PE at SAC Celebrates Movement, Wellbeing and Community

Physical Education (PE) Week is always a highlight of Term 4 at St Aloysius College, and this year’s celebration, held during Week 5, brought colour, joy and connection to every corner of the school.

Leading up to PE Week, Year 9 students were treated to a special opportunity, when AFLW Port Adelaide Captain Justine Mules-Robinson (Class of 2012) returned to SAC. Justine spoke about the role physical activity has played in shaping her life, the wellbeing benefits it continues to bring, and her experience forging a career in a sport that has historically been male-dominated. Her story of resilience, passion and leadership greatly inspired our students. It was a remarkable experience for Year 9s to hear firsthand from a professional athlete – and a proud Old Scholar – who champions women in sport.

During PE Week, students from Reception to Year 12 embraced five full days of immersive activities, with a range of initiatives organised to promote fun, inclusion and healthy habits. Overseen by PE teacher Ms Vashti Casserly-Lund, the goal of PE Week was simple yet meaningful: to celebrate movement, wellbeing, and community through active, joyful experiences.

 “PE Week helps students build positive relationships with physical activity, supports overall wellbeing, and strengthens their sense of belonging in the school community,” Ms Casserly-Lund shared.

“When activities are purposeful, inclusive and fun, students fully engage and truly enjoy being active together.”

The fun began with a PE Week Quiz, completed in home classes, with students competing for the ‘Clever Crew’ award.  Later, ‘Movement Monday’ saw the Gym erupt into energy for the ‘Epic Just Dance Off’, where students from Reception to Year 11 danced with confidence, enthusiasm and plenty of laughter. The whole-school participation reflected what many Sport Leaders say is the best part of PE: the chance to connect outside the classroom, try something new, and move with friends.

On ‘Try Something New Tuesday’, students in Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in a special Korfball Halfway Shot Challenge, followed by mini games. The lunchtime activity gave students an opportunity to develop new skills while enjoying healthy competition. “The best thing about PE is learning and experiencing new sports,” said St Margaret Leader Zara V, reflecting the spirit of the day.

‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ offered students a calmer, restorative start. Year 5–11 students gathered in the Gym Studio for morning yoga and meditation, while Years 2–4 participated in breathwork sessions at lunchtime. These activities helped students pause, reset, and care for their mental wellbeing, which is an important aspect of holistic education at SAC.

On ‘Target Thursday’, house pride was on full display during the Year 5–8 House Bombardment Challenge, where students competed for the “House Bombardment Champions” award. The exciting lunchtime contest built camaraderie across year levels and brought out the supportive, spirited culture that SAC is known for.

The week concluded with ‘Fabulous Friday’, a favourite for our youngest students, who rotated through Reception-Year 2 activity stations in the Gym. The excitement was palpable, especially with the addition of “Fabulous Sporty Stickers,” which quickly became a treasured souvenir of the day.

Throughout the week, SAC’s Sport Leaders played a vital role in cheering on participants, helping facilitate activities, and modelling leadership through encouragement and inclusion.

For Mia K, St Anne’s House Captain, being a leader in sports means “more than helping with games; it’s about representing your school with pride and bringing people together through sport.”

Mia’s highlight this year?

“Cheering on everyone, and winning the Spirit Cup for my house!”

Lila M, St Margaret’s Year 6 Captain, loved seeing “everyone come together and show great team spirit,” while Alicia N, St Clare’s House Captain, said her favourite moments were supporting younger students at large events like Swimming Carnival and Athletics Day: “Their energy pushes us to be our best.”

For Katia G, House Captain for St Teresa, leadership is about kindness and encouragement: “Being a leader means setting a good example, being kind, and helping others do their best.”

Across all houses, leaders emphasised why it is important for girls to stay active: to build confidence, support mental wellbeing, and develop lifelong habits of health and empowerment.

Beyond the fun, PE Week reinforces the College’s commitment to nurturing confident, connected and healthy young people. It strengthens the community by promoting wellbeing through movement, encouraging students to try new activities, and creating opportunities for connection across all year levels.

As Ms Casserly-Lund reflected, “PE Week reminds us that being active is something we can all share. It brings joy, confidence and connection, and that’s worth celebrating.”

Ms Maddie Kelly
Communications Officer

---