From the Principal  

What Can we Learn from the Olympic Games?

I admit that I am a self-confessed Olympic Games ‘fanatic’. Going back to 2000 it was a dream to have the games take place 15 minutes from my home and I took every opportunity to attend events and enjoy the culture, atmosphere and performances of athletes from all around the world. 

One could ask what do the Olympics have to do with school and education? I would like to argue that the Olympic Games, a global celebration of athletic excellence and sportsmanship, offer numerous benefits for children and learning. 

One benefit of the Olympic Games for children (and adults) is the inspiration they provide. Watching athletes from diverse backgrounds excel in a wide range of sports can ignite passion for physical activity and motivate children to participate in sport. This enthusiasm often translates into increased involvement in school and community sports programs, promoting a healthier lifestyle and teaching valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These are needed to be successful in learning and in most worthwhile pursuits.

The Olympic Games also highlight the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Young viewers see firsthand the dedication and commitment required to reach the highest levels of sport. This can encourage children to set their own goals, whether in sports, academics, or other areas of life, and to understand that success usually comes from consistent effort and determination. I will never forget Anna Meares, who a few months after a breaking her spine in Cycling, resuming training and competed, to achieve silver. Four years later she was able to win gold in her chosen event, demonstrating commitment, hard work and great resilience, all values that lead to success in other areas of life beyond sport.

In addition to fostering physical fitness and goal-setting, the Olympics promote cultural awareness and global unity. We learn about different countries, cultures, and traditions, broadening perspectives and fostering a sense of global citizenship. 

Lastly, the Olympic Games serve as a platform for showcasing the values of fair play and sportsmanship. Values of sport include respecting opponents, playing by the rules, and handling both victory and defeat with grace. Showing respect for officials and learning that you don’t always win are important lessons. These values are invaluable in helping young people develop personal character and as well-rounded individuals. Jane Saville was amazingly gracious in the Sydney games, being disqualified metres from the stadium after 40 kilometres of race-walking.

Whilst our media often focuses on the gold medals, downplaying those who excel even just to be there or who only achieve bronze or silver, we can all be inspired by the Olympics. Jess Fox is the toast of our country today in winning that elusive gold. Her story of competing at 4 Olympics to finally win that elusive K1 final, is important to note. Out of the disappointment of not winning her pet event previously (despite many World Championships), she trained hard and showed great character to finally succeed. 

I trust that the Olympics are enjoyable for us all, that we take satisfaction in the achievements of our champions but also in the efforts of those who don’t make the podium. I trust too, that some of the lessons of what it takes to succeed, are those that assist our students to grow, attempt to be their best whatever they try, and to grow in character. Citius, Altius, Fortius.

“For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4: 8

“Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” Paul in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

David Smith

Principal