Celebrating our Community with Genazzano Athletics Day

Who would have thought an online athletics carnival was possible. Well at Genazzano anything is possible. This year, the College celebrated its annual athletics day with a difference – completely online. On Wednesday 6 May, students and staff came together virtually, for a day of excitement and fun physical activities.

With their school spirit alive and well, 607 girls from Prep to Year 12 joined in various live sessions promoting physical health and wellbeing, while collecting points for their school Houses – Corry, d’Houet, Douglas, Gerda, Stock and Winter.

Activities included workouts focused on building core strength and conditioning or high intensity circuits, DanceFit, Pilates, Yoga and Taekwondo; as well as less traditional activities like a selfie scavenger hunt and trick shot challenge.

The day commenced the usual way, with prayer and message from the Principal; followed by a message from the Sports Captains to motivate all girls to get involved. Staff at the College also prepared a short video for students simulating a relay, as inspiration.

The day involved a Team Strava Challenge where 300 senior girls came together to see how far they could walk, run or jog between sessions. Collectively 2001 kilometres were achieved with just 300m between the winning House, Gerda and runner up, Winter.

It was great to see so many girls including the College Executive Team and Principal involved in the celebration.

“This was such a wonderful community and house event”, said Principal, Ms Karen Jebb.

“The engagement was exceptional.

“Thanks to everyone who made the day possible”.

Parents and students alike shared similar sentiments about the day.

“This was one of the best learning at home school days ever”, shared Isabella from Year 3.

Isabella’s mother added how much she enjoyed all the activities, especially the scavenger hunt which she did completely her own, apart from a short supervised walk to the letterbox.

Year 9 student, Charlotte also appreciated the day.

“I loved the Virtual House Athletics Day because it still felt like we were in the day together”, she said.

“It was great seeing other house polos in the local area, as girls added to their Strava totals”.

Mr Nick Wall, Director of Sport, who led the day along with his team, was extremely proud of how the plan came together and being able to provide students a day of fun while they learn at home.

“The engagement and enthusiasm of our girls was infectious”, he commented.

“Energy levels in the Zoom house warm ups set a great tone for the day and the girls spoke with such excitement and pride about their school houses as they added to their team totals or designed house posters, chants and dances”.

“Our online fitness and movement coaches also need to be commended for providing a wonderful product. Their sessions were fun, inclusive but also physically challenging.

“The house prefects and senior leaders set a great example and demonstrated their commitment throughout the day”. 

During this time learning at a distance, the College continues to offer students quality teaching and learning experiences including co-curricular activities.

This year’s athletics day will certainly be one to remember and is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Gen girl as part of the College community.