From the Principal

SO MUCH MORE THAN WINNING

In recent times the story of declining human wellbeing across the globe is, according to statistics, reaching epidemic proportions, especially in developed countries. It is always important to question the data in the first instance – is it that there is more reporting of mental health issues? Is it that there are changing definitions of mental health? Or is it that societies are focused so much on high standards of living that the emphasis is on financial and economic outcomes and not quality of life?

Recently, Naomi Osaka’s refusal to be interviewed at the end of a tennis match at the French Open caused ripples of debate around the world about how to ‘judge’ wellbeing. As is usual through social media, there were riveting dichotomies expressed. Some vehemently supported Naomi’s right to look after her mental health, and others vehemently opposed Naomi’s decision arguing that, as a top tennis player, she knows the responsibility players have to support the media and sponsors. Naomi had indeed financially benefitted from these systems that are interdependent.

Whatever one’s belief about this issue, there are many more examples of how vulnerable our young people feel when their lives become dominated by something bigger than them, and when their own decision-making becomes overwhelmed by the demands of others the perceived responsibility to please others, rather than look after themselves. The examples in sport are profound because of the professional culture that has washed into schools, and it is all about the money.

Raelene Castle is one of our most influential sport administrators, having broken many barriers in the maleorientated world of sport. Becoming the CEO of an NRL team in Australia, and then the CEO of Rugby Australia, Raelene says she still carries the scars of those experiences. Having experienced school sport in a more amateur environment, Raelene believes that it should protect our young people from high pressure cookers, a result of the hugely high stakes in the professional world of sport. While we are very proud of our amazing sports men and women, we should take extreme care to make sure that school sport is enjoyable and that any demands move at the pace and ability of the student, and not the uncompromising and dehumanising contractual systems of professional sport.

Achieving a scholarship at a highquality university is a great aim for many talented students but it isn’t within the range of some. The early pressure of expectations in sport, arts and academic outcomes can have long-lasting negative effects if the heart and soul is not owned by the student themselves. In awe of her talent and ability, we once experienced a highly talented young sprinter who could easily have qualified for the Olympics, but she just didn’t enjoy the sport. No matter how coaches, parents and the rest of us encouraged and cajoled her, no amount of encouragement changed her mind. How many athletes today would feel that they can make such decisions when there is so much money and fame promised?

While there are many thousands of articles providing advice about wellbeing and how to keep our young people in a healthy space, the great benefits of sport and fitness have somewhat been overtaken by the prospecting of students in their schools. Exacerbating the dilemma for schools is the growing presence of live televised sport. The recent agreement between College Sport and Sky Sport to televise a wider range of school sports will intensify exposure to a new level of high-stakes outcomes. It also poses questions about privacy and how schools can normalise these new impositions on school life. It is not only successes that will be analysed, but failures and mistakes in a new highly visible environment .when most of those participating will be very young and unable to handle the effect on their personal wellbeing.

Like many issues we face in the world today, we seem to let common sense be eclipsed by the next big idea in technology and entertainment – regardless of the human impact. Along with social media, our young people are already dealing with enough pressures in their lives. Getting back to why we do sport is essential and, from memory, it was about wellbeing and building a lifelong love of fitness and camaraderie that would lead to a healthy and fulfilled life. School sport should be all about just that.

At Diocesan our aim is to provide a whole range of sport so that everyone can enjoy participation. With 32 different sports available alongside fulltime wellness expertise, we are proud that our 85% participation for young women is the highest in New Zealand. The emphasis is on enjoyment and the journey of sport that is so much more than winning. While we do profile many incredible sports women, the real success of our programme is in the resilience, the fun and the responsibilities learned in turning up for your teammates. We hope that these always remain a fundamental part of a Diocesan education.

“Getting back to why we do sport is essential... it was about wellbeing and building a lifelong love of fitness and camaraderie that would lead to a healthy and fulfilled life. School sport should be all about just that.”

Year 9 students Lucy Gilleece (L) and Violet Smith (R) enjoying the annual house cross country race.