Sports
Students are able to take art, drama, music as part of the curriculum and we have itinerant teachers who visit the school to teach students privately in Music (including piano, theory, drums, voice, woodwind, strings, keyboard, brass and classical guitar) and Speech and Drama.
Sport is a key component at St Mary's with a wide range of sporting activities available to all students.
All our students are encouraged to participate in sports. This participation develops character and also ensures that students develop attitudes that will contribute to their own physical health and wellness through life.
Kapahaka is another area were we encourage student participation.
Sports Council
The Sports Council is elected each year from the student body and helps manage a variety of Sporting Events throughout the school year.
Fairplay Award
Fairplay awards for individuals are voted for by each week by each sporting team.
Mug shot of the week
A selection of photos of our sporting heros in action:
School Sports
Athletics
We hold annual school athletic competitions in Term 1. These are usually held at the Inglewood track. House colours and points are very important to the girls as well as the actual participation.
Swimming
Our annual swimming sports are held in our own school pool or down at the Stratford covered heated complex. Another House colour and points extravaganza enjoyed by all.
Cross Country
Our annaul Cross Country running event also incorporates the House theme and is held at the Stratford Racecourse.
House Competitions
As well as the above House Competitions various individual interhouse sports events take place throughout the year.
Outdoor Education Programme
Throughout their time at St Mary’s students also have the opportunity to challenge themselves through participation in the Outdoor Education Programme. Other facilities such as those at Vertical Horizons at Inglewood, Te Wera and Eltham are also used.
Year 9 Camp
In Year 9 students have a team-building camp at Te Wera or Eltham.
Year 10 Topec
In Year 10 students meet some exciting personal challenges in their TOPEC camp.
Year 12 Topec
Students taking PE at higher levels are extended further at a more advanced TOPEC camp.
Winter Sports
St Mary's fields teams in many of the local at Taranaki winter sports competitions. These include netball, hockey, basketball and soccer. Coaches and Managers are always welcomed!
Practices
Practices are held at various times for various teams. Please check with the Sports Co-ordinator if you wish to check when these are scheduled.
Draws
Sports draws are available for each sport. Please check with the Sports Co-ordinator for your sport timetable.
Results
Results are available from the Sports Co-ordinator.
Taranaki Secondary Schools Association (TSSA)
Our Participation
We participate in the Taranaki Secondary Schools Competition (TSSA). The Sports Co-ordinator organises the participation of our students in the wide variety of events that make up this competition. They include skiing, equestrian, swimming, athletics, rowing, golf, volleyball and numerous others.
Calendar
The calendar of TSSA events is available from the Sports Co-ordinator.
Sports Co-ordinator
The school employs a Sports Co-ordinator who organises teams to participate in regular competitions and one off events. They are also able to organise students' coaching and provide information about a sport a student may be interested in. St Mary's has teams that participate in regular competitions in netball, tennis, basketball, hockey and soccer.
Behavioural Contracts
Each team member is required to sign a Behavioural Contract when participating in sports for St Mary's.
Uniform Contracts
Uniforms are suppled for teams and these are also subject to contract.
Sports Blues
These are awarded to students who have collected sufficient points in participation and achievement in sports. These are awarded at the annual Sports Awards Assembly.
Elite Sports Blue
These are awarded to students who have achieved highly at a national level over the course of two years or more.