From the Principal

The whole family rows

‘If a child rows the whole family rows!’

At last weekend’s rowing dinner, I quoted our Head Rowing Coach, Steve Saunders. He used that line to express the commitment that is required for any rower and by extension, the rower’s family. It is a sport where most of the action happens in the dark. To be at Canning Bridge by 5:30am requires considerable commitment and coordination from everyone in the family. 

Well done last weekend to our rowers, their families, our Rowing Coordinator Mr Jerram Gibson and all our coaches for their meritorious performance in the All Schools’ State Championship. Watching our young athletes compete in challenging weather conditions reinforced the skill and commitment required in this wonderful sport. Our College finished in second place overall which was an excellent achievement. However, the final placing is not as important as the effort and energy extended to compete at the best possible level.

I recall a rowing story from another school in the 1980s. It is a school with a wonderful rowing tradition and many years ago it entered a ‘Head of the River’ as a strong favourite to win. During the big race, a large horn was sounded, and its crew stopped rowing thinking a false start was being called. Official and unofficial protests took place.

In the end the wisdom of the school’s Principal prevailed. He called the boys in and calmly spoke:

‘Boys, I know you are disappointed. But if this becomes the biggest disappointment of your life, you are going to lead a pretty happy life.’

Some perspective goes a long way.

The rowing story can be extended to many facets of College life. It is important that we find a mechanism to engage all students in some way. Whether it be through Roncalli Service, our academic program, sport, music, drama, art or MAGIS it is great if we can find a niche or home for everyone. If the student finds multiple homes in these disciplines it is even more special. Well done to our rowers and all students for finding their place in the fabric of John XXIII College life.

Robert Henderson

Principal