10 July 2026
The recent Senior High Schools Country Week, its 96th edition, tested the skills of more than 4,400 students from 59 regional public schools.
In the last week of Term 2, teams worked tirelessly in a bid to win titles in basketball, badminton, dance, AFL football, hockey, indoor cricket, netball, soccer, speech and debating, touch football and volleyball.
Student shows off his fancy footwork on the soccer field.
But not all the magic moments resulted in scoreboard success.
One moment that captured the spirit of the event came during an AFL match between Coastal Lakes College and Manjimup Senior High School.
Recognising the opportunity to create a lifelong memory, students from Coastal Lakes College ensured a student with disability from Manjimup had his moment to shine, helping him kick a goal before joining in on the celebrating and carrying him from the field at the end of the match. “It was an extraordinary act of sportsmanship, inclusion and compassion that perfectly embodied the values of Country Week,” said manager of School Sport WA, Geoff Hayes.
“While premierships and medals are remembered, it is moments like these that leave the greatest legacy and remind us that sport has the power to bring people together.”
Mr Hayes said Country Week remained one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar.
“For many students, this is the highlight of their secondary school years, a chance to represent their school with pride, compete against the best regional talent in the state and create lifelong memories,” he said.
“Country Week is about much more than sport.
“It strengthens school communities, celebrates regional excellence and helps young people build leadership, resilience and confidence.”
Throughout the week, students demonstrated determination, teamwork and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
And the teachers, coaches, volunteers and families who also made the trip, made it possible again for Country Week to happen.
“There is enormous pride in seeing young people grow in confidence, overcome challenges and represent their communities with respect,” Mr Hayes said.
“Their success is measured not only by results, but by the character, teamwork and sportsmanship they display throughout the week.”
Bunbury Catholic College claimed the Tier 1 title, while Australind Senior High School won Tier 2, and Christmas Island District High School was crowned the Tier 3 champion.
“It is as much a cultural event as it is a sporting competition,” Mr Hayes said.
“It provides opportunities for students to build friendships, experience Perth, develop independence and create memories that stay with them long after they leave school.”