Principal Team Editorial

At the end of my career, when I’m old and grey (yes, I might already be there), and I look back at my career, there will be some moments that I will always remember in vivid detail.

On the last day of term 1, Friday 8th April, the last 5.8km’s of the 45 km iCan challenge was an example of everything that is great about my job.

I joined the last group of walkers for the final stretch and in that group was Year 11 student Amber Holloway. Amber was in significant pain. Multiple large blisters and muscles riddled with pain meant that she was describing the simple motions of the last 10 or so kilometres as feeling like walking on broken glass. Amber could have stopped and jumped on the support bus to put her feet up and finish her day. But she didn’t and she wouldn’t. Instead she only contemplated finishing by walking every step, no matter how much it hurt. What was evident to me in this last leg was further evidence that we have amazing teachers at our school. Mr Bott refused to join the walkers at the front and be the first to finish, instead sticking with the back group the whole way, continually encouraging, supporting and sometimes distracting the students who were finding it tough. I know Mr Bott was more proud of the efforts of those towards the back, who battled through the pain than he would have been about his own efforts of completing the 45 k’s. The tears of relief and probably joy, when she crossed the finish line was probably as proud a moment as you could have as a school leader.

Forty other intrepid, determined walkers consisting of students, staff and parents also completed this physical challenge, and they all pushed through the pain barrier to raise vitally need funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. It was great to see our community get behind the event, raising just over $26,000.

I want to thank all participants, support staff and donators for their support of this soon to be regular event.