From the Principal 

There were some wonderful examples of sportsmanship on display last week as both Senior and Junior Schools held their House Swimming Carnivals. Congratulations to the House Captains and all members of the winning Houses:

• Berry House at Junior School 
• Young House at Senior School. 

I had a number of comments from parents and grandparents at the events, noting the way that students congratulated and encouraged others as they made their way down the pool. This was done for members of their own house, as well as for others. What was most pleasing to me was the encouragement and cheering in those races where the last swimmer was well behind the others, and perhaps struggling to get down the pool. Students from all houses would move to the edge of the pool and cheer this swimmer until they made it. 

It is sometimes difficult to describe what is best about our culture; it’s perhaps easier to give an example, and that is a great one. As we finalise our Strategic Directions for the next five years or so, we have reaffirmed our College values and tried to articulate what they mean in practice. Both swimming carnivals showed that we are largely on the right track when we say that our values in action push us to:

• believe in ourselves and the goodness of others
• value effort as well as reward
• show kindness to all
• give respect and seek to earn it
• engage broadly and whole-heartedly with the world. 

Well done to all students for the way in which you participated, encouraged and brought out the best in each other and in our school.