Rowing Information
2021/22
Sam Dutney Head of Rowing
Welcome to the 2021/2022 Rowing Season
Who would have believed last year that we would be here, online, for the second year in a row? I sincerely hope all Loreto Toorak families, not only those in Rowing, are keeping well during these challenging times. As proved last season coming back from the 2020 lockdown, Rowing remains an extremely valuable Program for students to be involved in at Loreto Toorak. When we can return to the water, we will resume the full range of components that make the Rowing Program so wonderful: regattas, competition, and the community. This season we are pleased to welcome our new 1st VIII Coach and Head Coach, Mr James Rook. Mr Rook has experienced rowing at the highest level, having coxed the Australian Women’s Eight at the Tokyo Olympics. We look forward to his involvement in the Senior Program, as well as the Rowing Program more broadly. COVID restrictions may cause delays to the face-to-face part of Rowing but be reminded these are only temporary. The Rowing season will begin again, in full swing, and all staff are poised and ready. In the meantime, we offer a comprehensive online Rowling Program that allows our students from Years 8 - 12 to be involved in significant and meaningful ways.
Click PLAY to view the Welcome Video and Information for all Families.
Angela O’Dwyer Executive Deputy Principal Patron of Rowing Teagan Collins Director of Programs
With enthusiasm we welcome you to the Loreto Toorak 2021/2022 rowing season. Building on the fine foundations of partnership and participation, Loreto Toorak Rowing is a special community, and one that we welcome you to warmly. Rowing teaches the girls invaluable lessons about team work, time management and what it means to work towards achieving a common goal. Rowing is always a highlight of the year, and we are so proud our girls participate with such excitement, rigour and determination. Thank you to our Head of Rowing, Sam Dutney and the Senior Leadership Team for their ongoing work to support our girls to be the best they can be, both on and off the water. A special thank you also to the Rowing Committee who work behind the scenes to support the Loreto Toorak Rowing Community. We encourage you to join with us on the banks of the Yarra and the Barwon Rivers watching the girls compete and grow together through their achievements of collaboration. It is a pleasure to observe the girls’ dedication and pursuit of excellence through participation in this wonderful sport. We look forward to working with you in supporting the girls, Row Loreto Row!
Information and Contents
For information about specific elements of the Rowing Program, please read the remainder of this document. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sam Dutney, Head of Rowing, either via email (Sam.Dutney@loretotoorak.vic.edu.au) or mobile (0436 645 747)
CLICK TO EMAIL SAM DUTNEY
CALL 0436 645 747
2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
For Parents of girls in any year Level The Rowing Leadership Team - Vision and Mission The Rowing Committee The Loreto Toorak Rowing Culture The Rowing Uniform The Rowing Coaches Rowing Fees The Henley Royal Regatta Campaign
4.0 For Parents of girls currently in Years 10 or 11 4.1 Senior Training Timetable 4.2 Senior Training Camps 4.3 Senior Regattas 4.4 Senior Testing and Selection Process
3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
For Parents of girls currently in Years 8 or 9 Junior Training Timetable Junior Training Camps Junior Regattas Junior Testing and Selection Process
5.0
Getting in Contact
6.0
Frequently Asked Questions
2.0 Information for all Families
2.1 The Rowing Leadership Team, Vision and Mission
Ms Angela O’Dwyer Patron of Rowing Executive Deputy Principal
Ms Teagan Collins Director of Programs
Mr James Rook Senior 1st VIII Coach and Head Coach
Mr Sam Dutney Head of Rowing
Ms Danielle Watts Rowing Committee President
Mr Angus Farrar Junior Program Coordinator
Ms Adie Dawes-Birch Rowing Committee Vice-President
Click PLAY to view the Welcome Video from the Committee President.
Vision A values and purpose driven rowing program, producing well-rounded young women achieving excellence in rowing, school and life. Mission • • • •
To develop independent and resilient learners To provide opportunities for participation and excellence To promote and support healthy behaviors and wellbeing through participation in physical activity for life To embed and live Loreto values through daily life
2.2 The Loreto Toorak Rowing Committee
Welcome from the Rowing Committee
President - Danielle Watts 0410 490 499 watty820@gmail.com
Treasurer - Majella Nugent 0409 173 056 majella.n@bigpond.com
Vice President - Adie Dawes-Birch 0439 365 988 adie.dawesbirch@me.com
Secretary - Felicity Perry 0402 438 694 fzahara@hotmail.com
What does the Committee do? The Rowing Committee supports the Loreto Toorak Rowing club by providing volunteers, organising events, fundraising and being advocates for Rowing. The committee meets each month during the Rowing Season. The committee had more than 20 members in 2020/21 and would love for more again this season. All members of this Committee are elected by the parents or co-opted. New committee members are always welcome. The Rowing Committee is always looking for more volunteers! Key Events • • • • • •
Rowing Season Launch The Loreto Toorak Regatta Head of the Schoolgirls (Parents Marquee) Rowing Parents Dinner at Head of the Schoolgirls (great event!) Mid-week BBQs and Dinners for the Girls Photography throughout the season
If you are interested in supporting your Daughter’s rowing please contact Danielle Watts: watty820@gmail.com 0410 490 499, or Adie Dawes-Birch: adie.dawesbirch@me.com 0439 365 988. In doing so please include: name, number, email, daughter’s name and year level.
2.3 The Loreto Toorak Rowing Culture Rowers at Loreto Toorak will: • • • • • • • • • •
Show a willingness to learn and apply themselves Respect Coaches and their fellow crew members Be punctual Represent the Loreto Toorak Rowing program Have a genuine interest in their crew selection Show commitment to improve as a rower or cox Challenge themselves physically and mentally Embrace and be an active member of the Loreto Toorak Rowing Squad Abide by the Code of conduct in handbook Finally… TO HAVE FUN
2.4 The Loreto Toorak Rowing Uniform • All rowers who sign up to the program will receive a white Rowing T-shirt early in Term 4, additional T-shirts can be purchased. Please contact Head of Rowing, Mr Sam Dutney, to arrange the purchase of any additional Rowing T-shirt. • Avoid wearing PE T-shirts. • Girls may wear blue Loreto Toorak bike shorts. • The white Loreto Toorak hat and rowing zoot suit needs to be purchased during Term 4 in time for the Loreto Regatta. • Rowing uniform, including white T-shirt, is NOT to be worn to school. • Thongs worn when getting on water. • School uniform to be worn to and from sheds if on public transport. • PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING, including drink bottle. Training Uniform • • • • •
White T-shirt White long sleeve T-shirt Loreto Toorak blue bike shorts White Loreto Toorak hat Athletes may wear anything under the white T-shirt but outer layer must be Loreto Toorak uniform
Racing Uniform • Loreto Toorak Rowing Zoot Suit • White Hat
2.5 The Rowing Coaches Who Are Our Coaches? Loreto Toorak is fortunate to be able to draw on a huge variety of experiences in our coaching team. Our coaching team includes experienced School-specialist coaches, Olympic athletes, State, National and International champion coaches, as well as a strong Alumnae community. Our coaches undergo regular and detailed professional development throughout the year. This includes formal education, training and assessment to help ensure that Loreto Toorak is a leading School with regard to the quality of our coaching staff, and the support they can provide to your daughter. What is the Role of the Coach? The Rowing Coaches at Loreto Toorak will work with a specific crew through the season. The makeup of this crew may change through the season depending on the results of Testing and Selection. Therefore it is possible that your daughter’s coach may change over the course of a term depending on their crew. The role of the Coach is to provide specific technical feedback, guide the crew in developing racing strategies and preparedness, and act as a role model for the girls in their crew.
Communication with Coaches Your daughter will spend a considerable amount of time with her crew and coach. We welcome parents who wish to get to know their daughter’s coach better to speak with the coach at Regattas, when appropriate. We do require that this occurs outside of time that is allocated for the coach to prepare or debrief their crew, so as to not impact on the ability to prepare a crew for racing. We do not give out coaches contact details under any circumstances. Any absences should be communicated to the Head of Rowing, Mr Sam Dutney. These absences, or any other messages will be passed on to the relevant coach. Coaches are not involved in the selection process, and any questions regarding the selection of a girl in a crew should be directed to the Head of Rowing, Mr Sam Dutney.
2.6 Rowing Fees Rowing is a resource intensive Sport, which receives substantial support and subsidy from the School. The Rowing fees are divided into two payments, with 65% to be billed in November and 35% to be billed in March. This is being done on the basis of a “normal” delivery of the rowing program (face-toface sessions and on-water training), with it being difficult for us to currently predict to what extent the program will be impacted by COVID-19. The fee in Term 1 will be discounted, according to the impact of COVID-19 on the program, with any amounts paid in Term 4 above the adjusted fee being carried over as a credit to Term 1. • Junior Fees (unadjusted) for 2021/22 $2,300 • Year 11 fees (unadjusted) for 2021/2022 $2,800 • Year 12 fees are covered by the School, in recognition of the effort and commitment made by rowers and families over the previous three seasons • The fee primarily covers the cost of the Head of the Schoolgirls regatta (multiple-night stay for all girls), coaching, Regatta entries and equipment maintenance • It should be emphasised that Rowing is subsidised by the School, and the fees charged do not reflect the full cost of providing rowing to students. We appreciate that at this time some families may be experiencing financial hardship. In these circumstances please contact the business office to make alternate arrangements.
2.7 The Henley Royal Regatta Campaign • The oldest Regatta in the world, held in Henley-on-Thames in the United Kingdom • Attended by a member of the Royal Family, regarded as the second-most prestigious Rowing event in the world, behind only the Olympic Games • The Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars, and in 2020 due to COVID • More than 650 crews competed at the 2019 Henley Royal Regatta, of which 144 crews were international – including Loreto Toorak • The Regatta takes place over six days in 2022 • All races are rowed two abreast over the full Henley Course (2112m) with the winner proceeding to the next round • The aim would be for Loreto Toorak to qualify and compete in the inaugural Schoolgirl VIII event, commencing in 2022 • Selection will be based on the performance of the 1st VIII at the Head of the Schoolgirls and National Championships. Any girl selected into the 1st VIII should be prepared to take part in the Henley Royal Regatta Campaign if the crew meets the performance guidelines required by the National Championships
Click PLAY to view the 2019 Henley Regatta Finals Day Racing video.
3.0 Information for Families of Students Currently in Years 8 and 9
Click PLAY to view the Junior Rowing Welcome video.
Please note that all age groups refer to the “Squad” that a student is part of. Squad names are based on the year level a student will be in at the Head of the Schoolgirls in March 2022. If face-to-face training resumes during T4 changes to the training schedule will be revised. 3.1.1 Junior Rowing Timetable Term 4 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Year 10 S&C 6.45-8.45am
AM
PM
Friday
Year 9 Row/Land MRC/Loreto 4.30-6.45pm
Year 10 Row MRC 4.30-6.45pm
Saturday Year 10 Row MRC 6.45-9.30am Year 9 Row MRC 8.00-10.45am
Year 9 Row/Land MRC/Loreto 4.30-6.45pm
Year 10 Row MRC 4.30-6.45pm
Year 9 Row / Land MRC/ Loreto 3.30-5.45pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Year 10 S&C 6.15-8.00am
Year 10 Row MRC 6.45-9.30am
3.1.2 Junior Timetable Term 1 Monday
Year 9 Land Loreto 6.15-8.00am
AM
PM
Tuesday
Year 9 Row MRC 3.30-5.45pm
Year 10 Row MRC 3.30-5.45pm
Year 9 Row MRC 3.30-5.15pm Year 10 Row MRC 5.00-7.15pm
Year 10 Year 9 Row MRC Row MRC 3.30-5.45pm 3.30-5.45pm
Year 9 Row MRC 8.00-10.45am
3.2 Junior Training Camps • Are an integral aspect of the Loreto Toorak Rowing Program and it is important to ensure maximal participation and attendance • Provide an intensive training opportunity for students to make technical, strength and fitness improvements • Also provide a wonderful opportunity for team-building within the squad and individual crews • Junior level camps are day-based sessions held between Melbourne Rowing Club, Banks and Loreto Toorak. • Any changes to the camp dates or times as a result of COVID-19 will be communicated as early as possible. December Yarra Camp Year 9 • Monday 6th December (MRC) 7.15am-2.30pm • Tuesday 7th December (MRC) 7.15am-2.30pm • Wednesday 8th December (MRC) 7.15am-12.30pm Year 10 • Tuesday 7th December (MRC) 12.30pm-5.00pm • Wednesday 8th December (MRC) 12.30pm-5.00pm • Thursday 9th December (MRC) 7.15am-2.30pm • Friday 10th December (MRC) 7.15am-2.30pm January Rowing Camp Year 9 • Tuesday 17 January to Wednesday 19 January (Loreto & MRC) 2.00pm-5.00pm • Sunday 23 January to Tuesday 25 January (Loreto & MRC) 7.00am-2.30pm • Term 1 training commences Friday 28 January Year 10 • Monday 17 January to Wednesday 19 January (MRC) 7.00am-2.30pm • Thursday 20 January to Friday 21 January (Geelong) - Overnight • Term 1 training commences Thursday 27 January
3.3 Junior Regattas • • • • • •
Regattas take place primarily at Geelong Small number of regattas in Term 4, majority of racing in Term 1 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta in March 2022 (March 12-14) Alternate between am and pm sessions (eg. Y9 am session, Y10 pm session) Regattas comprised of two races per crew (Heat and Final) Race times and arrival information will be communicated Thursday prior to the regatta. This is due to when Rowing Victoria releases the draw and is outside of Loreto Toorak’s control. • Term 4 regattas may be reduced in number, postponed or cancelled depending on COVID-19 restrictions closer to the date. Term 4 • • •
Loreto Regatta 13 November (Geelong) Rowing Victoria Regatta 27 November (Carrum) Sacred Heart Regatta 5 December (Geelong)
Term 1 • • • • • • •
Morongo Regatta 5 February (Geelong) NSW State Champs (U17 VIII “the Baby Eight”) 11-12 February (Penrith, NSW) Firbank Regatta 12 February (Geelong) VIC Junior State Championships 26 Feburary (Geelong) VIC State Championships (Selected Y10 crews only) 5 March (Nagambie) Head of Schoolgirls Regatta 18-20 March (Geelong) National Rowing Champs (U17 VIII only) 28 March-4 April (Sydney International Regatta Centre)
3.4 Junior Testing and Selection Process Objective The objective of the testing is to monitor improvement and be able to provide feedback to athletes, whilst monitoring effectiveness of the training program. Additionally, the aim is to select the best possible crews to compete for Loreto Toorak Rowing Club and to do this in a manner that is fair and equitable, providing each athlete with the best possible chance for enjoyment. • There will be several testing phases throughout the season, approximately every four weeks • Uses a combination of specific rowing ability measures as well as overall strength, fitness and power measures • Based on the rankings obtained from testing assessment, athletes are placed into crews • Final crew selection timed to allow for a balance between allowing girls as much opportunity as possible to make improvements and crews having sufficient time to harmonize • Quads and Fours: • Crews allocated to the division that best represents their ability, and depending on divisions offered at each regatta. This may result in Loreto Toorak fielding more than one crew in a particular division. The Head of the Schoolgirls is the only regatta to provide the full complement of divisions. • Aim for each rower to row across both boat classes in Year 9 • Placed in division appropriate for level of crew • Year 9 and 10 Division 1 Quad is the priority boat (will not field a Four in this division) Coxswains All crew boats competing for Loreto Toorak Rowing Club require a coxswain (cox). The role of the cox in the boat is critical. Coaches monitor and report on cox performance throughout the season, identifying strengths and development areas, against the following selection elements: Steering, Safety, Crew control, Call timing, Listening and Attendance. Cox Selections • All Year 9s given opportunity to cox throughout Development Program and Term 4 where cox rotation occurs • Critical for crew to be able to row and compete • Cox assessment completed by coaches throughout testing cycle, coxes provided feedback at land sessions • Specialist Cox Coach (Victorian Representative Cox) works with Coxswains one-on-one and in small groups
4.0 Information for Families of Students Currently in Years 10 and 11
Click PLAY to view the Welcome from 1st VIII Coach and Head Coach
Please note that in the timetable below, all girls currently in Years 10 or 11 are regarded as “Seniors”. Physical Preparation sessions in the mornings will be split sessions with all girls having both an “early start” and a “late start” each week. 4.1.1 Senior Face-to-Face Training Timetable Term 4 Monday AM
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Senior S&C Loreto 6.00-7.45am
Senior S & C 6.45-7.30am
Friday
Saturday
Senior S&C Loreto 6.00-8.45am
Senior Row Banks 6.30am12.00pm OR Regatta
PM
Senior Row Banks 4.30-6.45pm
Senior Row Banks 4.30-6.45pm
Senior Row Banks 4.30-6.45pm
4.1.2 Senior Face-to-Face Training Timetable Term 1 Monday AM
PM
Tuesday
Senior S&C Loreto 6.15-8.00am
Senior Row Banks 5.00-7.15pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Senior S&C Loreto 6.15-8.00am
Senior Row Banks 5.00-7.15pm
Senior Row Banks 5.00-7.15pm
Friday
Saturday
Senior S&C Loreto 6.15-8.00am
Senior Row Banks 6.30am12.00pm OR Regatta
Senior Row Banks 5.00-7.15pm (pre-regatta)
4.2 Senior Training Camps • Are an integral aspect of the Loreto Toorak Rowing Program and it is important to ensure maximal participation and attendance • Provide an intensive training opportunity for students to make technical, strength and fitness improvements • They also provide a wonderful opportunity for team building within the squad and individual crews • The venue for January Camp will be confirmed closer to the date due to impact of COVID on travel arrangements December Camp - Melbourne • Monday 6 December - Friday 10 December January Camp • Monday 10 January - Sunday 16 January January Yarra Camp • Wednesday 19 January - Saturday 22 January 7.00-12.30p.m Open Term 1 Training Program • Commences Thursday 27 January
4.3 Senior Regattas • • • •
Regattas take place at venues throughout Victoria Small number of regattas in Term 4, majority of racing in Term 1 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta in March 2022 (March 18-20) The majority of Regattas will be full day regattas, with Crews racing in the Schoolgirl Events in the morning, and the U19 or U21 events in the afternoon. • Race times and arrival information will be communicated Thursday prior to the regatta. This is due to when Rowing Victoria releases the draw and is outside of Loreto Toorak’s control. • Term 4 regattas may be reduced in number, postponed or cancelled depending on COVID restrictions closer to the date.
Term 4 • Melbourne Head: 20 November (Yarra) Term 1 • • • • • • • •
Barwon Regatta - 29 January (Geelong) Wendouree Regatta - 5 February (Lake Wendouree) NSW State Championship Regatta (1st VIII only) - 12 February (Penrith, NSW) Nagambie Regatta - 19 February (Lake Nagambie) Australian Henley Regatta - 26 February (Yarra) VIC State Championships - 5 March (Nagambie) Head of Schoolgirls Regatta - 18-20 March (Geelong) National Rowing Champs (1st VIII only) - 28 March-4 April (Sydney International Regatta Centre)
4.4 Senior Testing and Selection Process Objective The objective of the testing is to monitor improvement and be able to provide feedback to athletes, whilst monitoring effectiveness of the training program. Additionally, the aim is to select the best possible crews to compete for Loreto Toorak Rowing Club and to do this in a manner that is fair and equitable, providing each athlete with the best possible chance for enjoyment. • There will be several testing phases throughout the season approximately every four weeks • Uses a combination of physical performance measures as well as in-boat performance data, including single scull time trials or seat racing as required • Crew Selections • Based on the rankings obtained from testing athletes are placed into crews • Final crew selection timed to allow for a balance between allowing girls as much opportunity as possible to make improvements and crews having sufficient time to harmonise before the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta • Boat categories are numbers-dependent Coxswains All crew boats competing for Loreto Toorak Rowing Club require a coxswain (cox). The role of the cox in the boat is critical. Coaches monitor and report on cox performance throughout the season, identifying strengths and development areas, against the following selection elements: Steering, Safety, Crew control, Call timing, Listening and Attendance.
Cox Testing • Term 4 cox rotation • Critical for crew to be able to row and compete • Cox assessment completed by coaches throughout testing cycle, coxes provided feedback at land sessions and on water • Final crew selection timed to allow for a balance between allowing girls as much opportunity as possible to make improvements and crews having sufficient time to harmonize • Recording devices used as feedback particularly on camps • One-on-One sessions with specialist Cox Coach
5.0 Getting in Contact For enquiries regarding the Loreto Toorak Rowing Program, or for more information about any of the information provided here today, please contact the Head of Rowing, Mr Sam Dutney. For more information about the Rowing Committee, or to get involved, please contact Rowing Committee President, Ms Danielle Watts.
CLICK TO EMAIL SAM DUTNEY
CLICK TO EMAIL DANIELLE WATTS
6.0 Frequently Asked Questions Q: How/when do the students get the white training t-shirt and do we need to pay for it? A: The girls will receive their White Rowing T-Shirt at the Season Launch in Term 4. All girls will receive one Rowing TShirt each season. Additional t-shirts can be purchased by contacting the Head of Rowing. Q: Where do we purchase the rowing white cap, or the “zootsuit”? A: Both of these can be purchased from the Uniform Shop at Loreto Torak. Q: Does training go ahead if it’s raining? A: Yes! Rowing is an outdoor, all-weather sport. Training will still go ahead if it is raining, however in the event of electrical storms, extreme heat or extreme low air quality days, training may be moved indoors, or cancelled. Q: What do the students need to bring to training? A: Students need to wear the Loreto Toorak rowing uniform for training, both at School and at the river. They must also bring a water bottle, and should have slides or thongs available for water training, and should bring runners to all sessions (including on water sessions). It is also recommended that students bring a towel (just in case!) Q: When do the girls need to wear zootsuits? A: Rowers will need to have the zootsuit in time for the Loreto Regatta on 13 November. It must be worn at regattas, and can be worn at any on-water training session if a student wishes. Q: What do the girls need to bring to regattas? A: Students should bring everything they would bring for training, in addition to their zoot suit. The outermost layer worn while in the regatta park must be Loreto. Q: What do the girls bring to training camp? A: The same things they should bring to training. For overnight camps a packing list will be sent out. Q: Do the girls get all meals and snacks during training camp at Yarra? A: Students should bring meals for training camps held at the Yarra, and for Saturday training. All overnight camps will have food provided. Q: How can we plan our weekends and other commitments during the season? A: The regatta dates have been provided, however we are not able to advise whether a particular group will be in an afternoon or morning session until closer to the regatta’s date. Car pooling is recommended to make transport easier. Q: When we will we know what crew our daughter is racing on the weekend? A: Racing schedules are sent out on the Thursday prior to a regatta, once the draw is released by Rowing Victoria. Q: How do you allocate crews? A: Please see the section on crew selection. At regattas leading up to the Head of the Schoolgirls, there are generally fewer divisions available than at the Head of the Schoolgirls. This may result in multiple crews being entered into a division by Loreto Toorak.
THE CHALLENGES SHE NEEDS
10 Mandeville Crescent Toorak Victoria 3142 +61 3 9823 8100 admissions@loretotoorak .vic.edu.au www.loretotoorak.vic.edu.au