The highlights of Middle School House Athletics

Last week, our annual Middle School Athletics Carnival unfolded, beautifully encapsulating the themes of Care, Respect and Growth.

Picture this: 800 students gathered at Bulleen, engaged in running, jumping and throwing heavy objects – what could go wrong? The day began with less-than-ideal weather, a persistent light drizzle that seemed unrelenting. Although the weather forecast offered hope, it was far from ideal conditions to ask so many students to navigate a slippery track. Yet, thanks to the dedication and care of Bulleen's remarkable grounds staff, the fields miraculously transformed into a forgiving surface.

As the carnival commenced, we began to witness an extraordinary display of Carey’s core values in action. Students poured their hearts into their performances, some even stepping up to compete in events they were not familiar with, showcasing their growth and resilience. When they weren't competing, they were providing invaluable support and encouragement to their friends from all Houses, reinforcing the idea that care and respect are at the core of our school community. Students cheered and celebrated, not just for their House teammates, not just for their friends, but for everyone who was making an effort.

One of the most heart-warming aspects of these occasions is the selfless willingness of students to step up at the eleventh hour, especially when some Houses were grappling with low participation rates. Even during demanding events like the 1500 meters, students consistently met the challenge head-on, showcasing remarkable personal development, courage and a deep commitment to teamwork. We are choosing our leaders soon and this exact kind of growth, nurtured by mutual care and respect, is precisely what the Heads of House are seeking in our potential future leaders.

As is customary, our exceptional Middle School Chaplain was diligently cooking sausages with his merry band of helpers (SRC) to generate funds for charity and to further cultivate a vibrant atmosphere. Teachers effortlessly mingled with students, providing encouragement at every turn, while House leaders offered support and motivation to the younger members of their House.

We’re all too familiar with the usual brief responses parents receive when inquiring about their children's school activities. Questions like, ‘How was athletics today?’ typically yield a monosyllabic ‘Good’. However, I'm writing this to illustrate that days like our athletics carnival aren't merely good; they are truly remarkable. They bring out the very best in our students, serving as a prime showcase of our cherished Carey, Respect and Growth values in action.

The eventual winner was Steele, narrowly pipping Sutton.

Harry Dendle
Deputy Head of Middle School – Student Wellbeing