28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
Monthly Quote
Spirit News
What a month it has been! We have successfully held two open days at the new
Belmont Facility and a Badge Test for the MG and WG competitiors. Congratulations to
everyone who has taken part, volunteered and helped make the days a success.
Big thank you to Debbs who has suggested the annual theme for this year:
-You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the first step.
Always do what you are afraid
to do- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Term Dates
Competitive Term Dates:
T2: 20th April- 3rd July
General Reminder:
T3: 20th July- 25th September
When making payments please ensure you are paying into the new NAB account and
not the old Westpac account. We are wanting to close the Westpac account as soon as
possible, however this cannot be achieved if payments are still being made into that
account. New bank details are as follows:
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
BSB: 086 131
T2: 20th April- 3rd July
Account Number: 73200-1973
Open Day Debrief:
The first of the open days was held on a wet, cold and miserable Saturday, however
this didn’t stop the new Belmont facility being overrun with future gymnasts. 88
children attended on the day with over 60% signing up for classes. The overall
atmosphere was electric with some children staying the whole 4 hours, playing on
equipment and being helped out by our junior coaches. The following week the second
open day was held with more sunshine. This brought out over 115 future gymnasts,
again with a sign up rate of over 60%. These two days helps establish the new Belmont
facility, with classes already filling up to a capacity where they will be able to run
immediately after opening. The overall feedback from parents was fantastic, as they
are all very excited that a gymnastics club is opening in their local area. The Directors
would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers and coaches that gave up their
time on the weekends to help make these days possible. Without you the days would
not have taken place, and would not have been a success.
Recreational Term Dates:
T3: 20th July- 25th September
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
2015 Public Holidays
Queen’s Birthday- 28th
September
Upcoming Events
Club Levels Assessment
Coaches Meeting
Badge Test Debrief:
States
The badge test on the last day of May was a huge success. A massive thank you to
Caroline Wright who organized the whole day, and also a big thank you to all the
coaches, judges and volunteers for their support as the day ran smoothly, without a lot
of stress and finished on time! A lot of families had to give up part of their long
weekend, however it was greatly appreciated and a lot of the parents were very happy
with the sausage sizzle and the half hour coffee runs. The day would not have been
possible without everyone’s continued support and participation. Congratulations to
everyone who participated and competed on the day!
Qualification Competitions
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
Polly Farewell:
HBF Stadium Training
Polly has worked with Spirit since 2007 and will be going on a new adventure and leaving
Perth to live in Duabi in early July. She has written the below statement thanking
everyone who she has enjoyed working with and the gorgeous gymnasts she has had the
pleasure to coach. You will be missed Polly and Good Luck!
Competitive Athletes Only
A Fond Farewell to All
A sea of smiling faces and a flurry of fidgety feet would meet Jenni and I and the other
coaches at Melville each Thursday. Our classes for recreational gymnasts were bursting
at the seams at that time.
The Melville Recreation Centre was where I started coaching at Spirit Gymsports in 2007.
My coaching experience has been varied from Greece, to Guinea Bissau in West Africa
and running a big Club in Darwin. There was also a short stint for a couple of years at
Jollettes here in Perth somewhere in the middle. Spirit has been a fun experience for
me, like a great big family and I have delighted in coaching the recreational groups and
in recent years the Club Levels.
On the 8th of July I shall depart for Dubai for another adventure and perhaps another
gymnastic family. It has been a pleasure coaching all the wonderful gymnasts who have
passed through the classes I have conducted and an extra special experience when I see
them move on to new groups to pursue their gymnastics. So with a little sadness and
many wonderful memories I bid you all farewell. I leave behind my legacy in my
beautiful daughter Jamila who under Caroline’s tutelage is making inroads to the science
of coaching. She is an intelligent, enthusiastic young lady who will strive to make those
gymnasts I leave behind comfortable and prepare them well for their coming
competition season.
A big thank you to all the coaches for your friendship and support. You are a wonderful
bunch and it has been a pleasure. Big thanks to Jenni who made Melville work and Huia
for stepping in when we needed help. Best Wishes to everyone at Spirit as it moves into
an amazing new phase.
Ciao , Polly
Coach Interview
This month’s chosen coach is Huia McFarland who coaches men’s gymnastics at Spirit.
We’ve asked her some questions about life inside and outside gymnastic coaching.
 How did you get into coaching?
I got into coaching at my old gymnastics club in New Zealand. In a small city like Rotorua
there is often a high turnover of young coaches as they finish school and have to move
away for university. I started coaching recreational classes there after the previous
year's school leavers left.
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
June 28th- 1-3.30pm
August 2nd-1-3.30pm
September 20th-1-3.30opm
November 22nd- 1-3.30pm
New Skills
Mina Ryan-Did a side aerial
that was excellent and
unexpected!
Where are they now?
We would like to include a
section for our previously
retired Spirit athletes. If you
would like to be included in this
section or know anyone else
who would like to be, please
email
[email protected] to
be included in the next issue!
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
 Were you previously a gymnast?
I was a gymnast in 3 different gymsports: women's artistic, trampoline and acro. Last
retiring from acro at the end of 2013.
 Were you born in New Zealand? If so, when did you first move to
Australia/Perth?
I was born in New Zealand, just outside Rotorua in the North Island. I moved to Perth at
the very end of 2004.
 What is your favourite country to travel to?
My favourite country to visit is Spain. Siestas and tapas, I couldn't ask for any more.
 How do you spend your time outside of coaching and judging gymnastics?
Outside of gymnastics I like to spend my time watching sport, a lot of sport. Rugby and
cricket are my favourites.
 What are your thoughts on the new Belmont facility?
I am looking forward to the club expansion with our new Belmont centre. Having a gym
where I won't have to set up and pack away each heavy piece of men's apparatus every
day will be awesome.
Gymnast Interview
This month’s gymnast interview is Liam Potts. Liam is one of the male gymnasts at
Spirit.
 Liam, how have your competitions gone so far this year?
I have not competed yet so far this year, but looking forward to doing so- good now
that I can pick my own events
 Why/when did you start gymnastics?
I started when I was 5 years old
 What do you like most about gymnastics?
Acrobatics, and the strength it gives me
 Who was your first coach?
A lady at WAIS-I can’t remember her name.
 What school do you go to and what is your favourtie subject?
I go to Christ Church Grammar School, and my favourite subjects are PE, specifically
soccer, and science.
 What are your hobbies outside of school/gymnastics?
I play hockey with the Suburban Lions, soccer with Nedlands UWA and swim at UWA
Where are they now?
This is a new section of the newsletter, aiming to incorporate the whole Spirit
community, past and present. We are targeting members of this community who have
retired from competitive gymnastics, and what they are up to now. This month we
interviewed Samantha Elkington, who was an AERO athlete retiring in 2012, and now
head coach with Spirit.
 When did you retire from gymnastics?
I retired from competing individuals after the 2012 Australian National Championships,
this was a fantastic year being selected as the number one elite female aerobic gymnast
for all international competitions that year including the 2012 Aerobics World
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
Monthly Quote
Always do what you are afraid
to do- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Term Dates
Competitive Term Dates:
T2: 20th April- 3rd July
T3: 20th July- 25th September
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
Recreational Term Dates:
T2: 20th April- 3rd July
T3: 20th July- 25th September
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
2015 Public Holidays
Queen’s Birthday- 28th
September
Upcoming Events
Club Levels Assessment
Coaches Meeting
States
Qualification Competitions
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
Championships in Bulgaria. I then spent a year focusing on my AeroDance team which
was set to compete at the 2013 World Games in Columbia, this was my very last
competition and a real highlight in my gymnastics career.
 What are you up to now? Do you study/work?
During my time as a gymnast I studied event management and graduated when I
finished competing in 2012 and after this I started working for the Petroleum Club of
WA as the administration and event coordinator.
 If so, where and what do you do?
I was working for The Petroleum Club of WA however I will be starting my new job at
JDL Strategies in a week as the event and alliance coordinator.
 Are you still involved with gymnastics at a coaching/judging/other level?
Yes I am currently the head aerobics coach at Spirit Gym Sports and loving every
moment of it. I have been coaching aerobics since I was 15 and I have always enjoyed
seeing my athletes’ journey in gymnastics. As a coach I take responsibility for the type
of person that exits my class, I want to be proud of them not just as a gymnasts but as a
person.
 What advice would you give to young, aspiring gymnasts?
Work hard, never give up, stay dedicated, stay passionate, and always have balance in
your life. With this in mind a gymnast can flourish in this environment and have many
opportunities to achieve goals, build good characteristics and friendships that will last a
lifetime.
 Anything else you would like to add?
My motto: If it’s meant to be it’s up to me.
HBF Stadium Training
Competitive Athletes Only
June 28th- 1-3.30pm
August 2nd-1-3.30pm
September 20th-1-3.30opm
November 22nd- 1-3.30pm
New Skills
Mina Ryan-Did a side aerial
that was excellent and
unexpected!
Gym Sports
WG
Where are they now?


Congratulations to everyone who competed in the first badge test and passed
their chosen level! All those who participated, participated with great effort!
Photos from the badge test are at the end of the newsletter
MG


Congratulations to everyone who competed in the first badge test and passed
their chosen level! All those who participated, participated with great effort!
Photos from the badge test are at the end of the newsletter
ACRO


Coaches away- Debbs and Jaclyn will both be away for National Clubs from 22nd29th September
Please make sure everyone attends holiday training, as the first event is on July
25th, which is the Judges Invitational
AEROBICS

Upcoming Competitions:
 7th June - Aerobics Series #1
 5th July - Judges Invitational
 2nd August - Aerobics Series #2
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
We would like to include a
section for our previously
retired Spirit athletes. If you
would like to be included in this
section or know anyone else
who would like to be, please
email
[email protected] to
be included in the next issue!
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015



September - State Championships
17th - 20th September - Australian Aerobic National Championships
Coaches away- Samantha will be away late September due to National Clubs
Monthly Quote
Always do what you are afraid
to do- Ralph Waldo Emerson
KINDY

Term Dates
Stay tuned for our new Kindy Kards!
Competitive Term Dates:
GENERAL GYM

T2: 20th April- 3rd July
Stay tuned for more information soon!
T3: 20th July- 25th September
Results
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
Congratulations to the following gymnasts who achieved amazing results are the
recent Australian National Championships!
Recreational Term Dates:
T2: 20th April- 3rd July
International Level 9
T3: 20th July- 25th September
Eleanor Griffith- 9th AA, 10th VT, 8th UB, 7th BB, 10th FX
International Level 10
T4: 12th October- 18th
December
Sidney Stephens- 2nd AA, 6th VT, 2nd UB, 4th BB, 2nd FX
2015 Public Holidays
Niamh Collins- 12th UB
Dayna Sulaiman-
7th
AA,
7th
VT,
8th
UB,
3rd
BB,
13th
FX
Queen’s Birthday- 28th
September
Senior International
Emily Little- 2nd AA, 1st VT, 6th UB, 3rd BB, 2nd FX
Volunteers
Upcoming Events
Club Levels Assessment
Coaches Meeting
We are always looking for volunteers and parents that are looking at helping out, or just
giving something back for the club. We will be posting information here about
upcoming events that we require assistance for, or help with. Please email, phone, or
contact us in person if you are interested in helping out or volunteering.

Floor Managers Workshop
Spirit are looking for participants for a floor mangers workshop in to be held in term
2 at our new Belmont venue and we need as many people as possible to attend. Floor
managers are in charge of the overall coordination of all personnel at a competition
session.
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
States
Qualification Competitions
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
HBF Stadium Training
The basic roles of the floor manager is to:






Competitive Athletes Only
ensure the event session runs smoothly and sticks to the schedule
check that all personnel including event volunteers are in attendance and know
what to do
ensure the equipment is set up
check all the paperwork is completed about the event
set up the awards
be aware of emergency procedures
The course is FREE and covers all you need to know about being a floor manager at
Gymnastics events. All clubs are required to provide floor managers to help run
Gymnastics WA events and registering as a floor manager for Spirit will give each
competitive family a $75 discount off their annual Spirit competitive membership fee.
For a full description of the floor mangers role please contact Debbs at
[email protected] or see the link below:
June 28th- 1-3.30pm
August 2nd-1-3.30pm
September 20th-1-3.30opm
November 22nd- 1-3.30pm
New Skills
Mina Ryan-Did a side aerial
that was excellent and
unexpected!
http://www.gymnasticswa.asn.au/visageimages/Volunteers
/Volunteers_Roles_and_Responsibilites_Feb_2014.pdf
Coach Details
Please contact Caroline, Debbs, or Tahnee for any issues relating to training times and
coaching issues.
Caroline: [email protected]
Debbs: [email protected]
Tahnee: [email protected]
Phone: 0432 323 835
Be sure to like us on our new Facebook page!
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step
Where are they now?
We would like to include a
section for our previously
retired Spirit athletes. If you
would like to be included in this
section or know anyone else
who would like to be, please
email
[email protected] to
be included in the next issue!
28 Belgravia Street
BELMONT WA 6164
Phone (08) 3271 8435 | Fax (08) 9371 1044
Mobile | 0432 323 835
Email | [email protected]
Website | www.spiritgymsports.com.au
Issue 3 | June 2015
Photo Page- Badge Test 1
(31 May 2015)
Annual Theme: You don’t have to see the whole staircase,
just the first step