JOHN XXIII COLLEGE ROWING CLUB
Identity. Fitness. Technique.
WELCOME TO
THE JOHN XXIII COLLEGE ROWING CLUB
Established in 1992, the John XXIII College Rowing Club joined the IGSSA competition in 1993 and has been a proud part of the rowing community in Western Australia ever since.
Whether your child is picking up an oar for the first time or chasing a spot at the Head of the River, our Club caters to rowers of all ages and abilities. Comprehensive coaching, a welcoming community and a demanding competition schedule ensure every student can find their place on the water.
WHY ROWING?
Rowing is one of the most complete team sports a student can pursue. Beyond physical fitness and strength, rowing provides students the opportunity to develop:
- teamwork and leadership skills
- commitment, dedication and personal discipline
- resilience and true character
- A sense of personal accomplishment
Parents often remark on the confident, organised and self-reliant young person their child becomes through the discipline of a rowing season – one that demands early mornings, careful time management and a lot of dedication.
YEAR 8 — LEARN TO ROW
Year 8 students are introduced to rowing through our novice program, which runs in the afternoons during late Term 3. Sessions are held from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the College boat shed. When conditions prevent water training, sessions move to the College gym.
COMPETITION
The John XXIII College Rowing Club competes in one of the most extensive regatta schedules of any school in Western Australia, taking part in:
- The IGSSA competition, where our girls' crews race across five regattas, including the prestigious Head of the River
- The Rowing WA All Schools competition, providing the whole Club – including mixed crews – the chance to race together
- The South West Head of the River, held in Bunbury
- Our House Regatta, where Year 8 rowers get the thrill of racing alongside their senior peers for the first time
Most Saturday regattas are held at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in Armadale, with the College providing bus transport from campus.
2026 REGATTA CALENDAR
The 2026 regatta season is shaping up to be a strong one. Please note that dates are subject to change – subscribing to the College sports calendar is the best way to stay informed.
| Date | Regatta | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 28 March | South West Head of the River | Bunbury |
| 2 May | IGSSA 1 – St Hilda's | Champion Lakes |
| 16 May | IGSSA 2 – PC | Champion Lakes |
| 6 June | IGSSA 3 – JTC | Champion Lakes |
| 13 June | IGSSA 4 – Penrhos | Champion Lakes |
| 14 June | All Schools 1 | Champion Lakes |
| 20 June | IGSSA Head of the River – Iona | Champion Lakes |
| 27 June | All Schools 2 | Champion Lakes |
| 25 July | All Schools 3 | Champion Lakes |
| 8 August | All Schools Championship | Champion Lakes |
| 29 August | House Regatta | Canning Bridge |
| 29 August | Rowing Presentation Night | Thomas More Exhibition Centre |
OUR COMMUNITY
The Club is much more than a sporting program – it is a community. Membership is open to all rowers and their families, with a parent committee of approximately eight members who help plan and run Club activities, fundraising events and regattas. New families are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate, whether volunteering on regatta days, contributing to the cake stall or cheering from the bank.
Each season, a Boys' and Girls' Captain of Boats is selected from the senior rowing group – student leaders who embody the spirit of the Club and inspire those around them.
The season culminates in the annual Rowing Presentation Dinner where rowers, coaches, families and Club members come together to celebrate the season's achievements.
CONTACT
Rowing Coordinator: Claire Woolfitt claire.woolfitt@johnxxiii.edu.au
Club President: president.rowing@johnxxiii.edu.au
Secretary: secretary.rowing@johnxxiii.edu.au
Registrar: registrar.rowing@johnxxiii.edu.au
CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
