MacKillop Cricket Trials
Last week, Xavier E participated at The MacKillop Cricket selections in Wagga. In some very uncomfortable weather conditions, Xavier played against teams from Wollongong, Parramatta, Sydney and Wagga Diocese for a spot in the MacKillop team. Xavier showed great skill and talent and made it through to the possible/probable teams and only just missed out on selections. Congratulations to Xavier on representing the Canberra Goulburn team with great sportsmanship. We know that Xavier will look forward to the 2025 Cricket selections late next year.

Xavier: ‘ The best thing about MacKillop Cricket was taking a one handed catch against a really good batter from the Parramatta team. It was really hot in Wagga on the first day but really rainy on the second day.’

Canberra Goulburn Tennis Trials
We congratulate Declan T and Thomas D on their efforts at the Canberra Goulburn Tennis trials in Canberra last week. Both boys played several games and had a few wins throughout the day. Well done to Declan on his selection into the MacKillop Tennis team for the 2025 school year. We know that Declan will continue to show great skill, team spirit and sportsmanship into the new year. 

Declan T: ‘It was good that I got to play against other kids from other schools. I played against a boy who is ranked #3 in NSW. He was a bit tricky to play against. I am excited about going to the next level.’

Tommy D: ‘The best thing was having a win after a losing streak. There was a boy that was in the top 3 in NSW and he went to the Australian Open this year.’

Canberra Goulburn Basketball Trials
In more exciting news, we congratulate Jake F on his successful bid into the Canberra Goulburn Basketball Team for the 2025 school  year. Jake showed off his skills in Canberra last week and clearly all his practice paid off. Jake had a wonderful day at the trials and will spend his holidays refining his basketball skills in preparation for the MacKillop trials early next year.

Jake F: ‘ I had a great day at Basketball. It was hot though. I made some new friends from other schools. I scored 3 goals in an actual game.’

Swimming Program
Last Friday was our final Swimming session at the Pool. It was wonderful to see such a huge improvement in swimming skill and ability over just 4 short weeks. Our final session saw the students participate in pool noodle races, showing off their diving techniques and playing water volleyball. The pool staff were very impressed with our students' beautiful manners and politeness. We thank the staff of Moruya Pool for helping with set up and pack up each week. A special thank you to Lorraine for sharing her swimming expertise with us also. Mrs Durnan, Mrs White, Mrs Connaughton and myself all wish to congratulate the students on their participation each week, it was a pleasure to take you swimming and watch your confidence grow. We look forward to the program starting all over again next year. 

End of year wrap up!
Once again, we have had a highly successful year of sporting achievements at St Mary’s. For a small regional school, we have had so many students represent for Southern Region/Archdiocesan sports or use the pathways at individual trials to showcase their impressive skills and talents. I am always a very proud teacher at events, knowing that our students value the opportunities provided to them as well as, most importantly, watching them participate in the spirit and good will of competition. It certainly is a highlight of my year being able to support our students on such a wide scale. We will all be back bigger and better in 2025 and I am already looking forward to planning our school carnivals and watching our students shine on the sporting fields. 

I take this opportunity to thank all parents and families for their support this year of all our sports and carnivals, as well as the wonderful staff at St Mary’s who always go above and beyond.

I wish you all a safe, happy and restful Christmas holiday period. 

Christmas blessings to your family,

Mrs Megan Grant
Sports Coordinator