The Winifred West Schools Foundation, first established in 1980, has played a pivotal role in supporting numerous significant building projects across the beautiful campuses of Frensham and Frensham Junior School—facilities that continue to benefit us all today.
Over the last 12 months, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the new Frensham Sports Hall. The Foundation Dinner in August last year saw an incredible turnout of nearly 200 individuals. Additionally, approximately 5,000 people attended the Iris Country Fair, with funds raised from the day directed towards this exciting project.
Specifically, these funds have gone towards the Olympic-standard flooring for the Sports Hall—a feature that will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on our school community. Once completed, this new facility will benefit all students, from the Junior School to Frensham.
The Sports Hall will provide a dedicated space for a wide variety of sports and physical activities, encouraging students to improve their fitness and cultivate lifelong habits of wellbeing. From Basketball and Netball to Badminton and Gymnastics, the facility will cater to diverse interests, inspiring students to explore their athletic potential.
Why Build a New Sports Hall?
Some members of our community have asked why a new facility is necessary, considering we already have the Parker Gymnasium. The answer lies in the unique needs of our school and community.
Frensham has long been granted the privilege of hosting Saturday IGSA (Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association) sports for all schools. This cherished tradition brings together families from both Frensham and the wider IGSA community each weekend. Parents, students, and staff gather on the Games Field—often in gumboots and with umbrellas in hand—creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Our Frensham girls take great pride in welcoming visiting teams, and the Holt Café further enriches the experience, with Year 9 parents and Year 12 students working together to serve hot drinks and the much-loved egg and bacon rolls.
However, the unpredictable Southern Highlands weather has frequently disrupted this tradition, causing last-minute cancellations that affect both our community and those travelling from afar.
The new Sports Hall addresses this issue by providing enough indoor courts to host all scheduled games on any Saturday morning, regardless of the weather. This ensures the continuity of our tradition, fostering the camaraderie and community spirit that define Frensham.
A Facility for All
The Sports Hall is more than just a new venue—it represents a commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the traditions and connections of our Frensham community.
Scheduled to open at the beginning of Term 2 this year, the facility has already generated excitement among our Year 12 students, who were recently given a tour. Here are some of their reflections:
“It is such an incredible opportunity for Frensham and other IGSA Sport Schools.”
Phoebe Gilder, Head Girl
“For Netball and Basketball, it really extends how far we can go into higher divisions, helping us develop our sporting abilities.”
Phoebe Hicks
“It is such a ‘connecting’ facility. All Saturday sports will come together at Frensham, bringing all schools and sports to one place. It just makes sense.”
Luca de Manincor
The impact of this facility will extend beyond our school. The Sports Hall will serve as a valuable asset for the wider Southern Highlands community, hosting local sporting events and clinics for aspiring athletes. It will strengthen ties with the local community and position Frensham Schools as a regional hub for sporting excellence.
Gratitude and Celebration
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of Foundation supporters. When the Sports Hall opens, it will be a joy to see so many in our community benefiting from this world-class facility. Everyone who contributed to the Foundation Dinner and the Iris Country Fair can proudly say, “I helped make that happen!”