By Greta Kraszula
Keeping Normo Spirit Alive: Get to know the Sport Department and your House Sport Leaders
In the words of musician Matthew Wilder
“Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride, nobody gonna slow me down…I got to keep on moving”.
Get to know the Sport Department and House Sports Leaders and learn how they have dealt with changing times, as well as some the lessons sport has instilled in them as individuals.
Advice from our Dedicated and Passionate Sport Department
Head of Sport Mr Mulroney
“Normo Spirit is redefined by each and every girl every time she represents Loreto Normanhurst. It’s an amazing balance of competitive grit and compassionate joy, where the journey is as important, if not more important than the outcome”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
I started at Normo in 2014 so this is my 7th year in the Sport Department. Ironically, it’s not the first time I’ve spent 7 years at a high school – I did Pathways for my HSC year, which enabled me to take my HSC courses over two years to ensure I was able to keep up my sporting and academic commitments
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
This is tough. My favourite sport is football, so the staff vs student football match is always great fun, although there is something special about the roar of the crowd at the start of the invitational events at the end of the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.
Any tips for keeping fit during this time
Make the most of the opportunities you’ve got. You don’t need a home gym or a structured program to stay active – it can be as simple as walking to the shops instead of driving, or doing quick bursts of 10 sit ups, squats or push ups throughout your day. Of course, there’s also the great range of workouts and challenges to get stuck into on the Sport page of the LNH Extra-Curricular Canvas!
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto / most proud personal sporting achievement
Celebrating after scoring vs the students are definitely my most memorable personal sporting experience at Loreto!
As an observer, getting to watch the Senior 1sts Softball and Senior 1sts Netball teams both win their S01 titles last year in fantastic games was amazing, and overseeing the introduction of new opportunities via Rugby 7’s and AFL to the Secondary School has been so rewarding as well.
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports
Stay active, stay safe and we’re looking forward to getting sport back on campus as soon as possible!
Mr Brock
‘Normo’ spirit to me is always giving your best, no matter the situation”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
3.5 years
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
I have quite a few sporting events that would be my favourite here at the school. Seeing our girls giving their best and getting involved is the reason I love my job and working at Normo!
But my favourite would have to be all of the School Carnivals as its great to see so many of the students participating and fighting for their house spirit. In addition, each House’s dress up idea and showing their passion is a great side event throughout the day(s).
Any tips for keeping fit during this time?
It doesn’t matter what you do, just as long you are moving!
It could be going for a walk or run around the block, hitting or kicking a ball against the wall or (trying to) dance like no one is watching.
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto?
In 2019 watching our year 10 Netball team win the State Finals of the Netball Schools Cup & our Senior Firsts S01 Team winning the Grand Final at home in the same week!
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports?
Sport will be back!
Keep practicing, watching and loving what you do. This will not last forever and soon enough we will all be back out their kicking, hitting or running for Normo. #LetsGoLoreto
Mr Charters
“I absolutely love the attitude that distinguishes our students. It is a combination of willingness to attempt something regardless of their perceived level of competence along with the desire to be the best they can be. It’s simply inspiring!”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
I have been working full time as a Sports Administrator for 16 months after deciding to change careers. I was also the Senior 1sts Football Coach here at Normo for 3 years whilst studying at Uni.
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
I really enjoy the Staff vs Student events. Being able to witness the range of skill and ability contained within our community is special. Seeing the delight on students faces when they beat a staff member or the shock on their face when a staff member does something unexpected, really reinforces the fundamental purpose of sport for me - Fun.
However, I actually love the range of different sports and activities that are offered here at Normo, there is literally something for everyone.
Any tips for keeping fit during this time
Get creative, try something new! There are heaps of resources online which have come out recently to inspire you. Try a range and push yourself a little further each time, challenge a friend or make your own version. Whatever you decide to do, make time for it a couple of times a week.
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto?
My most memorable moment was coaching the 2017 NSW CIS Football Cup Semi Final against Mamre College at Valentine Sport Park. The girls had developed a deep belief in each other and their ability. After playing the most outstanding football for over 120 minutes that I’ve witnessed in years they lost the match in a penalty shootout. The girls had left everything physically and emotionally out on the field, and the result they had been dreaming of and working so hard towards achieving had been taken from their grasp. Devastating! The one thing that still resonates with me however, was the how the girls responded to the loss. The comradery and sportsmanship displayed was something truly special. The girls pulled together to console each at the end of the game, they acknowledged the outstanding contribution the opposition had made to the competition and wished them the best of luck in the grand final. Pure class! The girls were clearly disappointed however, they took solace recounting the amazing journey they had been on and the special moments they had shared together throughout the tournament together.
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports?
With the current restrictions, it is somewhat of a challenging time. I believe it has presented a unique opportunity for the girls to focus on developing and/or refining their individual skill set. My advice would be to focus on the areas you usually try and avoid or an area you perceive as a weakness or find challenging. This may include learning or extending skills relating to a sport specific technique and movement or building you fitness through strength and conditioning to improve performance and the reduce potential for injury. If you use the time wisely, when sport returns, you could return better than ever!
Mrs Wood
“I think I got the full taste of Normo spirit at my first Loreto carnival. The atmosphere of seeing and hearing over 1000 girls in the stands dressed head to toe in house colours, cheering at the top of their lungs for the other students in their house was incredible. I absolutely love the Normo mentality that our girls possess, which is to just try your best and give everything a go!”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
This is my 3rd year working at Loreto
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
Favourite sport is of course Football, with the first season of AFL this year coming in a close 2nd. Favourite event at Normo would have to be the staff vs students Football game. I’m just waiting for Ms Ugonotti to pull on her Italian jersey and join the undefeated staff team one year.
Any tips for keeping fit during this time?
The Sports Department have put together an awesome health and fitness calendar with access to a number of different workouts from a beginner level to an advanced level. We’ve also put together sport specific training sessions so that girls can keep working on their individual fitness and skills during this time.
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto / most proud personal sporting achievement?
I’ve had so many memorable sporting experiences at Loreto it’s hard to choose just one. One of the moments I love the most (and usually get to see every day) is the opportunity to see a different side of the girls through sport. Someone could be soft spoken and quiet in the classroom but out on the sporting field they truly come out of their shells and display skills that we could have never expected. It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of so many outstanding student sporting achievements. I also love seeing the Primary students get so involved in the endless number of sport and activities that are on offer. The opportunities they get through Loreto are nothing like they have experienced before and watching them learn a new sport for the first time is so much fun!
My most proud personal sporting achievement would be playing 4 years of college football in America and making it to the National Tournament all 4 years.
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports?
It won’t be long now before we can start playing sport again, so just keep working on your individual fitness and skills and we’ll be back training in no time. If there is one thing the COVID-19 situation has taught me it is that a world without sport isn’t much fun at all!
Mrs Greville
“Normo Spirit is the inspiration, positivity and encouragement the girls share in everything they do. Girls can feel confident to give anything a go regardless of their ability as they are supported and celebrated for their efforts.”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
I have been working at Loreto for around 1 and a half years now.
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
Favourite sporting events – Athletics and Swimming Carnivals. I love these events because the atmosphere the girls bring is amazing. It is also so wonderful to see so many girls just having a go and getting involved.
Any tips for keeping fit during this time
Try to get moving everyday whether you are doing a workout, going for a walk/run or following a pilates/yoga session. If you get in a good routine with your exercise, you will find you can motivate yourself a lot easier to keep active.
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto / most proud personal sporting achievement?
I can’t choose just one so I have narrowed it down to 3 – Watching our Netball Schools Cup team win the State Championships. What an exceptional team! I was so proud of them and became very emotional after their win. I may have cried a little bit. I loved coaching the Senior Firsts Mollie Dive Hockey team. They worked hard, are very talented and are such a great group of girls. The bus trips to Kuringai were always very eventful! I also really enjoyed getting involved in Rugby 7’s. Our players are seriously hard core! I hadn’t seen that side of the girls before and let me tell you it was amazing!
My most proud personal sporting achievement was being selected in the Australian Masters Hockey Team. I have been lucky enough to compete in a World Cup in Spain, play a tri-series against New Zealand and compete on a tour in England.
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports?
Hang in there! Restrictions are easing and we hope to get back to some training soon. In the meantime, why not try the Sports Specific Programs the Sports Dept has been working on. They are all on the Extra-curricular Canvas Page.
Mr Edmunds
“In my time at the school, the Normo spirit seems to be about ‘having a go’ and ‘doing it for the team’”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
As you may be aware, I am a pretty recent arrival at Normo.
Favourite sport at Normo and why?
I have to say that my favourite sport at Normo is Rowing, not only because that is my job, but because I have been involved one way or another with the sport since my first year of Secondary School, with my personal highlight being competing at the Olympics in 1984 and receiving a bronze medal. My wife met me through rowing and she became a rower after we met and my 2 daughters acquired the rowing bug (much safer than the other bug going around) and are or have been national team rowers.
Any tips for keeping fit during this time?
To keep fit during this time with the limits on team based training and so on – try to get 30’ at least every other day doing some sort of aerobic activity – hill walks, jogging, bike riding – stationary or on the bike trails. Try to do some simple body weight circuits 3 times per week, where you are engaging all areas of the body.
Mrs Bryan
“Normo spirit is fun-loving, colourful and LOUD”
How long have you been working at Loreto?
I started in 2006, so this will be my 14th year!
Favourite sport/sporting event at Normo and why?
I love the secondary school Athletics carnival as it is so fun to watch and so colourful. Queen of the track is always so exciting!
Any tips for keeping fit during this time?
Set yourselves personal challenges and do your best to meet them. Make good use of the amazing resources the Sport staff have created for the FACE Extra Curricular page!
Most memorable sport experience at Loreto?
Watching the Staff v Students swimming race at the 2019 swimming carnival – so much fun.
Any additional advice for students who are missing their sports?
If you are missing your sport – most of the National Sporting Organisations have all sorts of videos you can watch of past competitions and so on. Maybe you can even do some on-line work to get yourself qualified to coach or referee.
Get to know your SPORTY house leaders!
ASTON Bailey Henderson
“Sport has taught me to not be afraid to try new things and has allowed me to open myself up to new opportunities. It is also a great way to stay active in either a fun or competitive environment”
Favourite sport at Loreto Softball
How would you describe normo sport spirit Normo spirit is enthusiastic, supporting and passionate about all things sport. Everyone is encouraged to participate in sport to your individual best no matter your ability. Girls from Normo stand out through creating an environment where everyone is accepted and welcomed and through encouraging and cheering other Loreto girls on during sport activities.
Most memorable sporting experience/proudest sporting achievement Winning softball senior firsts in yr11
Best pump up song Mr Brightside
How did you stay fit in iso Going on walks with friends and family around the park and doing home workouts.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport Seeing everyone and participating in a competitive environment. I am also really looking forward to spending time outside and getting active again.
Any advice especially for younger students Grab a group of friends and get involved in as many sports as you can which Loreto offers. Make sure to take advantage of everything Loreto has to offer so you can experience as many new things as you can.
BARRY Molly Pringle
“Sport has taught me resilience, not everything will go the way you want with sport so for me i have learnt that it is resilience and consistency of hard work that will help you to be a competitor”
Favourite sport at Loreto Rowing
Favourite thing about sport at Normo I love the community and spirit of sport at normo, every girl is supported and encouraged to participate and just try their best which is what is my favourite thing.
Best pump up song We will rock you by Queen
How did you stay fit in iso I did my own fitness and runs around my neighbourhood as well as this I went on a few runs with my friends.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport I’m looking forward to being a part of a team, challenging myself and displaying the Normo spirit.
Any advice especially for younger students Get involved in sport at Loreto because sport can change your whole experience at school due to the friendships and lessons you learn through it. Whilst we aren’t playing sport at the moment for school continue to remain healthy and do your 20mins of exercise a day so you are in shape to take the field when we can get back into it.
KENDALL Jemima Hyde
“Sport has taught me the importance of teamwork. Being able to work as a team is a great skill that will benefit you in life, allowing you to better improve your communication skills and helps you learn how you support your team members. This can become difficult sometimes when the team is under pressure, however, the team that works best together will have that advantage”
Favourite sport at Loreto Touch
How would you describe normo sport spirit The spirit that is shown at sporting events such as swimming carnival is very positive and contagious. Everyone also shows amazing support for each other when playing sport or participating in an event at carnivals.
Most memorable sporting experience My most memorable sporting achievement was winning a touch football grand final, which was such a great feeling as our team has never reached finals before.
Best pump up song Hall of fame
How did you stay fit in iso I followed workouts on YouTube and also went for walks.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport I am mostly looking forward to being back playing sport with my friends and also feeling that sense of achievement when you have played a game of sport which leaves you feeling refreshed and motivated.
Any advice especially for younger students It is very important to get involved in every aspect of Loreto, especially sport. Sport is a great way to make new friends and learn skills that other extra-curricular activities may not provide. It is also important to get involved in sports that you have never played before, as these opportunities can help improve your sporting abilities and can help you learn whether you are good at something you didn’t know before.
KURING-GAI Grace Napoli
“Sport has taught me that if you want something, you’re going to have to work hard for it - but the satisfaction you feel after achieving your goals is undoubtedly worth it.”
Favourite sport at Loreto Water polo
How would you describe normo sport spirit Incredibly supportive and enthusiastic, I love how normo girls really encourage each other to always give their 100% and create an environment in which all athletes are equal, despite age or ability. I think this is especially clear out at IGSSA or during swimming/athletics carnivals where everyone is encouraged to participate which creates a really positive, uplifting atmosphere.
Most memorable sporting experience Probably making it to the grand finals in water polo nationals - even though we didn’t win, I made a lot of memories and learnt some really important lessons about perseverance and determination.
Best pump up song Go your own way (Fleetwood Mac)
How did you stay fit in iso Home workouts and walks with my family
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport For me, sport (swimming especially) is a really important part of maintaining my mental health, and I’m looking forward to regaining the structure and routine which sport gives me.
Any advice especially for younger students Get involved in as many sporting opportunities as possible - you create an unbreakable bond with your teammates which causes these friendships to extend beyond the field. Even if it’s your first time playing a certain sport, you might find that you really enjoy it - I would have never discovered my passion for water polo if I hadn’t tried it at school.
MAYE Ella Nelson
“Sport has taught me the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself and the importance of teamwork which you can use in everyday life situations. My favourite thing about sport is the community it creates and how you can make lifelong friends who share the same interests as you”
Favourite sport at Loreto Netball
How would you describe normo sport spirit Normo sporting spirit is very energetic, passionate and positive. Within our houses everyone gets really involved and competitive which really demonstrates how passionate we are as a school.
Most memorable sporting experience/proudest sporting achievement For me my most memorable sporting achievement was winning the IGSSA grand final in netball last year. This is because we had so much support from the school and we hadn't won a grand final in almost 15 years so to be a part of that team was very special and memorable.
Best pump up song Radioactive
How did you stay fit in iso I go on walks with my friends and also sometimes (not often) runs around my neighbourhood.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport I am looking forward to going back to being part of a team, and being around girls who share the same interest in sport as me.
Biggest lesson/skills sport has taught you and favorite thing about sport
Any advice especially for younger students (can be about sport at Loreto - to get involved etc. / or for girls who might be missing there sports)
My biggest piece of advice would be to branch out and try all different types of sports. This is because I think it's really important to give new things a go even if it is out of your comfort zone, as it can teach you new skills and you may even find things you didn't know you were good at.
MORNANE Sabyn Baker
“Sport has taught me that you can do anything with practice and how amazing the human body really is. My favourite thing about sport is that you can escape from everything else and have one clear goal in your head at the time, and also the fun memories that you make”
Favourite sport at Loreto Cross country or water polo
How would you describe normo sport spirit Everyone trying their best and giving everything a go and being super supportive of one another.
Most memorable sporting experience/proudest sporting achievement I have too many: Running training in winter when there's ice on the oval in the morning. Blasting music in the showers after water polo training in the morning. Ditching retreat to go to triathlon. The mix of excitement and nerves at cross country races and triathlon. Oshar from the bachelor watching our water polo game and then getting punched by his daughter.
Best pump up song Something that everyone can scream to
How did you stay fit in iso Running most days, long bike adventures in the bush, at home workouts
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport My friends, especially those that i only see in sport outside of school
Any advice especially for younger students If you are missing your sport during corona then try something new. I have gotten into riding my bike in the bush and have even tried learning to unicycle and skate because I got sick of just running everyday. Although it's annoying to be missing your sport you can take the opportunity to improve your skills or try something that you have never thought of before in your local area because you have more time now.
MULHALL Hannah Nicholson
“The biggest lesson that sport has taught me is the importance of hard work, perseverance and determination in order to achieve your goals. What I really enjoy about sport is the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that you gain from achieving your personal best, especially after you have put so much time and effort into it”
Favourite sport at Loreto Tennis
How would you describe normo sport spirit Normo sport spirit is very energetic, loud and uplifting. We all encourage each other to actively participate and constantly achieve our personal best, no matter someone’s sporting ability. Normo girls also display great sportsmanship, which especially makes us stand out amongst other schools during carnivals and other sporting events.
Most memorable sporting experience My most memorable sporting achievement was making it to round 3 of doubles in the Tildesley Shield tennis tournament. Although we unfortunately lost in a tiebreak, we were the last normo girls left in the competition and had the support of the whole Tildesley squad.
Best pump up song All I do is win
How did you stay fit in iso Bushwalking, going for walks/ runs around the block and following YouTube workouts in my backyard.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport I am really looking forward to being active again and playing sport in a competitive environment, as well as being part of a team and competing with my friends.
Any advice especially for younger students To get involved in as much sport as you can and take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you. Sport can help you form new friendships, develop new skills and may help you discover a new passion.
WARD Grace Tassell
“Sport has taught me to work in a team and how to build great friendships with people I may not have known before”
Favourite sport at Loreto Netball/Softball
How would you describe normo sport spirit Normo spirit is super vibrant and fun! Everyone pumps each other up with lots and lots of support. Being actively participating with a big smile on your face, embodying a positive attitude and cheering on your peers!.
Most memorable sporting experience/proudest sporting achievement Winning the softball senior firsts competition!
Best pump up song Physical by Dua Lipa
How did you stay fit in iso Walked my dogs every day and went for lots of runs and mini workouts.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back into sport I am looking forward to playing with my friends and getting back into the competitive spirit outside again!
Any advice especially for younger students To get involved in everything! I wish that in the younger years I had tried even more sports that I have, both competitive, peer comps and the activities such as boxing, which is a personal favourite!
