Santa Maria College joined IGSSA (Independent Girls Schools Sporting Association) in 2002 and since then Penrhos have won the Athletics Carnival every year bar one. Santa Maria College had never won an Athletics or Swimming Carnival until this week. On Tuesday Santa Maria College was named the 2018 IGSSA Athletics Champion School.

GRIT, our College focus for 2018, means the motivation, energy and drive that keeps a person focused on a difficult task over a sustained period of time. This was demonstrated by our team, both staff and students, in winning at the Athletics Carnival. Each year the girls have been focusing on being one step closer, with the long-term goal in sight of winning the trophy.

We won the trophy for both track and field events plus the overall trophy. We also won the Year Pennants in Years 7, 10, 11 and 12. Our Year 8s were placed 4th and our Year 9s placed 3rd. This is a significant achievement in the history of the College. We spent many years in 7th and 8th place and the last two years in 2nd place. Through determination, grit and courage over weeks, months and years the girls have persevered and have achieved an outstanding result.Our Captain, Ella Estaugh, and Vice Captains, Adelle Smith and Jenna Bain, are to be congratulated on being excellent leaders and role models, providing great motivation for the team.

Our Athletics team has trained hard through the winter months, often starting in the dark at 6.30 am, under the guidance of many staff and coaches who have shown great dedication to the team over many years. I acknowledge the following staff and coaches for their part in our success.

Staff

• Ms Ditchburn
• Mrs Schubert
• Mrs Christie
• Mrs Beiderman
• Ms Gamble
• Ms Wood

Coaches

• Maria – Hurdles and Relays
• Tony – Sprints
• Dave C – Throws
• Dave W – Long Jump
• Bob – High Jump

A comment was made to me by another school, that not only were our girls shining lights on the track and field but their sense of sportsmanship and support for each other was obvious.

I am very proud of each and every member of the team. You showed great courage and teamwork to win the trophies. Well done team!