From the Head of Preparatory School

Reflecting on my time at school, one of my most precious memories was the enjoyment of playing sport, particularly team sport. I just loved having a go at anything—football, cricket, tennis, cross country. You name it. I tried it.

For a long time, it was about fun and enjoyment: the opportunity to enjoy physical activity with my friends and make connections with boys who share a similar interest, being part of a team working towards common goals and playing for nothing more than the love of the game.

As I look back now, I can see the many benefits and important life skills that sport provides. Teamwork, resilience, dealing with frustration and disappointment, resolving conflicts and solving problems are some of the many reasons we play sport. It was sport that taught me the link between training and skill development, hard work and improvement.

As a school, we have enjoyed a successful Term 1 season of debating, volleyball and cricket, with a number of strong performances across the School. It was wonderful to witness the connections our Prep boys made with boys in the Senior School. Whether it be enjoying a burger and chips while watching the First XI, having senior volleyball players supporting Prep teams or getting tips and advice from our senior debaters, it is clearly evident that our boys have enjoyed their sport.

It was interesting to read that, according to the recent AusPlay survey data, only 31 per cent of children in Australia aged between 5 and 11 are engaged in sporting activities. Further, for children aged 12 to 14, that increases to 33 per cent. I think, however, participation rates amongst our Churchie boys would well surpass these statistics.

I recently watched a video on YouTube that highlights the pressures for children to continue to play sport. Posted to the ESPN channel, the video features a 9-year-old boy fronting a press conference to announce his retirement from sport at the tender age of 9. For many children, sport has become more of a chore rather than fun. This video is clearly highlighting the pressures placed upon children to play sport. The boy cites that the pressure it takes to play sport at his age is clearly too much. The constant advice from coaches and parents, being left on the bench when the game was on the line has taken the fun away from sport. This video was an interesting strategy to highlight to parents and coaches that sport at this age, particularly for our Prep boys, is about fun, enjoyment and participation.

As a school, we understand and aim to provide a wide variety of sporting opportunities. In an increasingly disconnected world, our cocurricular experiences build community, a sense of identity and belonging for our boys. While it is important to play for premierships, wins and trophies, it is also a reminder that sport is about more than winning. It is about the love of the game and enjoying the many benefits of sport and taking that passion and life lessons into our adult life.

Mark Wyer
Head of Preparatory School