16 the Star
“What I love most about rowing is the team environment and community spirit. Being able to translate that online has been really important for me to feel connected and stay motivated,” says Rachel. “As well as the endorphins from exercise it’s been about having something outside of academic classes and homework, and seeing the people I enjoy spending time with.” “We can’t wait to get back to on-campus sport and PE, but in the meantime, it’s been incredible to see the students and staff working so positively to maintain physical health and personal connections,” Michael says.
MLC’s rowing program completed many online group training sessions over the year.
STAYING
Connected THROUGH SPORT
MLC’s extensive sport and physical education programs were put to the test this year as COVID-19 impacted the delivery of classes, competitions and training. But with physical activity a vital element of good mental health, Director of Sport, Michael Jenkins says staff were committed to providing students with ongoing opportunities to be physically active. “We know how important physical activity is to good mental health and academic performance,” Michael says. “So, we took 16 of our MLC Sport programs online to complement MLC’s Continuous Learning and Wellbeing program.” Available for all ages and abilities, Michael says the number one focus was on physical activity as a way of supporting students to maintain connections with the College and one another, including teachers, coaches and teammates.
Online programs included general fitness, yoga and pilates through to an extensive range of sport-specific programs. “A point of difference at MLC is that these sessions were individualised for students,” explains Michael. “Students participated through the College’s Microsoft Teams environment. Teachers and coaches directly delivered the sessions with a genuine connection to the students participating.” Unlike simply watching a pre-recorded video, Michael says MLC’s online sport sessions were more focused on individual engagement. Many teams and squads ran social events as well as training and fitness sessions. “Our cheerleaders had movie nights where they all watched the same movie while chatting online. Our netballers held online pizza nights.” MLC’s rowing program moved online with students completing joint exercise classes, runs, ergo sessions, a rowing MasterChef focused on cooking for competitions and training, and even a virtual rowing treasure hunt. Rachel Rockman, a Year 11 student and senior member of MLC’s rowing team, describes online training and social events as “something to look forward to and good for my mental health.”
FORMER AUSTRALIAN DIAMOND LEADS MLC’S NETBALL PROGRAM
MLC is excited to welcome former Australian Diamond, Sharni Layton, to the role of MLC Stars Head Netball Coach and Program Manager. Sharni played top level netball for fourteen years. She represented Australia at the highest level, winning two World Cups and a Commonwealth Games gold medal during her career. Sharni says she is “paying forward” everything that she learnt during her years as a professional netballer, to help MLC students get the most out of their netball. “My vision for MLC netball teams is to create a high-performance program for those who want to succeed as well as a really fun environment for those girls who just want to come and enjoy training and playing netball.”
