After a record breaking win by Chaffey in 2019, everyone was keen to see if they would do it again. It was looking promising after the 1500m and 800m races were held as the Chaffey boys dominated, although the Murray girls were just as strong with only 1 point separating the two teams.

It was a beautiful day and the oval looked great (thanks to Mr Rothe). Once each of the armies arrived there was plenty of colour which added to the special day. Well done to the house captains who worked hard to ensure their teams were prepared and ready after holding many challenges during lunchtime and filling the events on the day.

It was still neck and neck throughout the day with regular score updates highlighting it was close. In the end despite the efforts from every student in each house Murray claimed back the 2020 Championship Shield.

It was a clean sweep for Murray as they were successful in winning the Ball Games Shield and Most Improved Shield. Congratulations to the Murray team and captains.

One record was broken in 2020 with many others challenged. Congratulations to Chloe B for setting a new record which was set in 2017 in the challenging Open Girls Hurdles event. She smashed the record by just over 3 seconds, setting the new time as 17.65 (100m Hurdles). Unfortunately many events have been postponed but we are hopeful that the Interschool and School Sport SA events will be held later in the year.

As highlighted earlier the day was a great success with many students supporting their house in any way possible. The day had a great feeling and, most importantly, those that attended had a great day. Another highlight of the day was seeing some of the girls get involved in the football relay and we look forward to seeing this over the years. 

Special thanks to all of the RHS staff, Pammy Main and the SRC for the BBQ, Rob Johnston and the many families who attended on the day.

Thank you to our valued major sponsors BusBiz and Emmetts, Leonie Whitehead (Most Dedicated sponsor) and the Fusion Health Club and CrossFit Renmark who sponsored every age group for this event.

Secondary School Sports South Australia Swimming

A few weeks ago the Renmark High School Swimming team travelled down to the Marion Swimming Centre to participate in the Secondary School Sport SA Swimming Championships. After a busy start to the year with our own carnival and the interschool event the students were keen to challenge themselves against some of the stronger schools in S.A. in the B Grade (first time for the RHS).

It was a long day for the students as they attended their normal lessons until 12:00pm where they jumped on the bus and travelled down. Mrs Pater and Mrs Long said that the students were great and similar to the interschool event, each student was happy to represent the school in their event, making sure every event was filled.

Throughout the evening there were many positive results and personal bests, although when they announced that we were currently in second place (prior to the relays) everyone was surprised.

In the end it was a very successful day for the RHS Swimming Team and everyone involved. Overall the team finished 4^th (Girls – 3^rd and Boys – 6^th) which is a great result. Thank you and congratulations to all of the students for their efforts.

Congratulations also goes out to Dylan W - U20 50m Freestyle (25.86) and Jordan W – U16 50m Breaststroke (34.76) for achieving a Standard Certificate in the above event.

Stage 1 Outdoor Education Canoe Expedition

Last Monday the Stage 1 Outdoor Education students were fortunate that their canoe expedition went ahead, allowing them to break away and enjoy the many beautiful sections along the River Murray and surrounding creeks.

Throughout the term students participated in practical lessons to prepare them for the demands of the trip, along with completing the planning stages (menu plans, risk assessments, route plan, leadership, equipment lists and packing). 

The group set off from just below Lock 6 and paddled downstream past the historic Chowilla Station before entering Native Box Creek. From here they powered down Hunchee Creek and finished day 1 at the Windmill Bend campsite (Calperum Station).

It was slow to get moving on day 2 and the feeling was quite different however this soon changed once we got going. The group paddled through the top of Ral Ral Creek and in the wide waters before entering the Nelbuck Creek. This was a challenge as the heat was increasing and the creek kept on going. They all deserved a well-earned swim and break on the sand bar before finishing off day 2 at the Lindners campsite.

The last day was a casual paddle down river before entering the Kylie’s Creek. Once the group made it back to the Jane Eliza Lagoon there was a positive feeling amongst the group, as they completed the paddle and were obviously looking forward to having a shower and good sleep.

It was a great trip with many laughs and memories along the way.

Bailey White 3000m Record Holder

Bailey recently competed in the 2020 Athletics SA State Championships where he competed in the 3000m run. After many hours of training and hard work he was looking forward to the event and is now the record holder for the U14 boys after running a time of 9:05.04 (previous record was set in 2003 – 9:11.14). Congratulations Bailey on another magnificent achievement!

Staying active

For many of us the next few weeks, months or even longer will be a challenge due to the threat of Covid-19, as something you really enjoy and allows you break away (sport) has been taken away. It is important that we all take care of ourselves, family and friends, along with following the directions by the Government, but it is also important that we stay as active as possible.

It’ll be quite easy to sit around, relax and not do much while there are some restrictions set in place but please make the time to be active. There are many benefits (physically, emotionally and socially) for individuals that are physically active which is why it is so important for everyone to dedicate some time each day.

Be creative and make it hard, challenging and fun and before you know it (fingers crossed) everything will hopefully be back to normal.

Stay safe and active.

Aaron Camplin - Physical Education Coordinator