Heads of House 

Strive, Support, Connect

As we are all currently setting the alarm clocks and waking up to see our Olympians achieve greatness, I thought what an opportunity to reflect on the Australian Olympic values and draw inspiration from some incredible success our country is having and see how the Olympic values can also guide us here a Mount Alvernia College. 

Strive: It Takes a Village

Australian swimmer Emma McKeon’s success is a testament to the collective effort behind an athlete's journey. Her achievements are not hers alone but the result of her coaches, family, and support staff. In high school, striving means setting goals and working diligently towards them, much like McKeon’s dedication to her training. Success is a result of personal effort and the support from teachers, classmates, and family. Collaborate with peers, seek help from teachers, and participate in study groups. Your village—family, friends, and teachers—is there to help you succeed.

Support: The Impact of Role Models

Jess Fox, speaks about mentors who guided her and she has to look no further than her Mum- Myrium fox-Jerusalim, a gold medallist in 1996 and Dad Richard Fox, a five time world champion.  Coaches, teachers, older students all role models provide guidance and inspiration. Fox’s journey shows the power of someone to look up to. A supportive teacher can ignite a passion for a subject, and a senior student who excels can inspire others to balance their pursuits effectively. Learn from their experiences and develop resilience and a positive mindset, just as Fox has done now achieving greatness and being our very own flag bearer. 

Connect: Who Makes It Happen

The camaraderie in the Australian women’s hockey team, the Hockeyroos, highlights the importance of connections. Building relationships with teammates, coaches, and fans creates a supportive environment. In high school, connecting with classmates and teachers fosters growth and learning. Participate in group activities, clubs, and sports teams to develop social skills, teamwork, and a sense of community. Understanding different perspectives and cultures promotes empathy and collaboration, crucial skills for life.

The Olympics teach us that success is about striving together, supporting one another, and building connections. Embrace these values in your daily life. Set goals, work hard, seek guidance, and build strong relationships. It takes a village to succeed, and by supporting each other and connecting with those around us, we can achieve great things in school and life. As we watch our Olympians strive for gold, let’s bring these values into our lives. Strive, support, and connect—and see how far you can go.

53.7%. 261 (53.7%) of the Team members were female, a record percentage for Australia. (Australian Olympic committee)