“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”Nelson Mandela, 2000
Throughout the course of a year, we do a great job of recognising the outstanding achievements of Haileybury students in sport; not only in APS and AGSV First competitions, but also at national and international events and tournaments. Just as important though, is the vast majority of students who go out each week and do their best at all levels — those Hearts and Bloods that have worn the badge with pride and passionately contributed to team success (and sometimes failure), whilst always having fun with existing and new friends from across our Haileybury campuses.
I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of those students who reflect the essence of sport at Haileybury:
Alan (Year 12) – Throughout his time at Haileybury, Alan has been a dedicated member of the athletics program, driven by his goal to represent the school in the Open 4x100m relay at APS Athletics Day. Over the past few years, he has competed in two relays and the discus, showcasing his passion for the sport and unwavering support for his teammates’ success on the big stage. This year, through persistence and consistent training, Alan earned his spot in the 4x100m Open relay team during the final practice meet and proudly competed on APS Day. His enthusiasm and team spirit were infectious, inspiring his teammates and contributing to Haileybury’s success.
In late November, the following Year 12 students were awarded Senior School Sport Service Colours. Not necessarily related to First team selection, these students have represented Haileybury with passion and desire across six consecutive seasons of APS competition, exhibiting outstanding commitment to the Haileybury sports program. We would like to thank Angelia, Sasha, Hannah, Sarah, Amelie, Ollie, Max, Hamish, Harry, Freddy, Astin, Joshua, Leon, Senon, Jack, Oliver, Gabriel and Julian.
A call-out to the girls from Years 7 and 8 who played in the Open 3rd XI cricket team, all participating in cricket for the first time. They trained hard in the nets each Tuesday afternoon and then applied their learnings on match day, with each of them experiencing the joy of taking their first wicket and the buzz of bat on ball for the first time. Well done, girls.
Athlete of the Week awards at Castlefield – we would like to congratulate students from Years 5 and 6 at Castlefield, who each received Athlete of the Week awards throughout 2024. These awards are voted for by their peers and recognise a student’s contribution as a teammate, more so than their individual performances. Teammates who were fun to play with, those who supported their teammates to get better and who played the game in the right spirit were all acknowledged for their most important contributions. Congratulations to all of you on your awards.
On a personal note, I want to thank all those parents and carers who each weekend set the alarm, brave the Melbourne elements and fight the weekend traffic in order to get your little Stars out on the pitch or the stage, in the pool or to the track. I love the way you passionately support them to perform at their best and hope you get as much joy from the Haileybury sports program as I have over my short time here. Merry Christmas to all, wishing you a safe holiday period and looking forward to seeing you in 2025.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
