Headmaster's Weekly Address

Last Saturday saw the APS Athletics championships, a wonderful celebration for the school and of our involvement in the APS competition. Whatever way we look at the results, our athletes did us proud in every event. I would like to pay particular tribute to our Year 12 team members who have made a great contribution to St Kevin's athletics over many years. I have great admiration for the reserves in the squad because they work as hard as those who run on the day, yet often do not get the chance to compete. This year, due to injury, a number of these boys finally earned their chance to run and did so with great distinction. Their perseverance and commitment to the team was justly rewarded and they taught us an important message in life. We hold the ideal of being humble in victory and gracious in defeat; our athletes displayed the degree of sportsmanship characteristic of a Kevinian of whom we are proud. Our particular thanks to TIC of Athletics, Mr Luke Travers, for his leadership, as well as to his team of dedicated coaches comprising staff, former students and outside coaches who all provide expertise and self-confidence for our athletes.

Every male, however much he puts on an indifferent exterior, will spend his life waiting at some deep level to know that his son or father loves him and respects him. This message is of critical importance and yet we too often hesitate to say it. It is not the words that matter. The message is important however it is conveyed, whether through a tone of respect, a liking of each other, a hug or a touch. It is vital that we find a way to show affection. A large number of our Year 10 and 11 boys, along with their fathers, have recently completed the Time and Space program, sponsored by the Fathers' Association. This program, in its essence, encourages fathers and sons to have profound conversations with each other and find avenues for expressing their love.

I had the privilege of attending a dinner last week to witness the fathers of our boys stand with their sons, in front of family, and express their love. To hear the fathers speak honestly of their admiration and respect for their son was an experience I will treasure. Congratulations to the boys and Dads who volunteered to participate in this terrific program.

Our final theatre productions for the year took place last week at the Waterford Campus. For many performers, this was their first experience on stage, and it was clear they all enjoyed the experience. Under the enthusiastic direction of Ms Nadia Cullen, our Year 7 students, in partnership with Sacre Coeur, performed The Little Prince with great distinction. Mrs Edwina Christie provided her expertise in directing Cyrano de Bergerac, the Year 8 production which we undertook in partnership with Korowa. The double-bill concludes what has been a wonderful festival of the performing arts this year. Our twelve productions have provided our boys with authentic learning experiences that stimulate their hearts, minds and bodies. Such experiences are much in keeping with the school's tradition of nurturing the performing arts which are an essential ingredient in the education of our young men.

With the departure of the graduating class of 2009 the baton of student leadership has begun to be handed over. The following Summer Sports Captains were presented to the College at Assembly this week.

Matthew Hutchison
Acting Headmaster