How St Catherine’s School is changing the game

“Schools have a unique opportunity to not only deliver physical education and school sport well but also to create a culture in which being active is the norm,” says Michelle Carroll, principal of St Catherine’s School.

“We know that if girls are physically active, they will be healthier, happier and have higher self-esteem and body confidence. We aim to ‘change the game’ for our girls by lifting the sporting landscape, enabling a positive experience and engaging all our girls in sport.”

While research shows families have the most influence on how active their child is, Carroll believes schools and teachers have an essential role in encouraging girls to play sport and to “stay in the game”.

Having worked in girls’ education for 30 years, Carroll has seen firsthand that not all girls are enthusiastic about being involved in sport. She is keen to change this.

“For a range of reasons, we know that girls drop out of sport and tapping into the sporting enthusiasm of adolescent girls can be tricky,” she says.

“It requires offering a range of sports, creating a balance between highly competitive activities and just playing for fun, and, importantly, we need to offer facilities that girls feel comfortable in. We aim to ensure all our girls graduate and pursue an active adult life.”

The approach is paying dividends. Recently, at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom, St Catherine’s Senior Rowing Crew was crowned the world’s fastest Schoolgirl Eight, bringing home the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.

This international accolade sits alongside back-to-back wins at the Head of the Schoolgirls (HOSG) Rowing Regatta, and the crew is the current Rowing Australia National Champion.

Year 12 student and crew member Sarah Marriott says teachers at St Catherine’s have been influential in her decision to participate in sport and compete.

“I would not have been able to stay motivated without the help of the school staff. They motivated me to manage my time, exercise and work hard in my academic studies,” she says.

“Rowing requires commitment, preparation, pride and professionalism within a limited time, so time management, organisation and being able to prioritise are crucial. An Eight cannot go out until the entire crew is there, so you must be on time or early, or else you affect everyone.”

Sarah began rowing at the end of year 8 through St Catherine’s Learn to Row program.

“I love the demanding yet rewarding nature of rowing. It is not an easy sport; it requires constant hard work, focus and a driven mindset,” says Sarah.

“It is so rewarding when all eight rowers are perfectly in sync, creating a strong and powerful rhythm that sets up the boat well. Winning is pretty good too!”

St Catherine’s has enhanced its Sports Program this year through its Athlete Development Academy (ADA).

The academy is a platform for aspiring female athletes to develop their abilities through individualised, sport-specific training programs and a suite of athlete education services.

“The aim of the ADA is to assist and develop girls who are already showing talent and promise in their chosen sports to get them to the next level and beyond,” says Carroll.

“It’s important that girls feel empowered and confident in their chosen sports and that they understand the benefits of strength training for their everyday wellbeing.

“Through the ADA, we can educate our female athletes to build their confidence and provide them with guidance and support in goal setting, nutrition, sports psychology, load management and mindset.

“We think it’s an innovative approach to not only build the physical capabilities of our athletes at St Catherine’s but also empower our young women to better understand the importance of strength and conditioning as part of their lifelong health.”

St Catherine’s School / 17 Heyington Place, Toorak VIC 3142. 03 9822 1285.