From the Principal

Finishing Well

As we approach these final weeks of the school year, I want to reflect upon courage, respect and the importance of finishing well.  These values are not just words we refer to in assemblies or House meetings, they are choices we make every day.  And as you prepare to finish the academic year, I want to encourage you to carry these values with you.

As a lover of sports history, I would like to draw upon two powerful examples that demonstrate what it means to finish with courage and dignity.  Let me share two stories from the Olympic Games—two marathon runners separated by sixty years, yet united by the spirit of perseverance.

In 1908, at the London Olympics, an Italian runner named Dorando Pietri entered the stadium first in the marathon.  Exhausted and disoriented, he collapsed several times just short of the finish line. Officials helped him to his feet, guiding him across the line.  Though he was later disqualified because of that assistance, the crowd rose to its feet in admiration.  Pietri’s courage, his refusal to give up despite his body failing him, became legendary. He did not win the medal, but he won the respect of the world.  His story reminds us that courage is not always about victory—it is about refusing to quit, even when the path is hard.

Fast forward to 1968, in Mexico City.  The marathon had long finished, and the medals had been awarded.  But hours later, a runner from Tanzania, John Stephen Akhwari, entered the stadium.  He was injured, his leg bandaged, his pace slow.  Yet he kept going.

When asked why he had not quit, Akhwari replied simply: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race.  They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.” His determination, his respect for the opportunity he had been given, and his commitment to finishing well became one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history.

The following video captures the spirit of the occasion.

Both Pietri and Akhwari teach us something of great importance, finishing matters.  Whether you cross the line first or last, whether you win or lose, what people remember is the courage you showed, the respect you carried, and the effort you gave.

As you finish your classes this year, I encourage you to consider these lessons. Show courage—not just in big moments, but in small ones.  Courage is choosing kindness when it’s easier to ignore someone.  Courage is standing up for what is right, even if it costs you popularity.  Courage is giving your best effort, even when you are tired and ready for the year to end.

Show respect—for your teachers, for your peers, and for yourselves.  Respect means listening, cooperating, and remembering that every person here is part of the same community.  The end of year is a time to enjoy, but also time when respect matters most.

And finally, give your best.  Just as Akhwari finished his race with dignity, finish this school year with pride. Make good decisions.  Choose actions that reflect the values we stand for as a school.  Let your final weeks be marked not by carelessness, but by character.

The year is almost done.  You have run a long race.  Some of you may feel like Pietri, weary and stumbling, while others may feel like Akhwari, carrying burdens but determined to finish.  Wherever you find yourself, remember this: what matters most is not how you started, but how you finish.

So finish well.  Finish with courage.  Finish with respect.  Finish by giving your best.  And when you look back on this year, may you be proud of the way you crossed the line.

Congratulations

Cricket

Phoebe Johnston has been selected for the NSW All Schools team and played with the Breakers (Opens NSW women’s team for a game).  Also the Senior Women’s Western team. 

Freddy Stevens has been selected in the NSW CIS Under 15 Cricket Team, to compete at the NSW All Schools 15 & U Cricket Championships in late November.

Fletcher Byrne U/17 NSW state challenge country Blues team.

Billy Baldwinson, Ben Brazier and Harry Yelland U16 Western Zone Bradman Cup team.

Swimming

Bell Arnot, Year 12, has been awarded the prestigious Hancock Scholarship to pursue her swimming at Bond University.