It has been exciting to see Carey’s star-studded football alumni and AFL program flying high and proud. For me, it was equally exciting to see one of those same alumni in grey trackies supporting our ex-Middle Schoolers, who now play for Old Carey. What a community!
Interestingly, when Jack Joslin, Carey’s Head of Sport and Activities, talks about all things Carey Sport, he speaks of inclusion and equality, opportunity and youth development, role modelling and connection, lifetime fitness and participation, rites of passage and character, fun and memory-making. Significantly, he does not mention winning.
According to Jack, investment in the Year 7 to 9 programs is a key to delivering on his vision. Along with a focus on developing (not assuming) skills and fitness, warm-ups which prevent injury, intensive drills for the big match moments and plenty of practice games, we also need top coaches to develop game plans, a common language and an understanding of playing ‘the Carey way’. Engagement with past students gives our Middle Schoolers someone to look up to and respect and, in many cases, idolise! Gym sessions, fitness specialists, holiday camps, special guests and even video technology are other opportunities which help our students grow.
APS Sport gives our students much more than the excitement of winning. From the beginning when Year 7s find friendships through their sport, to Saturdays when our community connects, to great memories formed after epic loses, to shows of equality as venues and match times are shared with different genders and age groups and when boys’ and girls’ efforts and athleticism are jointly admired, character is developed. Sport is more than the game. Sport helps our teenagers develop organisation, responsibility, discipline, resilience, persistence, tenacity, empathy, teamwork, leadership and so much more. When we see these traits in the classroom, we know we are on a winner!
It is exciting that, for the first time ever, we will see our Year 7 and Year 8 students training for their Summer sports on Wednesday afternoons in November. More details will be communicated in the coming weeks.
One person who certainly hit the ground running from the start of Term 4 is Louise Roberts, Acting Deputy Head Student Wellbeing. Her smooth organisation of the Fun Run allowed all students to have a wonderful, energetic, fun-filled, healthy afternoon at Bulleen.
Connections Day saw over 200 grandparents energetically walk from the carpark to Middle School. They watched a performance from our musical, listened to the Windband, heard from three courageous students and visited Year 7 classrooms, meeting Homeroom teachers and participating in ‘time capsule’ activities (in preparation for their grandchild’s final school day in 2030!). The wonderful afternoon finished with a visit to the impressive Year 7–12 Art and Design Exhibition. Well done to all grandparents, that was quite a fitness test!
Please keep an eye on communications and calendars as there is much more to come during Term 4 in Middle School.
Meredith Plaisted
Head of Middle School
