Last Saturday was the final round of APS summer sport. We may not have come away with a premiership, but we witnessed incredible growth, leadership and sportsmanship. So many of our students have excelled and the memories and experiences will no doubt influence their character going forward.
There were many examples of this throughout the day. I saw the commitment and growth of Year 9/10 Inter Volleyball teams. I saw students having their first experience of taking the bus to Geelong, building excitement for all the challenges ahead. I saw multi-talented athletes like Vice-Captain of the First Softball Team, Ashley, whose incredible commitment and stamina pitching and batting in the softball grand final while also preparing to perform in the opening night of the Senior School Musical was admirable.
One of the brilliant moments on the weekend that made me proudest was after the Girls First Touch Rugby Team played Mentone in the grand final for the second season in a row. As always, it was a great game to watch, but at the end of the match our Captain, Alice, made the concession speech. She congratulated Mentone on their victory, let them know they were the benchmark of the competition and that all teams aspired to be like them. She thanked all involved who had helped the team over the entire season and also mentioned what a privilege it had been to play with such people around her. She spoke with grace and humility. Alice is by far one of the best in the competition and played a great game, but I was just so proud and inspired by her leadership after their loss.
It reminded me of a story I recently read about a father at the MCG who applauded opposition players, telling his daughter, ‘We always clap for champions, no matter who they play for.’ It was a simple but powerful example of what sport can teach us at its best.
We are truly being led by brilliant humans who resonate kindness, courage and an outlook on life that is superb. Congratulations to the Girls First Touch Rugby and First Softball Grand Final Teams, and to all competitors who took part on Saturday in their final round. Win or lose, our students were building memories and experiences that will shape who they are. From what I witnessed on the weekend, Carey’s young people are setting the tone and culture in the right way.
Christian Gregory
Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Wellbeing
