Year 9

Returning to School in 2022 was strange yet exciting. There were so many new things for us to look forward to and we were all eager to start Year 9. Personally, I always look forward to the different sports. This year we have participated in GSV Tennis, Softball, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, Badminton, Cricket, Basketball, Swimming, Diving, Athletics and Cross Country. Additionally, there were 30 Year 9s who took part in St Catherine’s Rowing Program. At the start of 2022, rowers competed in the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta with amazing results from every crew. We now look forward to commencing a new season of Rowing.

House events are always a highlight for me as spirits are always high. The first House event was Cross-Country with Holmes Kilbride winning overall. Next was Athletics in Term 2, and after many jumps, sprints and throws Holmes was able to take the win. Another major House event was House Debating, Holmes Kilbride was also able to win this event but not without a fight from all the other Houses. In Term 3 we also had RUOK Day. As a Year level we completed questionnaires with each other. It was a good activity to get everyone socialising and allowed us to reflect and focus on our wellbeing.

This was my first year at St Catherines’ School. I could not have asked for anything better than what the St Catherines’ welcoming community has provided. Term 3 was especially exciting as I went to Music Camp where I got to know girls from other Year levels and improve my musical skills for the Gala Concert. The Concert was amazing, with many Year 9s involved in the Senior Concert Band, Viva Voci and Chamber Ensemble performances.

This year was my first year at St Catherine’s, although it feels like I have been here forever. I participated in DAV Debating which was a completely new experience for me. I learnt new skills including public speaking and writing persuasively. Although it was challenging at first, I soon gained some practice and even tried out third speaker in House Debating.