with passion and showed great skills. This continued throughout with an undefeated run. A bye gave the girls a good rest with our toughest game to follow against St Mary's. The score was even at half time and the final whistle saw Joeys win by 1. This secured our spot as champions for the junior division. The girls were excellent ambassadors for the school and deserved the title after a very impressive day full of wonderful netball.

Years 9-10 Girls Netball 

The girls did so well only losing the first couple of games and then drawing one match. They improved as the day went on and ended up winning their last 3 games. They had a great day, working as a team, encouraging each other especially Amali & Shakira, our rookies who played awesome and helped out at the last minute filling in!!!

Years 11-12 Girls Netball

The girls hit the court with force and it did not take long for Kiana Rieck and Alex Tololeska to weave their magic in the circle. A sound performance from Logan and Maya Hurst and Maddi James in the midcourt , defending well and finding plenty of space. They tirelessly linked passes to feed the shooters in the circle. Kate and Amy Mclaughlin were working with a six sense as they instinctively joined forces in the mid court in a number of games to annihilate the opposition's efforts to advance. Emma Judd and Monica Tololeska anchored the defence. Emma worked consistently to dampen the score and win balls back to send up the court. Monica's precision timing and explosive power allowed her to intercept numerous times. Monica inspired the girls with her 101% effort and steely perseverance, demanding nothing less from the other players. Monica Tololeska has received the MVP award for the day.

Open Girls Hockey

In a display of sheer dominance and unwavering skill, the Open Girls Hockey team emerged triumphant as they remained undefeated at the Diocesan Gala Day. With some sensational efforts from Charlee Buckman as top goal scorer, the team claimed a resounding victory in the grand final against St Mary's, securing the coveted Diocesan Gala Day championship with an astounding 9-0 final score. Well done Girls!

Open Boys Hockey

The Open Boys Hockey team showcased their determination in the tournament, finishing in a commendable 4th place. Despite facing tough competition from formidable opponents, the team displayed unwavering perseverance and a strong sense of sportsmanship throughout the event. With each match, they exhibited incredible teamwork, tactical prowess, and a never-give-up attitude. Although they narrowly missed out on a podium finish, their fourth-place achievement serves as a testament to their hard work and commitment.

Open Boys Volleyball

On Wednesday June 21st, the Boys Open Volleyball team competed in the Diocesan Volleyball Gala Day. Most of the boys have never played volleyball before, but they were quick learners and acquitted themselves admirably on the day. They all represented the school with dignity and aplomb, and gave a good accounting of themselves in all their matches. Special shout-out to Noah, who stepped in to officiate a playoff game, despite this being his first time playing the sport.

Congratulations to all the boys for their effort and tenacity, and we hope to see the junior boys return next year to put their experience to good use.

Open Girls Volleyball

The Open Girls Volleyball Gala Day was held at Unanderra Hockey Stadium on June 21st. It was filled with intense matches and remarkable displays of skill, with Joeys drawing some tough competition with our round-robin matches against Mt Carmel, St Benedicts and St John's. The level of intensity and competitive spirit was palpable on the court. Players exhibited exceptional technique, teamwork, and determination. Special mention to Zali Phrakaysone (Yr 11) who has been awarded MVP for the day - displaying great skill and perseverance and words of encouragement during each match.

Sprint Workshop

Over the past two weeks, I have been running a sprint and speed workshop with students before school. We focussed on several drills to help them with their striding and also focussed strongly on staying relaxed with big arms. It was great to see students engage in this workshop and hopefully take a few tips to assist them with the upcoming Diocesan Athletics Carnival and also their own sporting commitments.

Get Active Fridays

This term we implemented a Get Active Friday initiative where students could access the gym before school and start their morning with some physical activity. It has been very successful, with about 30-40 students showing up each Friday morning before school. This initiative will continue next term.

Dio Athletics

Date: Term 3, Week 2, Friday 28th July

Congratulations to the 80 students who have been selected to represent our school at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. Please make sure you complete the consent and payment on Compass. The attendance of your child at this carnival is imperative in our school achieving valuable points towards the Vince Villa Trophy and gives your child the opportunity to compete in a fun competitive environment against other schools.

To check if your child has qualified please check Compass.

Girls Basketball Trials

Next term we'll begin trialling the girls for the upcoming Basketball Gala Day in Term 4. We will be selecting two teams for this event (7-9 Junior and 10-11 Senior). All female students are encouraged to nominate for this team by the end of Term 2.

Nominations close: Friday 30th June

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/t5Jav7L7ZYvJEn36A

Open Boys Netball Nominations

Nominations are now open for the Open Boys Netball Team.

This team will compete at the NSWCCC Netball Championships in Penrith next term (Week 5).

Nominations close: Wednesday 19th July

Nomination form: https://forms.gle/c5wAmktGsKR5ADme9

Primary School Soccer Refereeing

The Primary Senior South Boys Soccer Gala Day is fast approaching and I am looking to send students to assist on the day with refereeing. This is only open for students in years 7-11.

The gala day will take place on Friday 28th July (back up day Friday 11th August) at Terry Reserve, Albion Park.

Please note:

- If you are part of the Diocesan Athletics team, you will NOT be allowed to do this event

- You MUST be able to get your own way to and from the venue

- Student referees will need to provide their own whistle (and flags if possible) and wear full school sports uniform

- A soccer referee qualification is not essential, but students should be experienced in the sport of soccer and have a sound understanding of the game rules and how to officiate them

- Student referees are required to be at Terry Reserve, Albion Park by 8:15am and be present until the conclusion of the carnival at approximately 2:30pm

- Students are encouraged to pack their own food and drink for the day as canteen facilities may not be available

Nominations close: Week 1, 21st July

Nomination form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekV-gfr9ynmXgE7l9COiYecK-wbeSe2X7tx2QHosp1kMGkLQ/viewform

Upcoming Events

Sporting Success

Jake Burling

Congratulations to Jake who was selected for Rep basketball for under 14s to represent the Illawarra Hawks this year and recently won the country tournament held two weekends ago.

Latisha Akuoko

Congratulations to Latish on her selection in the U16s Girls Southern Country Rugby League Team. Latisha headed to Canberra earlier this week to trial against other girls and after four tough games, she was named in the squad of 20 girls to compete next term. Latisha is also currently assisting Mr Hetherington with our 14 girls rugby league team and development.

If your child has had sporting success outside of school we want to hear about it. 

Please email details to Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)

St Joseph’s Sports Instagram Page 

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@SJCHSSPORTS