Term 2 AFL Recap

Term 2 was a huge one for AFL across the senior levels at NDSHS, with growing interest and enthusiasm from students of all experience levels. Our school proudly entered multiple competitions throughout the term, with both boys’ and girls’ teams taking the field and representing Noosa District with pride.

One standout event was the QSchools AFL Gala Day, where we entered teams in both divisions. It was fantastic to see so many students stepping up to give AFL a go, many for the first time. Our more experienced players led by example, showing great leadership and helping to build confidence and teamwork across the board.

Across all competitions, our students demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and a real sense of school spirit. It’s clear that AFL is on the rise at NDSHS, and we’re proud of every student who pulled on the jersey this term.

Whether playing, supporting from the sidelines, coaching, or snapping photos, it’s been great to see such a strong and positive culture growing around AFL at our school.

NDSHS siblings striving for success in the USA

It is always great to hear successful alumni stories.  The Hamilton siblings were always keen on sport whilst at school in their roles as Sport Captains – over two consecutive years; however, it is their tennis skills that have taken them across the Pacific Ocean to flourish whilst studying at the University of Tennessee – Southern campus.  Ali graduated from NDSHS in 2023 and more recently, her brother Brock graduated in 2024.  The talented siblings were certainly well spoilt in the tennis arena with a tennis court at home and this saturation has certainly helped them achieve their goals of studying in the USA on tennis scholarships.

After Ali finished her gap year and Brock finished school, they both headed over to a small town called Pulaski, about 90 minutes south of Nashville.  They both started as freshmans studying their courses and representing the University of Tennessee – Southern campus in their respective tennis teams.  Ali is studying HPE teaching and Brock is studying Exercise Science and they both live on campus in the college accommodation.  Both students stated that they certainly felt up to date with the uni standards with the other students thanks to their education from NDSHS.

Both Ali and Brock felt that their tennis skills were also at the standard needed for the inter-university tennis tournaments each week.  At times, they can travel up to 8 hours to play around the southern states and the many university competitions on the weekends.  During the week, they have approximately 16 uni lessons (mostly face to face lessons) and tennis fitness, gym and skills training throughout the week.  Ali’s team had a mixed year of success, but Brock’s team won the national tournament in their division for the first time in their uni’s history.   

Both siblings are currently home for their ‘summer break’ to catch up with their local friends, before heading back to the USA for the next semester starting in early August.  We wish Ali and Brock the best of luck in their studies and tennis careers and it is great to hear that their experiences at NDSHS have set them up for great successes in the education and sporting fields whilst overseas.

Making Waves in Water Polo – Elroy Savege Shines!

Congratulations to Elroy Savege on a sensational year in Water Polo!

Elroy has had a standout season, kicking off with a stellar performance at the State Championships held on the Gold Coast in April, where he and his Noosa team secured a silver medal. His impressive skills and commitment in the pool didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot to represent Queensland in the prestigious Under 13 National Development Competition in Hobart, Tasmania.

Elroy was selected as one of the few to join three QLD teams invited to the national tournament, where his team finished second on the ladder in a high-calibre and fiercely contested event.

We are incredibly proud of Elroy’s achievements, his determination, and the great sportsmanship he displays both in and out of the water. He continues to be a role model for young athletes in our school community.

We look forward to cheering him on once again as he represents Good Shepherd in their upcoming Water Polo competition.

Well done, Elroy – you’re making a real splash!

Year 9/10 Girls Rugby League – Karyn Murphy Cup District Finals

Our Year 9/10 Girls rugby league team represented the school with distinction at the Karyn Murphy Cup District Finals held yesterday at Nirimba Sports Complex. The KMC is a state-wide competition, with top teams progressing through each stage.

Our girls impressed at district level, finishing top of their pool to earn a spot in the finals against Deception Bay, who, going into the final were undefeated. The final was a fiercely contested match, with Deception Bay striking first through a powerful attacking set. Undeterred, our girls responded with a stunning near length-of-the-field try to Xanthe Millington, assissted by Tillie Meredith.

Trailing 2–1 at halftime, the team came out with renewed energy, scoring in the opening set of the second half. A controversial moment denied us a key try-scoring opportunity, which went uncalled, and Deception Bay capitalised soon after to seal a narrow 3–2 win.

Despite the loss, the team's effort, resilience and sportsmanship were outstanding. They finish the season as one of the top four teams on the Sunshine Coast — an incredible achievement. Congratulations to all players and coaches on a fantastic campaign!

Murray Gordon           Adam Hoy

HOD HPE                   Sports Coordinator