Heads of House

The importance of sport in the athletic, social and emotional wellbeing of young people

Sport has a unique way of building character in all who participate. The QLD Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament held in the first week of the holidays is a big one hosting the best of the best from all over Queensland. For tournaments of this size, there are nerves to manage and skills to hone. 

Mount Alvernia did not have the best games in the early rounds. It takes the skills of a great coach to get those games out of the players’ heads and focus on the next round. It requires players to listen intently to the wisdom of their coach; remember everything they have learned in their drills; and bring it to the court. It is important to work together – coaches and players - to make all this happen. A supportive and optimistic sideline is also helpful.  All of these aligned allowing Mount Alvernia to make the grand final.

Now, let’s look beyond the court. While everyone would love a ‘dream ride’ to the finals, this bumpy road has proven to be beneficial for everyone involved. I’ve no doubt Ms Tamara Richardson is a better coach after this tournament. Having to turn the frowns of disappointment into gritted-teeth go-getters would have required everything in the coaching kit and more. Our students have experienced failure and disappointment yet found the courage to learn from it, go again and succeed both as individuals and as vital members of a team. 

We cannot help but feel a little bit excited that these skills will transpire to the classroom. Ms Richardson and netball have created an immune response to stress and disappointment. Ms Richardson and netball have also created the opportunity to see what is possible with hard work and determination. It is an immune response and vision we would love to see in all students here and the world beyond when they leave.

While Mt A may not have the shield, we hope the well-deserved and shiny runner-up medal around their necks is a constant reminder of everything achieved during the QISSN week. It’s epic!

The work of Ms Charmaine Ferguson and her team providing sport opportunities through CaSSSA is vital in the athletic, social and emotional development of our young people. We hope all our students avail themselves of this service in their efforts to try new things and build their character. Long live sport - especially sports that develop girls. 

A timely reminder to thank all staff that put their hand up to coach and guide – not only in sport but all the extra-curricular activities Mt A offers. Thank you!