Sports News Term 1, Week 5 2026

Sport is in full swing in Term One at St Margaret’s College, and this week marks the halfway point for a number of our competitions. It has been a whirlwind start for the girls, who have been competing since the second week back at school. We have already been treated to some fantastic performances at both home and away games.

Our SMC Athletics Day was once again a great success. We were fortunate to enjoy perfect weather amid an otherwise rainy period, allowing us to complete a terrific day of competition. The standard was outstanding, with some exceptional results and even a few records broken.

ATHLETICS

Athletics Day was held on 19 February at Ngā Puna Wai under clear skies and perfect conditions for competition. The day was filled with energy, colour, and outstanding house spirit, with girls enthusiastically supporting one another across the track and field events. Alongside the strong participation and encouragement evident throughout the day, there were also some exceptional performances. Five school records were broken: Annabelle Smallman set new Under 14 records in both Discus (38.45m) and Shot Put (11.73m), while Lucy Gredig set three new U15 records in the 60m (7.93), 100m (12.89), and 200m (26.34). It was a fantastic day of competition, courage, and community, and a wonderful showcase of the enthusiasm and determination that define athletics at St Margaret’s.

COAST TO COAST

Well done to Greta Stuart, who competed in the Coast to Coast in February.  Greta was the runner on her team, sponsored by 180 Degrees Trust and Flow Kayaks, for the 2-day 3-person event, coming 2nd in the 'school' event category and overall 3rd out of the 12 women's teams.  

EQUESTRIAN

The Canterbury Equestrian Champs were held at McLeans Island on Wednesday, 25th February. SMC had 12 riders split into three teams competing in this ever-growing event. It was wonderful to welcome new families and riders to SMC and to see them slot into the teams effortlessly.  Well done to all the teams and special mention to Lexi Patchett and Skye Dick, who earned individual placings.  Thanks to the coaches Emily and Anna, who made the day a great experience for all the girls.  

LIFESAVING

While most of the world is still hitting the snooze button, 18 dedicated students have been making a splash at the local pool as part of our Royal Life Saving programme led by incredible senior students and Mrs Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton. Our students are poolside at 6.45am, swapping their blankets for goggles and their slippers for fins. It’s a cold start, but the energy in the water is nothing short of inspiring. This isn’t your average swim practice. Under the Royal Life Saving curriculum, these students are learning the vital skills needed to save lives. Our morning sessions include learning rescue techniques, survival skills and teamwork.  Success in life-saving requires more than just being a fast swimmer; it requires discipline, focus, and quick thinking.   A huge thank you to parents and caregivers who handle the "early bird" taxi service to get the students to the pool on time. We couldn't run this programme without your support.

UPCOMING EVENTS

6th - 8th March SISS Rowing - Twizel

8th - 10th March Summer Quad - Christchurch - Rangi hosting

11th March Y7-8 Swimming - Zone Qualifiers 

13th - 15th March Canterbury Championships Volleyball - Christchurch

9th - 15th March Pre Maadi Camp

16th March Y7-13 SMC SWIMMING SPORTS DAY - SMC

17th March CSS Athletics - Nga Puna Wai

20th March CSS Athletics Finals Day - Nga Puna Wai

21st -22nd March SISS Touch - Burnside Park

21st -24th March SISS Water Polo

23rd -28th March Maadi Cup Rowing - Twizel

23rd - 27th March NZSS Volleyball Nationals - Palmerston North

23rd - 27th March NZSS Tennis Championships - Auckland

23rd - 26th March NZSS - South Island Cup Tennis - Timaru

24th - 26th March Satellite Volleyball - Christchurch

24th - 26th March Cricket Ultimate 

25th March Y5&6 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming

26th March Y7&8 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming

26th - 27th March NZSS Triathlon - Mt Maunganui

28th - 29th March SISS Athletics - Nga Puna Wai

3rd - 5th April NZSS Water Polo Nationals Div 2 - Wellington

7th - 16th April Netball and Hockey Australian trip