Sport Aerobics Team
Sport and Cultural Programs at St Mary's College Ipswich (SMC) are thriving, with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities for students.
The Cultural Program, which includes music groups and ensembles, dance troupes, drama activities, debating and public speaking, and the Journalism and Media Team, has involved many competitions, performances and collaborations this year.
SMC Cultural Program Leader Courtney Fook said it was wonderful to see so many students enjoying Cultural activities. “Our vibrant Cultural Program is designed to challenge students to try new things, sometimes outside their comfort zone," Ms Fook said. “This enhances their sense of achievement, and engagement with College life."
A successful season of the Combined Colleges' Musical School of Rock, performed in partnership with St Edmund's College recently concluded; SMC dancers competed at the Ipswich Junior Dance Eisteddfod with some outstanding results, and the Show Choir performed at the Ipswich Music Eisteddfod Choral Festival, winning several places.
The Journalism and Media Team has been working on new projects, including a half-yearly magazine, The Mercy Minute, featuring stories from in and around the SMC Community. Podcast SMC Amplified was also launched this year, produced entirely by students.
Local debating competitions were cancelled this year, leading SMC staff to the create Ipswich Secondary Schools Debating Competition, facilitated by St Mary's College. The competition, involving five local schools, was a great success.
“Activities in the Cultural Program help students develop their teamwork, communication and lateral thinking skills, and explore their creativity, which benefits them across all of their subjects," Ms Fook said. “Plus, our activities are always fun, and help students to build strong friendships."
The SMC Sport Program also helps students excel outside the classroom.
Sport Program Leader Antonia Conomos said the College has enjoyed a full sporting calendar this year. “It is great to see so many of our students participating in, and excelling in sport. We have an extensive extra-curricular sporting program and encourage all students to get involved."
This year, the College has expanded its Rugby League and AFL programs, and introduced some Rugby Union opportunities. Students have participated in gala days for these sports, as well as coaching clinics with local sporting clubs.
The Hockey Team finished second in the Open division of the CaSSSA competition, a fantastic achievement, with the SMC team comprised of students from Years 7 to 12. This meant younger students were playing against older, more experienced students from much larger schools.
Additionally, SMC has enjoyed successful seasons in Netball, Cross Country, Swimming, Volleyball, Athletics and Futsal.
Looking ahead, the Sport Aerobics team is preparing to defend their national title, hoping to be named National Champions for a fifth consecutive year.
“We are always exploring new sporting activities for our students, and hope to provide something for everyone," Ms Conomos said.
