ALL SMILES: Eliza Singleton, second, Maddy Hawke, first, and Ashleigh Trounson, third, starred in the Golden Goggles final. Picture: JIM ALDERSEY
BENDIGO Senior Secondary College students started their school year with a splash at Tuesday's annual community pool challenge.
More than 900 students from across years 11 and 12 took part in a range of aquatic activities at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre, including a horizontal bungee jump, sumo wrestling and a diving competition.
Student co-ordinator and pathways teacher Scott Vaughan said the event was well received among students and staff.
“Everyone had a really great time,” he said.
Mr Vaughan said the event provided students with the opportunity to make new friends as well as get a feel for school life.
“It is a time for students to make new friends outside of the school setting, but also have some fun,” he said.
“Everyone is really relaxed and friendly, and it is a great way to build connections and establish relationships.”
Another activity to take place was the prestigious golden goggles swimming race, which showcases the school’s best swimming talent.
The female event was won by year 11 student Maddy Hawke in a time of 32.87, while the male champion was James Coughlin.
Coughlin achieved a time of 26.51 to take out the title for a second year running.
Outdoor education teacher Jordan Orr, ICT co-ordinator Warren Sutton, and maths and science teacher Roy Preece were placegetters in the staff race.
The college welcomed more than 920 students in year 11 this year, with the school’s population at 1795 students.