Message from the Principal

Thought for the week:

'Dream of possibilities that thrill you; be happy and know that you are loved - always.'

Competition can be a two-edged sword. The desire to be better than someone else, rather than the desire to be the best that you can be, can turn one from being a positive team player and one who benefits everyone, into someone for whom win at all costs becomes the only goal. The trouble with that kind of desire for 'winning' is that you discover that even if you do win, the achievement is hollow because you have not loved everyone involved and wanted the best for them too.

Watching the Huntingtower swimming team compete in the EISM Swimming Carnival and then the Champions Carnival, I was struck by the willingness of each team member to sacrifice personal 'glory' for the success of the team, whether a relay team or the whole school team. The focus is on 'personal best' and not just winning – although winning can feel very good when done with the right spirit.

Every one of our swimmers showed a selflessness that made me very proud of all our students. Thank you and congratulations to everyone.

Talking of competition, our students take part in so many competitions because by competing we are forced to bring the best out of ourselves and so they really do shine. We have had some incredible ANZAC results:

I mentioned last year that Hugh Perry won the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Victorian State Final and I now have pleasure in telling you that Hugh was invited to present his speech at the Annual ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students on Wednesday 3 April at the Shrine of Remembrance. He shared the stage with The Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Air Vice Marshal Chris Spence AO and the President of Melbourne Legacy, Hugh Robertson. What an honour! Congratulations to our Hugh. I have asked Hugh to also give his speech at our simple ANZAC service here at school which will be held on Wednesday 24 April at Midday in our PAC.
I have also asked Isambard Knox-Johnson and Logan Ratnarajah to present a precis of their winning essays in the 'Spirit of ANZAC' Competition. As State Winners, Isambard and Logan both won an all-expenses paid trip to Vietnam with the other 'Spirit of ANZAC' State winners. Jasmine Ngo and Martin Grozev were regional winners in the competition and have won a trip to Canberra to visit the Australian War Memorial later this year. What a wonderful achievement. Grateful thanks to Ms Denny, Mr Sankey and Mr Shave, who ran the competition last year. Special thanks also go to Mrs Goddard for her work with and support of Hugh.

Congratulations to everyone on a wonderful House Athletics Carnival. The Quiddich team was excellent and the way they controlled their broomsticks was impressive (must have been written on April 1). Thanks to all the teachers and students involved and to Miss Buhagiar and Mr Green we say a special thanks. We now look forward to the EISM Athletics Carnival early next term. Congratulations to Mather House on winning the Carnival and to all the students for their sportsmanship, determination and support of one another.

A number of students recently raised funds for the Red Cross Doorknock Appeal. Thank you to Mr Wroe and the other teachers who gave up their time to assist and to all the students involved; congratulations on raising over $1400.

We wish all those students and staff going on our educational tour of New Zealand a very happy and constructive time. Thank you to Mr Jones, Miss Ohlert and Mrs Power for supporting this trip.

After a very busy term, a well-deserved break is in order. I wish everyone a happy holiday.

Sholto Bowen OAM

Principal