The last few weeks have again been very difficult from a sporting sense. I would compare it to a cricket match that was constantly under the threat of going off for bad light or poor weather. In this case the bad light is COVID-19, and it continues to hang over our heads in every aspect of sport and co-curricular life.

Whilst we continue to provide an outlet for our students, it is a very fine line between keeping them active and keeping the College students, staff and community safe. The Football boys have continued playing in the MWFA and it is great to watch the teams enjoying their games so much on a Saturday morning. The Rugby teams have continued to train and been lucky enough to have ex-wallabies Nathan Grey and Julian Huxley provide some specific training with the students. Although the ISA season came to an abrupt end, it’s great to see the boys taking their Rugby seriously and striving to improve for next season. Geoff Webster continues to run position specific sessions which have been very well received and attended.

The Water Polo teams have started preparing for their new competition and have been trialling and training at Warringah Aquatic Centre. The new Combined Inter Schools Competition will see us take on other comprehensive boys schools which is an extremely exciting opportunity.

Our Senior Debaters had to move to a ZOOM format for their semi-final against Bede Polding High School. They will now progress to the quarter finals this Friday. Good luck boys and congratulations to all our debaters this season.

The Chess competition has been cancelled which is extremely disappointing for our boys, especially the Junior teams who were very keen to get started.

Cricket season starts on 17 October with some changes to the Open teams who are joining the ISA. Please contact TIC Andrew Jamieson jamieson.a@saintaug.nsw.edu.au if you haven’t received any communication around this.

ISA Basketball Trials

The College Basketball teams have continued working on their skills this term and trials for the ISA season will begin in the coming weeks. We are looking at having nearly 40 Basketball teams this season which is very exciting!

A reminder that the completion of Winter Sport commitments takes preference over Summer trials this Term.

Uniform
Students must ensure they wear St Augustine’s College branded uniform when they arrive or are attending venues on a Saturday. We are still seeing too many hoodies, jackets, and incorrect shorts and socks while representing the College. Parents, staff and coaches are encouraged to remind students of the importance of wearing the College uniform in the correct manner and taking off any item that is not appropriate.

Athletic Development
We are excited to provide you with the opportunity to view a presentation created by our newly appointed Director of Athletic Development, Nathan Parnham. The presentation highlights insights into the recent changes, creation of a syllabus, and what to expect from your child’s participation. The presentation is available via this link ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK.

Athletic Development Sessions Years 5-8  (Friday mornings - Term 4)
The College believes that every student should have the confidence and understanding to know how their body works. Sometimes it can be intimidating for younger students to be involved in this type of development with the Senior boys taking over the gym. This program allows our students of any ability to come and learn some fundamental movement skills while having fun with their peers.

Sessions will be divided into Years 7/8 (7:15am) and Years 5/6 (7:45am).

Nathan will be holding an Information Evening for Years 5-8 parents as we intend to dispel some of the rumours and myths around young boys looking after their bodies. The ZOOM meeting will be on Wednesday 16 September at 7:00pm. ZOOM details will be emailed to ALL parents in the coming weeks.

Registration is essential and would involve commitment for all of Term 4 on Friday mornings 7.15am and 7.45am respectively. For further queries please don’t hesitate to contact Nathan Parnham via email parnham.n@saintaug.nsw.edu.au

For further information, Nathan also produces some light-hearted blogs sharing invaluable insights into the challenges many sporting parents face. Feel free to check them out www.thesportingparent.com

Registrations are available by clicking this LINK

Jonathan Harvey
Assistant Principal – Sport and Co-Curricular