A E R O B I C S

In the holidays for the first week we travelled to Auckland as part of the Otago Aerobics Team which we had to qualify for. I (Isla) competed as a Level 7 Individual and really enjoyed competing at a higher level. I (Haley) competed as a Level 6 and placed 4th overall and enjoyed sightseeing too. Our Otago team also tied to win the SDC Trophy, which is awarded to the province with the highest aggregate score. We both had so much fun. Isla Brookland & Haley Jarvis

R U G B Y

This year has been an unforgettable chapter in my rugby journey — filled with growth, pride, and success.

Representing The Catlins Area School as a prop for the Barbarian team was a true honor, and our 29–5 win over the Native team was a proud moment for everyone involved.

A highlight of my year was being selected as one of 22 players to represent Otago Country. Competing in Christchurch and winning the Bowl Division was an incredible experience. We dominated Waitaha 87–7, edged out North Otago 35–33, and triumphed over North Canterbury 33–26 to lift the shield — a moment I’ll never forget.

Thank you to my coaches for your guidance and belief, and to my mum and dad for your endless support. I’m grateful to God for the opportunities and people who’ve been part of this journey.

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, where I come from, and the game I love — and I can’t wait to keep giving my all every time I wear the jersey. Ezekiel Lealaava

S W I M M I N G

In the holidays, I went up to Auckland to swim at the New Zealand Short Course Championship. This is the highest competition level for New Zealand swimming. I qualified for the 200m freestyle in the 14-year-old girls’ age group. I was ranked 14th going into it, but after a really good race and a PB of over 2 seconds, I ended up finishing 7th overall. It was pretty cool (and kinda crazy) racing against girls who train like 8+ times a week. Milly Lietze

V O L L E Y B A L L

In the second week of the school holidays, I went to Hamilton to represent Volley South in club nationals. I had so much fun playing volleyball with some of my favorite people, it was very tiring playing for 5 days straight. We made it to the final but sadly, my team lost the final so we took the silver medal home. Harper Melville

Jethro Melville