From the Deputy Principal

Representing the School

Over the last few weeks we have had a number of children represent the school at SAPSASA events. This is an important experience for any child as they take pride in competing against other schools. Netball and Basketball are also currently coming to an end of their semester long seasons. We are thankful to parents and friends who volunteer their time to ensure that our sport program provides these opportunities. It is critical that this time and effort from volunteers is supported by the whole community. It is easy to fill out a nomination form and agree to a code of conduct, but following through with the commitment isn’t always so easy.

If you and your child have made the commitment to represent the school on the sports field, this is about much more than participating in the game. Showing up on time, communicating with coaches regarding availability and respecting coaches during the game are non-negotiables. If we cannot rely on this level of commitment it makes it very difficult to find coaches and field teams. Please support our volunteers!

As we move into the second half of our sport season, just a reminder that the emphasis is on participation. Some players will not sign up again for a new season and some children may nominate for the first time. This means that your child’s team will be different to last season, either in a minor way or in a substantial way. Miss Bartlett spends an enormous amount of time placing children in teams to maximise player participation, not parent preferences. If you feel that ‘A-grade and B-grade’ teams should be implemented or that guarantees should be made that teams will not change from one season to another, school sport at St Paul might not be for your family. And you know what, that’s ok too. At St Paul we have a very clear code of conduct that is provided at the start of each season.  Maybe the most important point in the section designed specifically for parents states, ‘Remember, children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.’

Each child and family comes to school sport looking for something different. It could be a chance to try something new, make new friends, develop new skills etc. Every reason is valid, and every reason is deeply personal. Please remember this when your reasons and values or on display at your child’s training or game. 

Jason Fay | Deputy Principal