Last week we held our Sports Presentation Assembly. As a passionate advocate for PDHPE and Sport, I know the importance of participation in healthy activity and the many benefits realised for improving our health and well-being. This event was initiated to recognise our students who have excelled and served in the sports arena and it has become a special tradition in the life of the College.

In my office I have a drawing given to me by one of the players from a representative Basketball team that I coached many years ago. Our team mantra was a word called DITTO; something I designed to help remind our team about our attitude to training and playing.

• D = Desire.

If you want to improve and achieve your goals you really need to have the passion and desire to reach them, and the belief that all things are possible.

• I = Intelligence.

You have to be smart to play sport well. As one example, you need to be able to analyse unfolding situations quickly and adapt and pivot where necessary.

• T = Tuff!

There are many times when I have seen players sliding across the floor to get to a ball first, or persevered through really tough training sessions, knowing the benefit they will gain from working hard, such a lesson in showing how resilient human beings can be.

• T = Team

No matter what sport you are involved in, you are part of a team. Each of us need each other to realise our God given talents and strengths. Having the humility to recognise the role that others play in an individual’s success and honouring them for this is crucial.

• O = Hours.

You will have to give me some poetic licence here with the silent ‘H’. It takes hours and hours of practice to master a skill. This is where the concept of 10 000 hours comes from. I say it takes hours and hours of perfect practice to master a skill.

DITTO is not just applicable for sport, it is actually applicable for achievement in many areas. The focus of our school this year is leadership. That picture still sits in my cabinet and I am mindful of how I have applied this saying in the way I lead myself. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had in sport and these experiences have influenced me in my position as a Principal today.

Congratulations to each of our students who have been recognised for their sporting achievements in 2025. No matter what you do in life, may your experiences strengthen and develop you in ways that bring benefit.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!”

Ecclesiastes 9:10