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Rowing
Melbourne Girls’ College offers rowing to all students from Year 8 to Year 12. It is an extra-curricular activity and training occurs outside of the normal school hours. MGC is one of the only government schools in the state to have such a unique program.
Situated on the Yarra River, we are fortunate to be able to have our own boatshed and pontoon directly behind the school from which we row. This enables us to maximise the time spent on water without having the issues of transporting the students to and from the landing like many other schools.
The aim of the rowing program at MGC is to provide an enjoyable, quality, team orientated rowing program. It provides a unique environment to build self-esteem, time management fitness, discipline, and friendships.
How to join the rowing program
Year 8 rowers can opt to complete the MGC learn to row program during Term 2. Specific information regarding this process is shared with students and parents via Compass, emails and through Year 8 Assembly.
Rowers in Years 9-11 may join during pre-season, which runs throughout Term 3.
Rowing structure
August – September (Term 3)
MGC rowers commence training on land for the first few weeks. As the term progresses, the training load gradually increases, and the rowers return to the water. Year 8 and 9 rowers train exclusively in sculling boats, whereas Year 10 and 11 rowers rotate between sweep and sculling, with all senior rowers having the opportunity to train in small boats. During the term 3 holidays, both Year 8 and Year 9 rowers attend a short camp at MGC where they work intensively on technique development.
October – December (Term 4)
The rowers commence a full training load. Year 10 and 11 rowers compete in extended Head Races (long time trials) including the Head of the Goulburn and Melbourne Head. Year 8 and 9 rowers generally begin to race during this term on the Barwon river. The term concludes with a four-day training camp in Bairnsdale for the Year 10 and 11 rowers.
January – March (Term 1)
During the last week of the holidays, MGC rowers attend Summer Camp at MGC, with an intensive four days of training in preparation for the racing season. During Term 1, each squad typically races once per fortnight. Most rowers conclude the season at the Head of Schoolgirls regatta held on the Barwon River. Crews that are selected represent the school and state at the Australian Rowing Championships.
Any questions regarding the rowing program can be sent to Glenn Fischmann, Director of Rowing, at glenn.fischmann@mgc.vic.edu.au
