“We can’t hear you,” was the main chant being screamed across the lake to rival schools on opposite banks.

Others, which The Courier has chosen not to publish, were a bit more extravagant. 

However, we gained a rare insight into where the chants originate. 

Ballarat High School year 12 student and cheer squad organiser Emma Day said their chants had been weeks in the making. 

“It’s something we work really hard on,” she said. 

“We have been rehearsing for about four weeks before today and so far I think it has gone pretty well.”

Showing The Courier the chant sheet, it was clear that the students had gone with some original – and some not so original – material. 

“Oh High School you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey High School (clap, clap), hey High School (clap, clap),” was sung to the tune of Hey Mickey. 

“We are mean, we’re blue and green. We’re the best you’ve ever seen.

“We are rough and we are tough and you haven’t seen enough. Beat them, bash them, then we’ll thrash them.

“Go High School.”

Across the lake on the other bank, the St Patrick’s College cheer squad could probably be heard from Geelong.

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au