As the sun set on the Tokyo Olympic Games last Sunday, I am sure, like many others, reflected on the 16 days of competition and the lessons that had come from them.

The Olympic games offered hope during a time of significant hardship across the world as nations continue to battle the severe impact of COVID-19. Who will ever forget the stories of personal sacrifice, the comradery, hardships and the highlights including our own Ariarne Titmus in the 400m freestyle final. As Katie Ledecky threw everything she had at Titmus, she managed to hang tough then surge past Ledecky on the final lap.

I thought Patrick Tiernan’s run in the 10,000m final was an incredible performance and one of grit and determination. To collapse on the track just 50 metres away from the finish then somehow muster the strength to get across the line and set his season-best time was amazing.

I could go on and on, but these examples provide the perfect foundation for our Year 11s as they head into the SRC Election process in the weeks ahead. Leadership is not all about winning and it is important that the girls reflect on the stories of the Tokyo Olympics as they prepare to take over the leadership reigns from the Year 12 cohort at the end of Term 3.

The Olympics provided some key leadership lessons which include:

Lesson 1: Lead by example

Our Opening Ceremony Flag Bearers Cate Campbell and Patty Mills led their teams from the front and did not back down when the going got tough. It was not a personal success they were chasing; they were competing for their team.

Lesson 2: Surround yourself with the right people and support them

Leadership is not just a personal journey. We heard over and over athletes acknowledging their support teams in their quest for glory.

Lesson 3: Never give up when the going gets tough

In 2013, Emma McKeon was on the verge of quitting and letting her immense potential wash away down the drain. Yet in 2021, she walks away from the Tokyo Olympics as Australia’s greatest and most decorated Olympian after sweeping the competition in the pool, winning another seven medals in Tokyo.

Lesson 4: Be your best

While numerous athletes at the Olympics wanted to win a medal, ultimately, the fact is, there can only be one winner. In life, we must be brave and understand that we will not always get what we want. But that does not mean we don’t try!

Good luck to all Year 11 girls who have put their hand up to be a School Leader in 2022. Whether you are successful or not – be brave and proud of putting yourself forward.

Winter Intercol

This week we are hosting Seymour College in the annual Winter Intercollegiate Competition. Good luck to all girls as we challenge Seymour in debating, soccer, netball, football, badminton and hockey.

While we may not have as many supporters at these games as we would like due to COVID-19 restrictions, we wish all girls the best in their respective competitions.

Foster care packages

The enthusiasm of helping others by our Gold Duke of Edinburgh girls is inspiring.

Although ‘Fun in the Wilderness’, our after-school foster care program is on hold due to COVID-19 restriction, the girls still wanted to maintain their support, contact and connect with the children.

To do this, the girls put together care packages and letters and organised for them to be sent this week. The children will be so excited to receive something in the mail and we look forward to when ‘Fun in the Wilderness’ can return.

Subject selections

A reminder that Subject Selections for 2022 need to be entered online by Monday 16 August for Year 11 girls moving into Year 12 in 2022 and Monday 23 August for Year 10 girls moving into Year 11 in 2022.

Girls need to print their online forms and have them signed by their parents/caregivers before returning them to the Senior School Office.