From the Principal

Ollie Hoare and a growth mindset

We often talk about the importance of possessing a Growth Mindset. A growth mindset is important because it helps us overcome obstacles that we face when learning something new or developing a new skill.

A growth mindset helps us understand the importance of persistence and determination. It also underpins success, be it in the classroom, the performing Arts or on the sports field.

We have been witness to many memorable sporting achievements at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Feats that could only have been achieved through an immense amount of training, persistence and dedication.

Where athletes have demonstrated great determination and effort. Where they have viewed failure as an opportunity to improve

And from lessons learned from set backs, that have turned failure and disappointment into triumph.

An excellent example of an athlete possessing a Growth Mindset was seen in the Gold Medal victory of Ollie Hoare who beat a field of champions in the 1500m race, an event featuring arguably the strongest field of any event at the Games.

In what has been deemed one of the greatest 1500 metre races of all time, the Australian Ollie Hoare stunned audiences with a perfectly executed race which saw him defeat the World Champion, several Olympic Medalists and break a Commonwealth Record in the process. Hoare’s victory evoked memories of the great Australian middle distance runner Herb Elliot, who some 64 years ago was the last Australian to win this event.

At just 25 years of age, it was a remarkable performance by Hoare. The legendary commentator Bruce McAvaney described it as, "an extraordinary moment in Australian sport, the last 100 meters is the stuff of legends."

Hoare’s courage, effort and determination to succeed were there for all to see.

To have the capacity to finish in the way he did was only possible because of the hours and years of dedicated and purposeful training and due to his conviction that he could win the race. 

Only  a few weeks ago Hoare failed to make the 1500m final at the World Championships. He was bitterly disappointed with his result as he knew he was capable of more. He reflected on what went wrong, and thought carefully about what he could do better. Ollie took advice from his coach and was determined to improve and perform to the best of his ability in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games. 

Coming around the final bend, Ollie was in fourth spot, and he moved to Lane 3 to attack.

He began to gain ground.

He believed he could win.

His incredibly determined finish has etched his name in sporting history. Ollie’s Growth Mindset lay at the foundation of his success.

The link below shows the final moments of this fabulous race:

It is important that we adopt a growth mindset when we face challenge, be it on the sports field, the performing arts, the classroom or any other area of endeavour. 

One must understand that through effort and perseverance, reflection, action and gradual improvement, we will achieve success. Possessing a growth mindset enables one to attain positive results and is key to mastering new skills. 

Our initial response to a challenge should not be ‘I can’t do this’. It should be ‘I can’t do this yet’. 

Congratulations

Swimming

Our swimmers have achieved some outstanding results at the recent State and National Championships. 

NSW State Age Swimming Championships

Kyla Brown, Year 10: 

• Gold 15 years Girls 100m Breaststroke
• Silver 15 years Girls 200m Breaststroke

Caleb Cashman, Year 9:

• Bronze 15 years Boys 400m Individual Medley

Bianca Fuller, Year 12:

• Gold 17/18 years Girls 200m Butterfly                                               
•  Gold 17/18 years Girls 200m Breaststroke                                               
• Silver 17/18 years Girls 200m Individual Medley                                                
• Silver 17/18 years Girls 100m Breaststroke

Australian Schools Championships - Brisbane

We now have a new National Champion, in Bianca Fuller. Bianca won three medals at the Australian School Championships:

• Gold – U17/18 Girls 50m Butterfly
• Silver – U17/18 200m Individual Medley
• Bronze – U17/18 100m Breaststroke

Winter Sport Captains 

Congratulations to our Winter Sports Captains for their leadership and contribution over the Winter months. Thank you.

• Hockey - Taylah Larking & Cailin McKay
• Netball - Ava McMillan
• Football - Charlie Willis
• Rugby - Jono Rasmussen
• Equestrian - Jock Stuart

Rugby 

Congratulations to our Rugby players who were excellent ambassadors for the School last Saturday at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield. It was lovely to receive a tremendous email commending our boys. It read: 

I am a parent from St Pat’s who was volunteering at the rugby BBQ all day on Saturday. It was such a pleasure to serve the Kinross boys. They were such a delight and their manners were excellent. At the end of the day all our parent volunteers were commenting on what lovely young men they are. The Kinross staff also need to be commended for the amazing job they are doing with guiding the boys.

Well done!