Principal's Report

At College, we remain determined that all boys and girls proudly represent College in at least one team sport; experience the sensation of being part of a team; build connection with the local community and create life long memories. Sport remains a wonderful activity for developing character, building friendships and staying healthy. Old Collegian (2014) and Olympian Lara Falk is certainly testament to this and was our special guest at last week’s Summer Sports Assembly. 

Lara was a tremendous Captain of Rowing and Swimming at College but her first love was always Alpine Skiing.  When she graduated from College, it wasn’t long before she became a full time alpine skiing instructor at Mt Hotham. During this formative time, Lara was approached by one of her previous coaches to attend a ski camp with the Australian Paralympic Team. In 2016 Lara became a sighted Guide and was introduced to talented visually impaired alpine skier, Patrick Jensen.  Over the past two years, they have skied together in the 2017 World Para Alpine Championships in Italy as well as the Para Alpine World Cup circuit.  In February 2018, Lara and Patrick were selected to represent Australia at the Pyeong Chang Paralympics.

It was a tremendous honour to welcome Lara back and listen to her journey: “You have a once in a lifetime opportunity at College … make sure you step outside your comfort zone and try something different.” Wise advice indeed from a worthy role model.  We wish Lara every success in her future endeavours and aspirations to represent Australia in Beijing in 2022. She is a wonderful example of our College philosophy that admires students who aspire to ‘be their best’ and who do it with humility, respect and enthusiasm.  

Dr Andrew Hirst