This Issue’s Welcome Article is by Assistant Principal Oriana Constable
The Paris Olympics are underway and I spent much of the weekend watching the Opening Ceremony, and athletes from all over the world perform in the pool, on the courts and fields, and on the streets of Paris. Seeing teams float along the Seine during the ceremony reminded me of the power of sport to break down barriers, unite people, and showcase diverse cultures.
There’s something undeniably special about the Olympics. Like many others, I find myself staying up late to watch sports I wouldn’t normally be interested in (did you know ‘breaking’ is a sport?). Whether I’m watching events on the big screen TV from the couch, on my phone on public transport, or on the iPad from the warmth of my bed in the early hours of the morning, I’m suddenly invested in a soccer match, a fencing duel, or a race through whitewater rapids, and I’m riding the highs and lows as the athletes put absolutely everything they’ve got into their events. As it turns out, it’s not just me, but every staff member and student I’ve spoken with this week had something exciting to share about a sport or event at the Olympics that they had watched.
Reflecting on the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect, I see these values demonstrated by the remarkable athletes in both their Deeds and Words. The camaraderie among teams, coaches, family members, and athletes as they celebrate and console each other is inspiring. In our recent Secondary Assembly, Rev Alison shared Derek Redmond’s story from the Barcelona Olympics. Together we watched the moving footage of the athlete’s father running onto the track to support his son to finish the race he trained so hard for. In the coming weeks there will no doubt be many displays of sportsmanship and ‘teachable moments’ for us to discuss as a community. We’re also excited to host Alumni Katerina Paul, a cross-country skier, and Winter Olympian and World Champion Snowboarder Scotty James, who will share their experiences and inspire our students to dream big.
Just like a well-executed synchronised dive, there is a strong alignment between the Olympic ideals and our own School Values; we too, strive for excellence and encourage our students to be the best they can be. Just as athletes dedicate years of hard work and perseverance to reach the pinnacle of their sport, our students strive to be their best in all aspects of school life; whether in academics, performing arts, visual arts or sports, these ideals encourage our students to set high goals and work with the support of their teachers, to achieve them. Watching athletes support and celebrate each other is much the same as celebrating friendship at Tintern. It is about creating caring and connected communities, through the promotion of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support. Giving students opportunities to form friendships across different classes and year levels, cultures, and backgrounds enriches our School and contributes to our inclusive and supportive environment, much like the athletes’ village.
Considering our recent redesign of the School Wardrobe, I’ve thought more about Olympic uniforms than I might have ordinarily. From the Swarovski crystals on Simone Biles’ leotard to the high fashion outfits of the French team and the Mongolian team’s embroidered vest, uniforms are more than just functional sportswear. Olympic athletes take immense pride in wearing their national colours and it reminds them of the values and expectations they represent and share. Similarly, our new School Wardrobe, The Tintern Collection: Celebrating 150 years, can instil pride and responsibility in our students, reminding them of our shared values, traditions and collective goals. Our House colours, worn during events like the House Cross Country last week, also create a visual and symbolic connection, encouraging students to support and uplift each other, contributing to a greater sense of belonging.
This week Mr Fry will share some updates with the community about our exciting new School Wardrobe which students will transition to over the next two years and will be available to purchase later this year.
Oriana Constable | Assistant Principal
