Olympic canoeist Jess Fox and sister Noemie are set for success in Paris, and no one is more excited than their old school community at Blaxland High. Olivia Grey reports on ‘Fox Day’ at Blaxland High.

When both Jess and Noemie Fox qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the excitement felt by staff, students and the entire Blaxland High School community was palpable.

To mark the occasion and show their support for the canoeing superstar alumni, the school celebrated ‘Fox Day’ – the ultimate party with costumes, cheerleading, a morning tea and even dressed up therapy dogs.

Every opportunity to incorporate the ‘Fox’ theme was taken – from classroom decorations to the school bell for the day being 2013 earworm ‘The Fox’. The entire school was abuzz, ready to watch Blaxland’s golden girls in Paris.

Principal Emma La Marquand said Fox Day was an excellent celebration of the slalom sisters, as well as all the spectacular students currently attending Blaxland High.

“When you’re a teacher or principal, or anyone who works in a school, you are in awe of how incredible young people are,” Ms La Marquand said.

“The reason we wanted to have Fox Day is, of course, to cheer on our amazing past students Jess and Noemie, but it’s also an opportunity to display how incredible our young people are, their incredible commitment and their ability to manage heavy workloads, all with a smile,”

“Blaxland High School is an excellent example of the power of public education. Our students and their skills really reflect the diversity of the community - from sports superstars to academic whizzes, talented musicians and just generally good people. I’m always endlessly impressed by them,” she said.

Gearing up to compete in her fourth Olympics, Jess has also been named as one of Australia’s flag bearers. For students at Blaxland High, she serves as the ultimate inspiration, not only for her sporting achievements, but for those out of the water too.

Graduating in 2011, Jess was named Dux of Blaxland High and came first in the state in PDHPE. Not bad for someone juggling multiple trips overseas to compete and a demanding training schedule while studying.

Mr Greg Wallace worked at Blaxland High for 30 years, heading up the PDHPE department, and recalls Jess not only being a talented student academically and in her sporting endeavours, but she was also a humble character.

“Seeing both the girls not only do so well themselves, but to be so humble and supportive of those around them is amazing,” Mr Wallace said.

“They serve as excellent role models for the current students. It’s remarkable to have such talented alumni to inspire the kids,” he said.

Jess and Noemie aren’t alone in their sporting success at Blaxland. For Year 10 student Deanna Drake, an elite diver in the 2028 Olympics development squad, having such high-profile sporting superstars attend the same school as her has been a wonderful motivator.

“We are having so much fun cheering on Jess and Noemie for Fox Day. Their participation in the Olympics really shows all of us that anything is possible when it comes to achievement in elite sport,” Deanna said.

“We are really lucky here – the school is so supportive of our goals and genuinely want to see us do our best.”

Dressed in her Australian cheerleading uniform, Year 9 student Chelsea Brown recently returned from the USA where she represented the country in the World Cheerleading Championships. For Chelsea, having such aspirational alumni encourages her in her elite sporting journey.

“It’s so inspiring to have Jess and Noemie to look up to,” Chelsea said.

“Blaxland High shows each and every student so much support and encouragement, no matter what they aim for. They just want to see us succeed. I’m really proud to go to school here,” she said.

From the Blue Mountains and beyond, everyone at NSW Education will be cheering on the Fox sisters these Olympic games. Go Team Fox!