Physical Education

IVANHOE PRIMARY SCHOOL ARE CAUGHT UP IN “ MATILDAS MANIA”!

“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world” (Matilda, by Roald Dahl)

Our Australian Women’s football team, ‘The Matildas’ are working towards making this quote their reality. Going further than any other Australian team in a World Cup, we feel this team has the mindset and energy to go all the way! 

• ‘They've overturned misconceptions of women's sport and more importantly, the place of women in contemporary Australia. They've forced their way to the front through their extraordinary capability, courage and refusal to accept less than everything women deserve and demand that this is where women should be.’( Craig Foster) The Matildas are truly an inspiration to us all, which is why we at IPS are supporting them whole heartily. 

At assembly on Monday we did a Mexican wave and chant to celebrate ‘The Matildas’ win against France. 

Parents and children shared photographs of themselves supporting the Matildas. Either at the stadiums or at home.

And finally on Wednesday this week, the whole school was invited to show their support for the women’s team in their semi-final against England by wearing green and gold.

Alas today we wake up feeling the pain of our loss. As with all difficult emotions, we would not feel this pain if we had not supported them and loved them with all our hearts. Our tears last night were because we truly believed in our team. What a privilege it is to be a Matildas supporter. 

Now go and talk to your people. Rave about the team and talk about our pride. Be careful though, anything you say about the Matildas today is a reflection of YOU AND YOUR CHARACTER, not the team, or the ref, or the Matildas’ Head Coach. Think carefully about it!

Penelope Blanas

Physical Education Specialist 

Classroom Teacher