Racing, Reflection, and a Rude Awakening
With Term 1 flying by, we’ve already packed in some incredible experiences—from the intensity of the Athletics Carnival to the reflection of the Year 12 Retreat, and now the Lenten season. Each of these has given us moments to compete, connect, and contemplate what really matters.
The Athletics Carnival was a spectacle of speed, spirit, and some surprising upsets. I, for one, got a rude shock when a pack of lightning-fast Year 8s left me in the dust. They say age brings wisdom, but apparently, it doesn’t bring speed. As I tried to keep up, out of breath, watching these future Olympians cruise past me, I couldn’t help but notice Mrs. Beard and her trailblazing speed leaving everyone behind, giving flashbacks to her superior athletic career. Her legendary netball speed remains a thing of awe for those lucky enough to have witnessed it. But the day wasn’t just about individual glory. At one point, the entire crowd erupted into a Canberra Raiders Viking clap, creating an atmosphere so intense it felt like we were lining up for the Olympic 100m final. The energy, the passion, and the sense of unity in that moment truly captured what makes Eddies special—not just talent, but heart.
At the Year 12 Retreat, we took a step back from the chaos of school life and learned some valuable life lessons from our teachers. A standout moment was Mr. Fatiaki’s signature words: “God is good,” to which we all instinctively responded, “All the time.” It became a running theme throughout the retreat, a reminder of faith, resilience, and staying grounded in the bigger picture. But of course, reflection wasn’t the only thing happening. My Blackjack Tournament became the night’s main event. Special shoutout to everyone who entered, but an even bigger shoutout to Ned and Angus, the official losers of the night, who got absolutely rinsed by the house (James Eppelstun). As they say, the house always wins, and if that’s not a lesson for life, I don’t know what is. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you just must accept that James has you beat.
A massive thanks to all the staff who made the retreat possible and helped create such a memorable experience. Special recognition goes to Mrs. Wilson, who did an incredible job planning most of the activities. Throughout the retreat, we were fortunate to hear great stories and incredibly important life lessons from Ms. Devlin, Mr. Masters, and Mr. Fatiaki, each offering wisdom that we’ll carry beyond our time at Eddies. A special mention also goes to principle Mr. Cleary, who not only shared his insights but also made quite the entrance, arriving after what he described as an “enjoyable” drive down in his mate’s suped-up sports car. The retreat was more than just a break from school, it was a chance to reflect, bond, and walk away with experiences and lessons that will stay with us long after we leave Eddies.
Now, as we move into the Lenten season, it’s time to shift our focus to sacrifice, prayer, and giving. For me, I’ve made the commitment to greet every teacher with a smile and a ‘Hi Miss’ or ‘Hi Sir’, a small but meaningful way to bring positivity to someone’s day. We often underestimate the impact a simple greeting and a genuine smile can have on others, and this season is a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference.
So let’s carry these lessons forward—run fast, reflect deeply, and, above all, play our cards right.
James Eppelstun
College Vice Captain (Liberating Education)