Will Cooley racing
From the Director of Co-curricular, Stephen O’Donnell
Co-curricular activity is a vital part of a student’s overall development. A growing body of evidenced-based research suggests that regular exercise, playing a musical instrument, performing or public speaking, significantly improves young people’s cognitive abilities and academic performance. In addition to the immediate and long-term health and wellbeing benefits, a student will experience improved self-esteem, stress release, better sleep patterns, as well as developing an understanding of team dynamics.
During the break, staff, coaches and parents facilitated a wide range of activities for our students. I thank them for their commitment. Some highlights are as follows:
Australian All Schools Athletics
Dane Towns finished 4th in the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships after having to compete in the under 14 age group, one age up from his proper age group which is under 13. He jumped 1.73m, setting a new college record.
Sailing
Congratulations to Will Cooley, who won the 2018 Nacra 15 Australian Championship and Oceania Youth Olympic Qualifier over the break.
Rugby Preseason
Over the break there were 15 rugby preseason training sessions held for Years 9 to 12. In total we had 86 students attend rugby preseason training during this time. My thanks go to Scott Coleman, Paul Cornish, Kyle Newbury, Lachlan Drew-Morris, Matt Serhon (Randwick), Chris Talakai (Sydney Uni), James Horrocks and John McCoy, for their commitment to running these sessions.
Cadets
A successful Progression Course was held during December for boys continuing in cadets beyond Year 8. High temperatures impeded some activities, but the course fulfilled all its aims. Thanks to Peter Frost, Anthony Evans, David New and Garth Aird for running this course.
A number of staff and students were also involved in other cocurricular activities during the holidays, among them the Swim Squad, Rugby group and Basketball camps. I’d like to extend my thanks to them all.
Summer Co-curricular commences 5 February
We will recommence our full summer cocurricular program from Monday 5 February. The training schedule is available here.
Pease note that exemptions from co-curricular events will be granted on medical grounds or for a valid reason as approved by the Head of College. As per the terms of enrolment, it is expected that parents will not make arrangements that conflict with Saturday sport. Parents and Carers can apply for up to two cocurricular event exemptions each academic year. These must be in writing no later than two weeks prior to the date of leave and sent to the Director of Co-curricular.
Upcoming events
WCCU Reveille Dinner – 10 February
Cadets have the WCCU Reveille Dinner at Stamford Hotel, Sydney Airport at 7:00pm on 10 February. This is an opportunity for Old Boys, current Senior Ranks and fathers to come together in a celebration of the valuable contribution the Cadet Unit makes to the development of each Cadet’s leadership potential.
Compulsory Events
Annual May Procession on 6 May 2018
Attendance by students at the Annual May Procession is compulsory and of the highest priority. All families should ensure that the first Sunday in May is cleared of all other commitments as exemptions from this day are rarely granted.
Other compulsory events are:
- House Masses / House Gatherings / Home Days for all Year levels
- CAS Swimming & Diving Championships for Years 8, 10, 11 on 16 February 2018
- House Swimming Carnival for Years 7-12 on 1 March 2018
- CAS Track and Field Championships for Years 7, 9, 12 on 20 September 2018
Team App
We have Team App available for many co-curricular activities featuring news, fixtures, competition ladders, live scores and photos. Click here to get the app.
All the best for trials this weekend!
