Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad
Thirty students were lucky enough to have some time with the Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad at The Adams High Performance Centre this week.  A massive thank you must go to Hobec Lawyers who organised this event for us.  We were lucky enough to have a look around the gym, spend some time watching the Steamers train, talk with various staff and hear about the culture and discipline that the Steamers have bought into their training (pictured).  Unfortunately due to the weather we were unable to do any drills with the team, however being able to announce the team to play this week on Facebook was a definite highlight.

Rugby 7’s
Our Year 6 Rugby 7’s team finished third in the Bay of Plenty Rugby 7’s tournament.  Coaches Mr Schuler and Mr. Broadmore were proud of the great team effort.  The team played 5 games, won 4 (lost in the semi-final to the eventual winners) scoring 24 tries and only let in 11.  

New Zealand Marist Colts
We recently had a visit from the New Zealand Marist Colts team (pictured).  The team spoke about the New Zealand Marist concept, individual players spoke about the importance of each of our school values and the session was finished with a small game and some drills on the field.  A particular highlight was the lineout lifting!!!  With teachers and students being hoisted high into the air by the players causing great excitement and laughter in the Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey Centre.

Gymnastics
St Mary’s students continue to have outstanding success at gymnastics.  At a recent Midlands (Mid-North Island) Gymnastic competition in Hamilton.  In Step One Olivia Williamson (Year 4) had a fantastic competition, helping her team finish third.  Cleo Sands (Year 3) placed second on uneven bars and her team finished second overall.  Liae Yang (Year 3) had a number of placings over several apparatus and finished as the third placed individual overall.  Addison Sands (Year 2) finished first on vault, second on uneven bars, third on floor and second overall for the competition.  She had the highest overall score for the step twos, so was named the 2017 Step Two Midlands Champion!!!

So all in all, another fantastic term of sport of St Mary’s. I am looking forward to updating you all in the next newsletter, about our sports exchange with St Thomas More, which will take place before the end of the term.

Steven Finlayson
Sports Coordinator