On Friday 15th March, the U14 and U15 Netball Teams set off for the annual Netball Tour at Condover Hall in Shropshire. We stopped in Shrewsbury en route for some sight seeing and shopping, before eventually arriving at the magnificent Condover Hall.
On Sunday 10th March 42 girls, teachers and parents gathered in the fantastic new Sports Centre to compete in the school's first ever indoor sprint triathlon. Girls from all years competed alongside their families and teachers in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Competitors and their supporters have thus far raised £1,900 for this wonderful charity, and the mood at the event was electric.
On Sunday 3rd March, some of our girls headed to Wickstead for the first competition being run under the Schools Equestrian Games.
There was, understandably, much excitement and anticipation on the lead up to the 2019 National Schools Lacrosse Championships. A new venue, a strong 1st Team and an army of supportive and enthusiastic parents (and grandparents) arrived at Aldershot Garrison on the morning of 2nd March for the first day’s play. Tents were inflated and picnics prepared, as the players warmed up and set about achieving our number one goal, which was to win the section.
Donaldson Week kicked off with an introduction to fencing for the Year 8 girls. We were lucky enough to have Tim Miles, U20 GB Coach, return to St Mary’s to deliver the session.
On the evening of 30th January, the U12 and U14 Swim Teams were invited to Downe House for a Winter Swim Meet, competing against Downe House, St Swithun's and Queen Anne's.
On Friday 25th January, our Ski Race Team of seven girls flew out to Flaine, France, to take part in the British Schoolgirls' Races. It was the 60th anniversary of the races, so it was quite a special occasion.
On Saturday 26th January, the school competitions for 2019 got underway for the St Mary’s Riding Teams at West Wilts Equestrian Centre and with several girls entered for classes across the day, St Mary's was well represented.
On 19th/20th January, Lila Bremner (Year 11) competed at Aintree in the Winter JA and JC Qualifiers. The JA qualifying series is the biggest class that you can jump on a 148cm pony and runs over three rounds, with the jump-off reaching heights off 1.45m.
The Wiltshire County Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday, 19th January at Sheldon School in Chippenham and St Mary's Calne girls put in some fine performances, in spite of the cold and wet weather!
Many congratulations to Lila (Year 11) who competed at the Liverpool International Horse Show over the Christmas holidays and came second in the 148cm Championships, which featured the top young riders and European Team ponies in the country. An amazing result.
On 4th December, the St Mary's Calne Tennis Academy (SMCTA) team, headed up by Director of Tennis, Jonathan Hayes, were delighted to receive the Education Award trophy, presented to them at the Wiltshire LTA's AGM.
On 7th December, the LVI (Year 12) PE class was joined by Dr Philippa Oakley from Acorn Health to help us with our biomechanics work. We had a two-hour session where we discussed movement and muscle action, along with muscle groups, levers and the heart.
Lila (Year 11) was recently invited to jump her ponies abroad in CSIP International competitions in Belgium and the Netherlands. She competed on both Lapislazuli and Lady in the Big Tour, jumping in the 130cm classes.
On 21st November, our Cross Country Teams enjoyed participating in the North Wiltshire Area Cross Country Championships, held at Grittleton House.
On Sunday 18th November, the St Mary's Riding Teams headed to West Wilts Equestrian Centre for the Dauntsey’s School Show Jumping event.
On the evening of 20th November, the Sixth Form lacrosse players made the trip over to Radley to take on their 1st and 2nd Lacrosse Teams.
On 15th November, our Inter Girls' and Junior Cross Country Relay Teams participated in the annual Leweston Relays. This popular event is well supported by a large number of quality teams and is always a great opportunity for the girls to have fun as part a relay team.
It was excellent to have three St Mary’s Netball Teams at the County Round of the England Netball National Schools Tournament. The U19, U16 and U14 Teams were all ready for this competitive event with its opportunity to play a large number of schools on the same day.
Last weekend (20th - 21st October) saw the NSEA Championships take place at Keysoe Equestrian Centre in Bedfordshire.
