Junior School News T3 W10 2021
What does it mean to be an Olympian?
Every 4 years a very special time comes around…..the Olympic Games! This year it is Tokyo 2020 where we get to see the very best Australian Athletes in action. But the Olympics provide an opportunity for us to talk with our kids about more than just representing their country at an elite level. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again is a lesson that I try to teach my own children, and all our students at Faith, daily and it can be seen so clearly in the example of the Olympic athlete. The Games are the result of hours, days and years of hard work, training, and discipline. And, whilst our kids may or may not become Olympians in the year 2032 when we host this special event in Brisbane, I do hope that they are inspired by the examples set at the Games. Through perseverance and determination, anything is possible.
Following your dreams is another lesson that we can share with our students when watching the Games – it takes dedication, drive, and pure focus to compete at such a level and this is so often based on a simple dream. Find something that you love and follow your passion. However, I believe that the most valuable lessons are those that are in line with the three values of Olympism; EXCELLENCE – striving to be the very best that you can, recognising and encouraging others to do the same, FRIENDSHIP – the Games are unique in uniting people around the world and RESPECT – for the rules, yourself and most importantly your opponent.
The founder of the Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, believed that not only could sport demonstrate physical excellence, it also had the power to unite people, allowing them to better understand each other irrespective of their differences. On the official website, The Olympic Committee states in their values that, ‘there is more that unites us than divides us and the Olympic movement seeks to ‘contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play’. Such a powerful message to teach our children so perfectly demonstrated through the actions of sporting heroes and role models at the Games. So, when you sit down to enjoy the Games this year, do so in the knowledge that they are more than just a sporting event, they are an opportunity to inspire our children to follow their dreams, play fair and think of others and the way that we can learn from them even when they are different.
FOUNDERS DAY – On Monday, 2 August, is our College Founder’s Day. As part of this celebration, we will be holding a P – 12 Assembly on our Beveridge Road campus. This will be followed by some P – 12 activities around the Secondary school. All Junior school students will be heading over to our Secondary Campus, via bus, to attend this service and will return by bus to our Link Road Campus in time for normal afternoon collection. Students are asked to wear their House shirt and ensure they bring a water bottle and hat for the day. Lunch will be provided in the form of a sausage sizzle and students will eat morning tea before we depart for the Secondary School so, please ensure they bring that in their normal lunch box. Looking forward to a very special day together.
OSHC Open on EKKA Wednesday (11th August) – Our Outside School Hours Care service will be open for families on Wednesday, 11 August – Ekka Wednesday. Operation hours will be as normal 6:30am – 6:00pm. Bookings to be made via email FOSHC@oshc.flcr.qld.edu.au
SPEECH AND DRAMA – Did you know that Mrs Davidson is not just a Year 4 teacher but also a trained and talented Drama and Dance teacher? She loves to see students grow in their talents so why not encourage your child to attend one of our clubs at morning tea or lunch this term? Our Speech and Drama Club has moved to a new time this Term and is now on at Friday morning tea times. Please encourage your child to come along if they are keen to express themselves or grow in confidence. Dance Club is on Tuesday or Wednesday lunch times…check the weekly schedule sent out by Ms Hutchinson each week for more details.
Jodi Blackwell
Head of Junior School
