Three busses, with barely a spare seat among them, bubbling with excitement as the new Gladstone High School enrollees made their way to Jamestown Community School for a year 7/8 combined AFL tournament. Some students were eager to demonstrate their experience and sporting prowess, while, for others, it would be their first time touching or kicking a football. It was the 5^th of May, and the rain radar was not looking conducive to an outdoor football event. Upon arrival though, it was clear that the Sun’s warm rays had managed to break through the impending clouds – a relief to staff and students alike. After a brief briefing by Amanda Bowman, the day’s cool-headed coordinator, it was time to play some football. The game played was an efficient and fast-flowing hybrid of official AFL 9s and tag football rules. This kept the ball, and the players, constantly moving. Gladstone High School submitted four teams that rotated around the oval, competing against different opponents every twenty minutes. With Peterborough High School announcing a late absence, a bye was scheduled every so often, which was much appreciated by participants as it allowed time to rest their legs and watch and support the other teams playing during those timeslots. The day was running like a well-oiled machine, and all were displaying top-notch sportsmanship. At this point, I am compelled to mention some extremely special year 9 students who came with us that day. Aleesha Nitschke, Eliza Heinrich, Antwan O’Brien, Tobey Dwyer, and Max Pedler were selected to attend to umpire the games that day. However, what started as an umpiring role very quickly turned into a coaching role, as each year, 9 was given a team of either boys or girls to oversee for the day. Each of these incredible students displayed leadership qualities, fairness, and patience, and I sincerely thank them for their input – the day simply would not have worked as smoothly without them. The games had ended, and although no official scores were being kept, Gladstone High School had performed exceptionally well. Highlighting the day were the final games between the two boys' and two girls' GHS teams. It was great to see students competing against their friends with ferocity and determination while also displaying commendable sportsmanship and keeping the main focusses on having fun and being active. After a brief debrief by Amanda as if it were scripted, grey clouds massed overhead, and chilling winds began biting at the staff and students, spelling a suitable and well-timed end to the event. The year 7 and 8 students are praised for their behaviour and participation throughout the day. This is definitely an occasion that students will eagerly anticipate in the future. To the staff who gave their time to either help organise or execute the day – a sincere thank you from me.

Max Rutjens – PE Teacher