School of Entrepreneurs
From the SOE Head of School
From Paris to the Classroom: Olympic Inspiration for our Students
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,
With the 2024 Paris Olympics coming to an end shortly, it is timely to reflect on the array of inspiring stories and remarkable achievements. These games have showcased not only the athletic prowess of competitors from around the globe but also their dedication, resilience and the spirit of unity. As we reflect on these moments, I wish to highlight how the lessons learned from the Olympics can be applied to the academic journey and personal growth of our students.
Lesson 1: Olympic athletes face numerous challenges, from intense training regimes to the pressure of performing on the world stage. Many of them experience setbacks, injuries or defeats, yet they persist. Take, for example, the story of Simone Biles, who overcame immense pressure and mental health challenges to make a triumphant return to gymnastics. Her journey teaches us that resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming obstacles. When faced with difficult subjects or challenging exams, remember that perseverance is crucial. Just as athletes train consistently and seek support when needed, students can achieve their goals through sustained effort and by asking for help from teachers and peers when necessary.
"It's about pushing through the tough moments and believing in yourself. You have to give it everything, even when it feels impossible."
(Jess Fox, Australian gold medallist in the women's kayak single event)
Lesson 2: Olympians set clear, long-term goals and break them down into manageable steps. Their focus on these goals, along with the discipline to stick to their training plans, is a vital part of their success. For instance, Eliud Kipchoge’s (Kenya) pursuit to break the two-hour marathon barrier was achieved through meticulous planning, unwavering focus, and incremental progress. This teaches students the importance of setting clear academic and personal goals for themselves. Break these goals into smaller, achievable tasks and stay focused on them. Whether it’s improving your grades in a specific subject, mastering a new skill or preparing for exams, having a clear roadmap will guide you towards success.
Lesson 3: The Olympics are not just about individual glory, they are also a testament to the power of teamwork. The French women’s handball team, for instance, displayed exceptional teamwork and communication, leading them to victory. Their success was a result of each member playing their part and supporting one another. Teamwork is equally important in your academic journey. Students are encouraged to engage in group projects, participate in study groups and collaborate with their peers. Sharing knowledge, supporting each other and working towards common goals can enhance their learning experience and lead to greater achievements.
Lesson 4: The Olympics bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, promoting the values of diversity and inclusion. The past stories of athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who became the first Olympic gold medalist for the Philippines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, highlight the importance of embracing different perspectives and supporting each other regardless of our differences. Embrace diversity in our school community. Learn from your peers who come from different backgrounds and cultures. Respect and celebrate these differences, as they enrich our learning environment and broaden our perspectives.
Lesson 5: Athletes understand the importance of maintaining a balance between physical health, mental and social wellbeing and performance. The emphasis on mental health at the 2024 Olympics, with athletes like Naomi Osaka openly discussing their struggles, highlights the significance of looking after one's overall wellbeing. Strive for a healthy balance between your studies, extracurricular activities, casual/part time work and personal life. Prioritise your mental and physical health, take breaks when needed and ensure you have time for relaxation and hobbies. A balanced approach will enhance your overall performance and wellbeing.
As we move forward in our academic year, let the stories from the 2024 Paris Olympics inspire our students to strive for excellence, embrace challenges and support one another. Just like the athletes, our students have the potential to achieve great things through dedication, hard work and a positive mindset. Ponder on these lessons in your discussions with your son/daughter to keep this at the forefront of their mind throughout the remainder of the year.
Ms Jacqui Genovese - Head of School, School of Entrepreneurs
AROUND THE SOE GROUNDS
Join Us for the Creative Contributors Showcase!
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Creative Contributors Showcase, a special event featuring exceptional works produced by students from the School of Entrepreneurs and the School of Leadership.
This showcase is a fantastic opportunity for our talented students to share their projects and achievements with the community. It is not only a celebration of their hard work and dedication but also a testament to the collaborative and innovative spirit we foster here at our school.
We invite all parents and community members to come and witness the creativity, ingenuity, and leadership of our students. Tickets will be available shortly. Stay tuned for more information on how to secure your spot at this exciting event.
Event Details:
- Date: 10th September 2024
Year 10 HSIE
Year 10 completed their Junior History career at the end of last term. Whilst many students will be continuing with their studies in the senior years, last term brought to an end History as a subject for some students. To make the final lesson memorable, Mr Fucile brought in his own collection of historical sources and students undertook an investigation into what the sources could tell us. The students really enjoyed being able to examine the sources.
Year 12 Student House Leaders
On Thursday August 1st, a group of Year 12 House Leaders were invited to attend a Student Leaders Morning Tea at NSW Parliament House. The event was hosted by Prue Car, our Member for Londonderry, Minister for Education and Deputy Premier. Our students got to network with other leaders and enjoy a private tour of both lower and upper houses, even performing a role play to depict Question Time. This excursion presented a great opportunity to start thinking about leadership opportunities beyond school and getting involved in community matters that spark their interests.
The students were Rishika Tiwari, Jayke Jota, Jordyn Turner, Shannon Sheeny, Mehar Singh and Rosary Tima, who should be commended on how well they represented themselves and the St Luke’s learning community.
Mrs Antoinette Roach
Year 9 and 10 Duke of Ed
On July 1st and 2nd, 38 Year 9 and 10 students set out on the Great North Walk from Mt Kuring-gai to Crosslands Reserve. A BIG thank you to Mr Fucile, Mr Wittmann and Ms Warnant for chaperoning this overnight trip and giving up time away from the comfort of your home and loved ones. Read about our Duke of Ed Practice Journey below! Thank you to Jeremiah Atienza for this write up -
From Monday morning to Tuesday afternoon, our Duke of Edinburgh group embarked on an unforgettable camping adventure. We kicked off the journey by getting dropped off at the start of a scenic track that led us to our campsite. The hike, though challenging, was filled with laughter and focused teamwork, making a couple of hours fly by.
Upon reaching our site, we set up our tents and rewarded ourselves with a well-deserved lunch. However, we weren’t the only ones with an appetite. Bush turkeys, the cheeky little rascals, attempted to snatch our food, providing us with an unexpected wildlife encounter.
We gathered around a crackling campfire as evening approached, roasting marshmallows to golden perfection. The warmth of the fire and the gooey treats created a perfect atmosphere for storytelling and bonding. Afterwards, we broke out the Uno cards and other games, filling the air with friendly competition and laughter.
Despite the fun, the night brought its own set of challenges. The weather took a turn for the worse, with cold temperatures and heavy rain making our tents uncomfortable. Sleep was scarce, and we woke up groggy but with a sense of accomplishment.
The next morning, we had the relief of happiness of not having to hike back due to the rain making the track for the way out too dangerous. Instead, we relaxed, chatted, and entertained ourselves with more card games and our phones while waiting for the bus. When it finally arrived around noon, we were all exhausted. The bus ride back was a quiet one, with most of us catching up on much-needed sleep.
Back at school, some of us dashed home to freshen up, while others stayed until the end of the school day, sharing stories and reliving the adventure.
This trip was more than just a camping experience. It was a testament to our resilience, teamwork, and the joy of unplugging from the daily grind to embrace nature and friendship. We may have returned tired and a bit soggy, but the memories we made are sure to last a lifetime.
Mrs Antoinette Roach