WESTAIRE CALISTHENICS

Together We Fly High

About Us

Westaire Calisthenics College Inc. was established in 1967 at St. Phillips Church, Roberts Road Airport West after discussion with some church members who felt that an activity was needed for their daughters.  St Phillips Girls Gymnasiums’ committee chose the church cricket team colours of blue and gold for the club colours.  The class commenced with 41 pupils and completed the year with a display at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Keilor Road North Essendon.  Items that were performed by the pupils included Hoops, Dumbells, Freearm, Rods, Plastics and Song &  Dance.  Programs were 5 cents a copy.

In 1974 the Club competed at the Royal South Street Competitions in Ballarat under the name Westaire Calisthenics (reversing Airport West), the St Phillips section became non-Ballarat competition and Westaire the Ballarat competition section.  The name St Phillips was discontinued when the club relocated to Bowes Ave, Airport West.  The club members gradually increased and by 1984 there were 141 pupils in Ballarat and non-Ballarat classes.  The club was located at North Essendon Primary School, Our Lady’s Primary School and we were relocated to Ratcliffe Hall in 1986 by the Keilor Council.  Through boundary changes the Moonee Valley City Council now manages Ratcliffe Hall.  We also incorporated black into the College colours, as it is a necessity backstage.

Over the years, pupils from our Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections have enjoyed calisthenic camps. We have had many pupils successfully participate in calisthenic pupil skill exams and calisthenic solos. The college has held family nights and participated in community festivals and fetes where many pupils have performed.

At the beginning of 2003 we introduced recreational calisthenics.  The class commenced with one very dedicated pupil increasing to 27 pupils bringing the total of pupils attending Westaire to 84 whose ages range from 3 to 32 years.

Westaire is a family orientated and an inclusive College offering fun and fitness to a wide range of ages and abilities.  In the near future it is hoped that Westaire will be able to offer Calisthenics to the older person.  We are currently training younger persons to take an active role in assisting others to develop their confidence in leadership and communication skills while becoming a positive role model for younger students.

Westaire has a very enthusiastic and dedicated coaching team each who have Level 1 and a current First Aid Certificate.  Each coach continually attends professional development throughout the year to further expand her knowledge and update training requirements.

Westaire also engages in community activities and festivals, Moomba, Grand Prix and Grand Final entertainment.  Westaire also coaches pupil from other calisthenic clubs through Pupil Exams from Test 1 (Sub Juniors) to Grade 4 (Senior Level).