School exchange hits the road

FOR the first time since the onset of COVID-19, the long-standing sporting exchange between Mount Gambier High School (MGHS) and Berri Regional Secondary College was finally back to a full exchange program.

Berri Regional Secondary School hosted Mount Gambier High School up in the Riverland at the end of Term 2 with two days of competition filled with energy and excitement.

In recent years, the two schools had connected in Bordertown to compete with the debating competition undertaken online.

Anna, Caitlin and Callum proudly represented MGHS in the first event of the Exchange, taking on the Berri Debating Team with the topic ‘Artificial Intelligence is a threat to education’, arguing the affirmative.

Both teams delivered passionate points and sharp rebuttals, making for a close and engaging debate with Berri Regional Secondary College for taking out the Symonds Debating Shield for the second successive year.

The sporting carnival opened with Boys Futsal, where the MGHS experienced team pulled off a narrow but well-earned 4-3 victory.

The Girls Futsal team, made up of largely younger players, displayed exceptional grit to claim a remarkable 2-0 win against a seasoned Berri side.

The energy carried into the evening’s basketball games, where MGHS dominated the court in Boys Basketball, securing a decisive 58-36 win, while the Girls Basketball team showed great determination and perseverance, narrowing the gap as the game progressed, but ultimately going down 36-46 in a competitive match.

A foggy but clear morning greeted players for the Boys Football clash, beginning day two of the competition.

MGHS led for much of the game, but a strong late surge by Berri saw them pull ahead by 10 points at the final siren.

In Division A Netball, the young and versatile MGHS team took on a polished Berri outfit, where the home side proved too strong.

With the overall sporting cup results now hanging in the balance, the pressure shifted to the Division B Netball match.

Rising to the occasion, the girls delivered a composed and dominant 44-29 win, sealing the Carthew Sporting Cup for Mount Gambier High School.

MGHS Specialist Sports Coordinator Abbey Duncan said the sporting competition, featured seven sports across two days, showcasing not only the athletic talent of the students but also their resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship, qualities that define the school’s culture and values.

“Futsal was a newly introduced sport to the exchange this year, replacing traditional soccer,” Ms Duncan said. “The change proved to be a crowd favourite, offering fast-paced game and created an electric atmosphere to start the carnival.

“This exchange was a fantastic opportunity for our students to reconnect through sport, build friendships, and experience competition in a respectful and spirited environment. We are incredibly proud of all our participants and look forward to continuing this tradition next year where Mount Gambier High School will host Berri Regional Secondary College in Term 2, 2026.”

Each of the following students showcased outstanding individual skill, leadership, and commitment to their teams and were awarded by the umpires the Most Valuable Players of their respective matches:

• Rauf Rahbari – Boys Basketball

• Charlie Moors – Girls Futsal

• Rahni Janeway – Division B Netball