From the Assistant Principal 

From Mrs Hopkins' office....

This week some of our 5/6 students sat the very first Maths Olympiad for the year. The Australasian Maths Olympiads is a competition for students in years 5 and 6 of primary schools and years 7 and 8 of secondary schools from around Australia and New Zealand. It is aimed at challenging participants' maths problem solving abilities. 18 Kalinda students were invited to participate this year and they have all eagerly accepted the challenge.

There are 5 Olympiads during the year, consisting of 5 challenging and varied questions. Students are selected for their Mathematical aptitude but also their problem solving abilities, independence, willingness to complete study tasks at home, and their resilience in the face of real challenge.

I think what makes me proudest is the way that these students have embodied so many of the Play is the Way key concepts in the way in which they have entered this challenge:

Treat others as you would like to be treated: Each student has so far participated in Olympiad training sessions (Maths tutor groups) with great respect towards other competitors and an understanding that we all bring different strengths and virtues to a challenge.

Be brave, participate to progress: Agreeing to join the Olympiad can be confronting because for our capable mathematicians, this is a challenge that really pushes them beyond their current experiences. It is sometimes daunting to agree to challenge yourself beyond a point where you are 100% certain you can succeed.

It takes great strength to be sensible: Joining the Olympiad team requires independent ‘drive’ and it is amazing to see our students willing to be self-motivated in their preparation and study – as well as contributing to weekly sessions with maturity and focus.

Pursue your personal best, no matter who you work with: Accepting a place on the Olympiad team does not guarantee students they will be working with their close friends. Our Olympiad students demonstrate a willingness to challenge and improve their own learning.

We are incredibly proud of these students for accepting the challenge that is presented to them with an invitation to join the Olympiad team. Thank you to Helen Thompson who has worked tirelessly with our students to prepare them for their first Olympiad and we wish them luck for the remaining challenges.