McDonald’s Netball Carnival 2023

McDonald’s Netball Carnival 2023

A wrap-up and gallery from the McDonald’s Netball Carnival held in Townsville Sat 29 – Sun 30 July 2023.
by Rebecca Bulloch – Netball Coordinator

Countless lolly snakes, hundreds of high fives, bountiful braids, litres of sunscreen, numerous ‘Up and Ins’ and ‘Here if you needs’, blood, sweat and even some tears…what a weekend we had!

Eight Cathedral teams competed across the weekend, each playing between eight and ten games. Players, umpires, coaches and supporters are all to be applauded for their efforts and representation of our club….what a wonderful netball community we have!

A big congratulations to Cathedral Lightning (18U) who took out their division as overall Winners and Cathedral Hearts (15U) who finished Runners Up. Also, a special congratulations to Eleanor Saro who won the MVP award for her division.

Thank you to our ten umpires who covered 90+ games: Alana C, Bec B, Bronte B, Louise K, Chelsea C, Milli D, Addison S, Maddie T, Zoe G and Charlotte S.

Thank you coaches for volunteering your time to guide our teams – Alicia, Mikealie, Luke, Kayleigh, Angelina, Maddy, Bryenna, Miliame, Abi and Bec.

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The event was held at the TCNAI courts, Murray Sporting Complex.

Photos by Rebecca Bulloch & Townsville Bulletin

A Diamond formed from determination

A Diamond formed from determination

In 2013, Cathedral Year 12 student Cara Koenen had a goal – to be playing for Australia in the Netball World Cup in 10 years. Fast forward to 2023, and Cara’s dream is now becoming a reality.

The World Cup announcement was a proud moment for Debbie Bennett-Rauch who coached Cara through her school career.

‘Cara was outstanding in each sport she played at our school. She was a natural athlete and played for the school in Water Polo, Aussie Rules, Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country – but she was exceptional at Netball. Cara’s height and court speed developed in Years 11 and 12 and she began to gain selection for regional and state representative teams.

Cara was the Captain of our 2013 UK Tour Squad. On tour she played some great netball against some of England’s best school representatives.

We always knew she was special, but to Cara’s credit, she has worked exceptionally hard to put herself into the Diamond. Ten years after leaving Cathedral her dream has come true. She is going to the World Cup.’

– Debbie Bennett-Rauch

Cara joined The Cathedral School in Year 8 and along with her younger sister Alyssa –  became a powerful asset for Bede in the inter-house sporting carnivals. In her final year of school, Cara had been selected for both State and National representation in Netball.

In ‘The Dawn’ 2013 yearbook profile, Cara was asked: ‘Where will you be in 10 years?’ To which she answered,
‘Playing netball for Australia at the World Cup.’

Cara continued to pursue her dream. She is the leading goalscorer for the Sunshine Coast Lightning, has represented Australia in the Commonwealth Games and International Quad Series, and has now been named in the Australian Diamonds team. Cara will be playing in the Netball World Cup in South Africa. Ten years after her graduation.

Athletics Carnival 2023

Athletics Carnival 2023

The Middle and Senior Athletics Carnival was held at the ‘Red Track’ with Bede House taking out another win for both Middle and Senior schools.

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival was held at the Townsville Sports Reserve on 20 May, 2023. 

Photography by Jo Duncan.

The carnival consisted of three track (100m, 800m, 4x100m Circular Relay), and four field events (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, and Long Jump).

House Results
Middle School    

1 BEDE 883    2 MORE 872   3 LANGTON 769   4 CHATHAM 741

Senior School   

1 BEDE 545   2 MORE 479   3 LANGTON 432   4 CHATHAM 407

Age Champions & Runner Up

12 Year Girls – Harpa Miles M 20, Emily Walker M 15

12 Year Boys Noah Shiells C 20, Hayden O’Neill B 15

13 Year Girls – Jillian McCauley B 24, Lara Burgers C 23

13 Year Boys – EQUAL Kolby Walters B 26 / Lucas Goodwin B 26

14 Year Girls – Lilly Johnston C 29, Mia Clive B 24

14 Year Boys – Aaron Roberts B 20, William McCallum L 18

15 Year Girls – Halle Burgers C 22, Kyla Grieve L 21

15 Year Boys – EQUAL Jeshua Cronje M 27 / Jayden Porter M 27

16 Year Girls – Celicia Niemandt L 32, Shaquana Castors C 25

16 Year Boys – Nathaniel Talbot B 23, Jett Mason M 22

17 Year Girls – Janae Pearce B 27, Ashlee Tengbom B 21 / Charlotte Smith M 21

17 Year Boys – Charlie Patrick L 22, Joshua Tonkin C 21

18 Year Girls – Milla Armitage B 29, Neve Rankine-Johnson M 21

18 Year Boys – EQUAL Daniel Keough B 20 / Julius Levenell M 20

MAD Week 2023

MAD Week 2023

The inaugural MAD (Music/Media, Art, Dance/Drama) Week was held at The Cathedral School from 22 – 26 May 2023.

MAD Week was filled with lunchtime activities that had students engaged and creating through Spicks and Specs quizzes, tie-dye workshops, drama activities, and a ‘Just Dance’ session. The school was also visited by a professional artist who spoke to students who are interested in exploring a career in the entertainment and performing industry.

The week culminated in the announcement of the 2024 school production, ‘Legally Blonde’. Students and parents who want to find out more about the audition process for this production are encouraged to go to Groups on eCat, and join the group titled ‘Information – Production 2024’.

Palm Island Netball & Rugby Challenge

Palm Island Netball & Rugby Challenge

Highlights from the 2023 Obe Geia Rugby Challenge, and Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge on Palm Island.

On Friday 26 March, The Cathedral School Junior Rugby & Netball teams boarded the ferry to Palm Island to participate in the Obe Geia (Rugby), and Kathy Tarpaulin (Netball) Challenge.

The rugby team played four games, coming away with one win, and were competitive in the other three, showing pleasing development among the players as the day progressed.

With the return of the Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge, Rebecca Bullock’s team proudly came home with the shield, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.

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‘Our Year 6 Netball Academy team travelled to Palm Island to compete in the Kathy Tarpaulin Netball Challenge. This is the first time this competition has run for several years, so it was wonderful to be back playing netball in this beautiful place on their brand-new netball courts. The team received a warm welcome from Palm Island elders and the wider community. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun – our girls embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly and immersed themselves in the experience, connecting with local players and spectators, and getting involved in all they could, including leading the Macarena during the lunch break.

On the court, our girls shone brightly. They played five hard-fought games across the day and finished undefeated. In the pool crossover, we defeated St Josephs The Strand and then in the Grand Final, we faced the local favourite and very talented Bwgcolman Community School team. In front of a large, vocal crowd, our girls had a tough battle on their hands but remained composed and played some outstanding netball across the entire court, snatching themselves a 2-point victory. The team was beyond proud to be the 2023 winners of this special event, which is not just about netball but about connection and reconciliation. Overall, it was a brilliant day with our players coming home victorious but more importantly with many treasured memories. Special thanks go to the event organisers, sponsors and officials, the Palm Island elders and community for welcoming us, and the recently re-established Palm Island Netball Association for hosting. We look forward to returning next year.’
Rebecca BullochNetball Coordinator

 

Photography by Michael Porter and Rebecca Bulloch.