HISTORIC HEAD OF THE RIVER SUCCESS

The SA Schools’ Head of the River was contested in March, with our rowers achieving historic results. 2023 saw a return to normal, being the first time since 2019 with no spectator restrictions. As such, it was fantastic to have so many of our staff and students at West Lakes to cheer on our rowers. Head of the River is all about school pride, and every member of our community should be proud of the collegiality and compassion that was on show as our students – rowers and non-rowers alike – supported one another.

Throughout the day, it was wonderful to watch all of our crews represent the School and achieve success. To my thinking, ‘success’ is highly contextual and is not always synonymous with winning or an outcome. It takes a lot of courage to challenge oneself, to redefine what you think you are capable of and to truly be your best. Well done to all of our crews for their efforts. Of course, there are times when being your best also means being the best. These moments are special; they're moments to be savoured. Two of our crews made history this year: our Year 7/8 A crew won the Anna Tree Cup and our First IV claimed the Diana Medlin Cup.

This is the first time that Saints Girls has won any senior division at Head of the River. These two cups will live proudly at the School for the next year, a testament to our girls’ hard work, dedication and courage.

7/8 A Crew – Charlotte Catchpole (Cox), Isabella Huf, Baye Reynolds, Zalia Valmorbida and Cleo Connor; coached by Jamie Becker

First IV – Stella Rasheed (Cox), Pearl Richards, Georgina Wakeham, Georgia Mallick, Georgie Owler; coached by Brynley Millward and Charlotte Parker (Kennion 2022)

Thank you again to all those who attended to support our rowers. Our deepest gratitude also goes to the Friends of Rowing for their tireless work in setting up for the day and making the Saints Girls’ marquee a festive environment for our community. Lastly, well done again to our students on their efforts, and on their historic results!

BRYNLEY MILLWARD DIRECTOR OF ROWING