Beaches COVERED. Issue 34 Spring Style

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT QUEENWOOD

At Queenwood, their extensive cocurricular program is crafted to cater to the interests of every girl. The school boasts exceptional facilities and a team of highly qualified specialist staff who are devoted to bringing out the best in each student. Participation levels vary; some girls engage for the joy of group activity with friends, while others pursue goals of elite competition. This dedicated effort and perseverance have enabled Queenwood to not only excel at state and national levels but also on the global stage.

Recently, the school attained significant international triumph. Four senior students were chosen to represent the Australian Junior Women’s Coxed Four in the U19 World Rowing Championships that took place in Paris. This is a historic moment as it marks the first time a girls’ school in New South Wales has had an entire crew representing Australia. Additionally, two coaches from the school were also appointed to guide the selected crew during the event.

This is just one of many Queenwood students’ successes. We spoke with some of the girls including some who are Northern Beaches locals, who shared their experiences and how their skills and involvement helped other areas of their school life.

IMOGEN GREY, YEAR 12 – ROWING

What does it mean to you to reach this level in rowing? If someone asked me when I started rowing if I would be representing my country, I would have laughed and walked away. To say I am proud of myself and the team is an understatement. The effort and hard work that has gone into reaching this level is something I cannot describe.

If you could give one piece of advice to other young people interested in joining a crew, what would it be? ‘Never give up’. The piece of advice is simple but powerful. If you truly believe that you can reach your goals and dreams, then you have the power in your hands to work hard and reach them.

If you put in the effort every day, both mentally and physically, there’s nothing stopping you. Rowing has opened doors I didn’t know existed.

ALICE THOMPSON YEAR 12 – FOOTBALL

What is your earliest memory with sport? How did you become interested in football? My earliest memory of playing football in a team was playing for Seaforth in the Under-5s, in a mixed team with my best friend, and my dad as the coach. It was my two older brothers who really encouraged me to start playing, as I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

How have your skills and involvement in football helped you with other areas of your school life? It has taught me to work hard and to try to get along with everyone, no matter how different you are. It also taught me to move forward from disappointment and it’s okay to have bad training days or games, where

you didn’t play as well as you hoped. Acknowledging your bad days can help you appreciate the successful ones.

What do you hope to do in the future? I want to continue competing in the National Premier League (NPL) 1st-grade division, with my sights set on progressing to the A-League. However, my overarching ambition is to join the ranks of the Matildas. I want to inspire other young girls and boys to start playing football and learn to love the game as much as I do.

LILY MAYNARD-FALLON YEAR 10 – FENCING

What do you put your sporting success down to? Undoubtedly, hard work has been a cornerstone of my journey, and the dedicated hours to fencing over eight years. The consistent practice, cross-training, and the guidance of my coaches have been instrumental in honing my skills. It has been the camaraderie and encouragement from my teammates, who I have grown very close to, that has really helped me overcome challenges and continue improving as a fencer.

What’s the most valuable lesson that you’ve learnt during your involvement with Fencing? Fencing has shown me an important lesson about time and progress. Challenges that feel huge right now can become meaningful experiences and lessons later on. This idea has helped me when I feel stuck or frustrated, reminding me to keep going. Even if it seems like I’m not moving forward, the journey itself helps

me get better as long as I keep trying. It’s important to know that success isn’t just about winning. Learning from both wins and losses makes me a stronger and more adaptable competitor.

MAYA BILLINGHAM

YEAR 12 – SNOWBOARDING

What is the key to your sporting success? For me, success has come through hard work, perseverance through cold days and injury, and most importantly self-belief and full confidence in what I am doing. I have been lucky enough to dedicate around 50-60 days each Australian season, and over three months during European seasons to my training, which put me on the world stage. None of this would have been possible without full support from my parents, friends, and school.

How did you become interested in snowsports? What made you choose snowboarding? My family encouraged me to participate in snowsports from a very young age. Both my Mum and Dad were good skiers, and I had my first ever trip to the Snowy Mountains at six months old, and at the age of two and a half I was on skis. I have participated in a ski trip or race training program every Winter since then.

What advice would you give to other students looking to participate or succeed in sport? Invest in yourself. Be the one to wake up early in the morning, and get Mum and Dad out of bed, because to succeed in sport you need to be the one to take ownership of your life and make the decision about what’s best for you.

At Queenwood, the school believes in nurturing not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of their students. Their cocurricular program empowers girls to discover their passions, overcome challenges and build essential life skills. Whether you dream of representing your country or simply enjoying a new activity, the supportive environment at the school will guide you every step of the way. •