Lockdown edition. As the last newsletter was wrapped up we suddenly heard we were going into Level 4 lockdown. Slight disbelief as we left the Sports Office not knowing how long this would all take. So needless to say the world of sport as we know it at SMC all came to a grinding halt.

We waited with bated breath to see if games could go ahead any time soon and if tournaments would take place. As this newsletter goes to print, it is supposed to be Tournament Week. Our Senior A Basketball, 1st and 2nd XI Hockey and Senior A Netball teams were going to be dotted around the South and North Island doing what they do best - representing SMC. As you can imagine, once more the disappointment is huge for our athletes, especially those in their last year at St Margaret’s. As much as this is outside of our control, we can control what we do to stay healthy in our bubbles. Continue reading this newsletter to see how some of our staff and girls have kept themselves busy in their bubbles; sunsets, baby lambs, puzzles, pets, walking, recipes, family time. Keep up that all-important bubble time and enjoy as many moments as you can. It won’t be long until our bubbles burst and we will be back to our hectic schedules. Take care.

Captains of Basketball, bubble comments;
“So my life in lockdown consists of sleep-ins and late nights, walking the block with my family, chilling outside most of the day, running with Georgia and walking the dog. Basketball being cancelled for the second year in a row for me is devastating. With all the effort our team had made throughout the season I feel like it was our time to flourish. Especially for Piper and I since it was our last ever tournament for Basketball at SMC. For me, it’s not just about playing at tournament, it’s about teamwork, camaraderie, bonding and spending time with a group of girls you don’t see every day! After this announcement, I have set a new goal to strive towards as I know if SISS won’t be happening something else might! Having something to strive towards is always good because then you're not left wondering 'what if?'. Being able to maybe start a new tradition would finish off my time at SMC well, as one of the Captains of Basketball. A message to you guys, don’t let one thing affect the way to approach other goals, disappointment is something we will face more often than not in life, it's what we choose after that really matters.” Tayla Hardy Y13

“My life in lockdown hasn’t been very exciting. I’ve done a puzzle in-between my Google meets and I walk and annoy my dogs daily. Pretty sure they are sick of me by now. That also goes for my family. I have watched four seasons of Suits so far since the start of lockdown. I might even finish all nine by the time it ends. Finding out tournament was cancelled for the second year in a row because of lockdown was pretty gutting. We should be there now. Looking at it, I am just grateful I got the opportunity to go to tournament in year 11 and experience it. It was upsetting for the team who were looking forward to it, but I hope they all get the opportunity next year to go. Meanwhile I will just get back to my Google meets and annoying my dogs.” Piper Eder Y13

Basketball
A huge congratulations to Ivy Brown Y11 who has made it into the Canterbury Women's U19 2021 First Team and also to Evie Leeson Y10 who has made it into the U16 grade. Fantastic job. Fingers crossed you can both get back on the court very soon.

It has been a successful basketball season for our teams and we have been able to hear from them all during Terms 2 and 3. Here is an account from two of our Old Girls who have been coaching teams at SMC this season;

“The 9A team has had a great season so far! We have won eight of our ten games and have only lost to Girls High by one point both times we have played them! We are currently sitting in second on the table and were due to play the final against Girls High, which would have been a close game.” Courtney Prebble

Y10 Jets Team, “We had a slow start to the competition this year going down against a strong Marian side. After our first game, the girls really came together and put in the effort at training wanting to improve each week. The girls always had a lot of energy at training and they were improving as the season went on. We had a few close games that we fell short of but once the season went on the girls really worked hard and had some really convincing wins. Our biggest competition of the season was of course our rivals Rangi Ruru. Rangi brought it the whole 30 mins from start to finish. We, unfortunately, went down to them both games, however, the girls played some amazing basketball throughout the season and I was definitely honoured to coach these girls for the 2021 basketball season. This team was really special, we had a good bunch of girls who will be great basketballers in the future and I can't wait to see how well they go.“ Tash Faga”

A huge thank you to all of our coaches, umpires, managers, supporters and of course players who have all made the basketball season run so smoothly.

Climbing bubble news
“During this lockdown, I have been making the most of having time to rest, recharge and get outside. Last week we were lucky enough to have so many beautiful warm, sunny days, which I enjoyed making the most of in-between classes. So far during lockdown, I have been spending lots of time running, walking, doing yoga, going on hill bike rides, skateboarding with my siblings and mountain biking on my local trails, which has been so much fun. I personally have found this lockdown tougher than last year’s, however spending time exercising outside or even just watching the sunset has been really beneficial to me and has helped me to stay positive and motivated. One piece of advice I would offer to the rest of SMC is to make the most of the positives of lockdown and having plenty of spare time. Get outside, watch a sunset, spend time doing the things you love and stay in touch with your friends and family. And try a themed dinner party with your family! I promise it will be fun…” Mia Cleugh Y13 Captain of climbing

Cross Country bubble news
“I’m making the most of lockdown to rest and recharge and I encourage girls to do the same in finding what makes them feel at ease. My way of de-stressing is running or just getting some fresh air sometime in my day. “ Ella McDonald Y13 Captain of Cross Country

Hockey bubble news
“FEDERATION 2021 CUP CANCELLED'. Headlines that I dread to see. Not once, but for the second time in two years now. Here I found myself sitting amongst my thoughts, thinking how could this possibly happen a couple of weeks out from packing our bags to head to Napier and following on from a long season of hard training and commitment. Although we have had our tournament taken away from us, something that has not been taken away is our team culture. Friday night hockey games have now turned into Friday night Google meet quiz nights. Team environment was one of our big focuses this year and supporting one another through these times has been crucial. As disappointing as it is, the biggest value that I have learnt is perseverance. Acknowledging your feelings and then putting things in place to better yourself and move on, I found is the only way up. I believe everything happens for a reason, and what happens, happens. The only thing you can control is your attitude and mindset. Setbacks are only temporary, open your mind, see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep pushing through and never give up. A few things that I have been doing each day to improve and maintain my wellbeing is:

1. Exercise, whether that be running, biking, yoga.

2. Organising. Planning out each day ahead to ensure I attend each of my Google meets, make time for exercise, spending time on something I like doing and spending time with family.

3. Catching up with my friends via zooms each week and lastly….

4. Taking time each day to do something I love whether that is watching a tv movie, journaling or listening to music etc.

I am a big quote fan and a few that I would like to share that I hope might inspire or motivate you are:

• “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best thing that will ever happen to us”

• “But effort? no one can judge that because the effort is between you and you, look in the mirror, that is your competition.”

• “Just remember you can do anything you put your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance and facing your fears”

• “it's not about being the best, it’s about being better than you were yesterday”

• “Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is the little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” Niamh McKenzie Y12

“My routine is pretty simple. Lots of sleep, resting (not usually good at this) and reading, making yummy healthy meals (with the odd lockdown treat as well of course) and a big walk every afternoon listening to my favourite music. I have the constant company of our dogs Frankie and Fergus as you will see from my photo! In the evenings the girls and I watch a movie together.” Amanda Surridge Year 1-8 Hockey Convenor.

2021 Netball Season Overview
Our 2021 Netball season is coming to a close and an enforced close at that, due to our current lockdown. We are incredibly grateful to have been able to play 95% of our season but I know it is disappointing to not be able to complete the season. The latest update from the Christchurch Netball Centre website is below - https://www.netballchristchurch.org.nz/newsarticle/107498?newsfeedId=newslist

Unfortunately, all Future Fern Netball is now finished for the season and goal ratio winners have now been announced for Premier Grades through to U12. SMC had four teams who qualified for semi-finals - Senior C (U19), 9A (U14), 9B (U14) and Y7 (U12), but due to Covid have been unable to play their finals games. Congratulations to these teams and their coaches and supporters for their fabulous effort during the season to earn their spots in finals netball for 2021.

The cancellation of Winter Tournament Week has also been tough as the time and preparation that our Senior A girls have put in is now not able to be put into practice. A double blow with last years’ tournament also being cancelled due to Covid as well as the opportunity to compete at the New Zealand Secondary Schools tournament. It is a decision that we totally understand but it doesn’t take away the disappointment - girls we are super proud of you for the efforts you have put in and know that you would have represented us all incredibly well at the tournaments. Your recent performance at our annual Winter Quad is just one example where you had some tough competition but you played hard and came away with the top spot on the podium. You have also beaten every school team you have played this year.

Our Y8 girls have also suffered disappointment with the upcoming Koru Games also being cancelled. Again, girls, you have finished the season strong with a win over your rival St Andrews College at the recent Independent Zones tournament and you can be proud of what you have achieved this season. I know that you also would have represented us all incredibly well at the tournament.

Covid19 certainly impacted our teams at this late stage of the season but I am incredibly proud and grateful to all of our girls, their coaches and managers for the huge amount of spirit and commitment they give to netball at St Margaret’s College. We have our fingers crossed that our Wednesday Sport netball competition might still be able to sneak in the final games if we are back at school before the end of the term!!

This season we had 26 teams entered in their respective competitions along with a super keen group of Year 1 and 2 girls who enjoyed their weekly skills sessions with their coaches.

Overall it has been a successful season with our teams playing hard and fair, week in and week out. I especially want to thank the girls who helped out other teams at times during the season to ensure we had full teams take the court. Your selflessness and willingness to help out were fantastic. Thank you.

All teams can be proud of the way that they have played the game and been committed to their teams this season. I can not thank everyone enough, the coaches, the managers, the umpires and families for their ongoing support to help ensure the girls enjoyed a positive netball experience this season.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our SMC Umpires throughout the season. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to take the court. I am truly grateful to you all! Congratulations to our below umpires who have gained qualifications this season and also to our girls who umpire each Saturday for us as well as often also umpiring for their own team on their team roster! YOU ARE ALL SUPERSTARS!

Caitlynne Hill (Y13) - NZ Centre Badge
Kate Ballantyne (Y10) - Centre Badge
Ashlee Tacon (Y11) - Level 2
Anita Avia (Y11) - Level 2

Platinum Whistlers
Fadziso Madondo
Georgie Campbell
Anita Avia
Ashlee Tacon

Gold Whistlers
Sina Avia
Kate Taylor
Silver Whistlers
Maddie Coughlan
Estelle Letton
Bronze Whistler
Bronny O’Sullivan
SMC Umpires - Saturday and Wednesday
Tayla Hardy
Evie Meyer
Kate Ballantyne
Charlotte Coughlan
Brooke Mullinger
Poppi Hamilton
India Broomhall
Fadziso Madondo
Ruby Donkin
Anita Avia
Ashlee Tacon

The end of the season also sees us farewell our fabulous Year 13 girls who have played a huge part in all things netball at SMC. A special shout out to Tayla Hardy, Ella Munro, Charlotte Parker and Tessa Wisbey who have been playing netball for Team SMC since Y7 - seven years of wearing the green and blue uniform of SMC. Lydia Pye, an impressive six years on the netball court and Ellie Withers, Evie Meyer and Abby Drayton have been playing since they came to SMC in Year 9. The commitment to SMC netball from this group of girls has been fantastic. They have been involved not only as players but also as coaches and umpires. Thank you so much girls for all that you have done for Netball at SMC, you are all superstars and we will miss you all next season.

Finally a huge thank you to all of our wonderful coaches, managers, staff and umpires who help with each of our teams each week. You have ensured all 26 of our teams have been well supported on and off the court and that they have enjoyed their netball as well as learning and developing their skills. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated on so many levels.
See you all in 2022
Amanda Hardy
SMC Netball Convenor
We have been able to report on every single netball team this season, which is a supreme effort. Here are the last three teams to comment on their season:

SMC B
The Senior B team finished fourth in our Saturday competition this year. As a team, we have seen considerable growth, both as a team and as individual players. In spite of a number of challenges we have faced this year, this group of individuals have turned up to training, willing to learn, to grow and to put in the hard work in order to achieve their goals. The highlights for our team this season can be encapsulated by our sense of humour and ability to have fun, even when training and games were tough. These girls have risen to a number of challenges and it has been inspiring to see how much they have grown in skills and understanding of the clinical side of netball. There were a number of games where it would have been easy to stoop to the level of the opposition, however, these girls remained committed to discipline, always determined to outplay the opposition fairly and skillfully. It has been encouraging to have the pathway available for many of our players who were given the opportunity to play up in the A team at various times throughout the season. We had three individuals selected for representative teams this year, Ellese Haigh, Milly Farrell and Jamie Marshall. Both Ellese and Milly were selected in the U16 Christchurch representative team, with Jamie joining the Te Waipounamu team for their North Island competition. Alex Priest & Lily Marshall - Coaches

SMC F - 11A (U17)

The U17 team had a mixed season with some amazing wins and some tight hard-fought battles. On Wednesday afternoons we seemed to play either Rangi Ruru, Avonside Girls HIgh or Christchurch Girls High, so we got to know our opposition teams quite well. With some of our girls being multi-talented we had to balance out Shakespearean Banquets, Agricultural lessons and training. So when we did have the whole team there it felt like we were one of the biggest teams in the world! It didn't take us long to work out that our team needed lots of lollies and chocolate to get through the season and the chocolate shooting game was very popular. The U17 team was a spirited bunch and it wasn't too long before banter became the theme of most training sessions. The girls struggled to train on cold wet days but ironically played one of their best games in the pouring rain when they were one of the few teams still playing. The highlight of the season was definitely the last Saturday game when they all played exceptionally well and beat CGHS by 10. All of the individuals improved throughout the season and showed an ability to work well together - when we all played well on the same day we were unstoppable. Huge thanks must go to our support team of parents especially our super scorer, Carolyn Moffat who scored every game without fail for us!  Ally Taylor and Kathryn Gray - Coaches

SMC N - 9C

Our 9C team has to be admired for their passion and adaptability, so their season has been a great success as they really have understood what it means to play a team sport. They have been positive and keen to learn new techniques to grow their skills. Seeing the entire team put pressure on the ball and come away with a well earned held ball, has developed an understanding of their contribution as a team member. Similarly, we have seen our girls develop a greater understanding of the importance of throwing to the space, not crowding the court, and using a variety of passes into the circle depending on the defence skill set. This team has celebrated successes and stayed determined when outplayed by their opposition. They frequently won the third quarter of their game, even when the final scoreline was not in their favour. With a mix of boarders and day girls, coupled with a couple of players who have carried injuries, they have been flexible in their positional play on court and welcoming of students who have ‘filled in’ for the team. Well done 9C, you have learnt the joy of playing as a tight and loyal unit and you have won the team cheer hands down all season!! SMC on three - SMC
Fiona Green and Sophie Lightbourne - Coaches

Ms Hardy’s Bubble Time “Well going into lockdown this time round came from left field, not what I was expecting as I went about my school day two weeks ago! Lockdown has enforced a slower pace of life on me and my wee family which actually isn’t a bad thing!! We have all been able to rest and recharge AND take advantage of precious family time. Lockdown is still busy in our house with school and Uni meetings splattered throughout the day as we all share different spaces to get our work done. I have loved being able to get my running shoes on each day and pound the pavements - my ‘me’ time and time to reflect and be grateful and plan what I am going to do next. Like many other families, we have enjoyed lots of baking and cooking too and I’ve even been encouraged to learn some new dance moves!!! I have also loved watching the Tokyo Paralympics, amazing athletes, so incredibly inspiring. They absolutely put life into perspective, the challenges that they have overcome and continue to overcome each day are incredible! You really can do anything if you put your mind to it and want it enough!! I am looking forward to seeing everyone back at school really soon but until then Be Kind, Be Humble and Be Grateful AND go the WHITE FERNS & BLACKCAPS.”

Sports Office bubble news
Staying healthy in my bubble. Exercise, a walk in my neighbourhood - which luckily happens to be Hagley Park. Eating well - it's nice to have the extra time to plan and cook meals (although sometimes the pantry is a little too handy!!). Writing a list of daily jobs, work and activities I hope to achieve and tick off, otherwise, some days you can find yourself wondering what on earth you have achieved. Staying positive, we so got this!” Sharon Lloyd, Assistant Director of Sport

“Hi Everybody, It's amazing how quickly our family slotted back into the routine of life in lockdown, it all felt very familiar. We have four children still at home, so it is a busy house and the food bill is not getting any smaller!!!! The two older children are essential workers and have been heading out each day to work and the two younger children have been completing their school work from home. My husband and I are both working from home and have our own separate workspaces. I have been finding it helpful to stick to a routine where possible- going to bed and getting up at a similar time, sticking to regular mealtimes and definitely finding time for exercise each day. One of my favourites has been family workouts eg boxfit, strength sessions and circuits. It's fun getting together at the end of the day to do some exercise together. We have also been really enjoying sitting around the table having dinner together in the evenings, as in our normal worlds we are often very busy in the evenings with sports practices, meetings and homework. During lockdown, we sit at the table longer chatting and it usually carries on into the evening with some family games. I hope everyone is finding some positives out of this time at home and hopefully we will see each other again in person soon.” Mrs Seymour

“My bubble has been very quiet this time around as we are three people down. I have really enjoyed hearing about everyone's bubbles as I have been putting this newsletter together. It sounds like we are all very focused on the same thing, time with our families, exercise of various sorts, working hard and relaxing hard too. Our two little dogs have had so many walks around the forest and I am constantly hoovering up sand from the carpet. When life returns to normal I must make a note to myself to try and exercise them nearly as much!!” Louise Eder Sport Administrator

Sports Office Lockdown news
I know I haven’t recovered yet from the disappointment of Tournament Week being cancelled for the second year in a row and I know our teams will be feeling the same. I am absolutely gutted for our players, coaches and managers who have worked so hard throughout the season, only to have the pinnacle event taken from them. School sport is the absolute best sport of your life - it is what you remember for years, it is what you talk about with your friends as you get older. There are so many positive thoughts and feelings around school sport and tournaments. It is important to grieve the loss of these tournaments, but then to move forward, to refocus, to set different goals and to have different dreams. The sun will come up in the morning, we all have other important things to ponder and we are resilient. My favourite quote this year is “Attitude determines Altitude” My bubble has been pretty quiet, I have had the time to exercise, do jigsaw puzzles, time to tackle some important Sport Office projects, time to connect with my grandchildren via the screen and most importantly the time to make Mr B a special birthday dinner and cake. I am looking forward to being back on campus to reconnect with everyone and am looking forward to an uninterrupted summer sport season - Bring It On!! Helen Belcher, Director of Sport

PE bubble news
“Here is our new find at the supermarket...this popcorn is DELICIOUS. The packaging is fun and they are gluten-free, vegan friendly, and no preservatives! If you have a chance to buy some, make sure you read all the packaging - it is their marketing ploy but very good. And did I say DELICIOUS? Keep safe everyone - shouldn't be long now :)” Paula Vesty, Y12 Dean, PE teacher.

“Each day I have been getting out and doing 10000+ steps with my dog Lottie (photo attached)! Focussing on trying to eat well, and our conversations usually relate to what we are going to eat in the next meal. Meals take a lot of planning when you are home for all of them! Positive message - keep putting one foot in front of the other and see this as a great opportunity to catch up on things… sleep, exercise, garden + lots of odd jobs. All great for all four dimensions of our well-being.” Lisa Williams Deputy Head of Middle School, PE/Health teacher.

Rowing bubble news
“My lockdown experience has definitely been enjoyable with spending more time with my family. We have stayed active by going for walks around the neighbourhood and also getting in the kitchen most days, doing some baking and cooking. Although it has been challenging not being able to see my friends, I have enjoyed catching up over Facetime and have been lucky that my sister was able to come home. While it's been good to spend some quality time on my school work, it's important that everyone remembers to do one thing for themselves each day. Even if it's relaxing while watching Netflix - Alvin and the Chipmunks has been pretty good to watch!” Charlotte Parker Y13 Captain of Rowing 

We were honoured to have a very special guest join our assembly last Friday via google meet. Olympic silver medalist and St Margaret’s Old Girl, Ella Greenslade. While we were disappointed Alert Level 4 prevented Ella from joining us in person, we were thrilled to hear her describe her journey from SMC to become part of New Zealand’s most successful Olympic team, and her advice to value your voice and know your worth.