This Spring term is sometimes referred to as the “Ski Term”, though at times it was tempting to wonder why. Why, was finally made clear in Morzine where we experienced proper winter conditions for the first time since January. What a fantastic few days we had bouncing around in the powder snow. A reward is often that bit sweeter when you have had to wait.

Inter-house sport

Diana led the way in inter-house sports this term by winning both the volleyball and indoor football tournaments. However, Atalanta are still a force to be reckoned with, putting their wealth of talent out for the inter-house skiing competition and sliding away with the trophy.

Inter-school sport

Back in January the swim team made a trip up to Basel for the SGIS championships. Libby Urquhart-Ducharme won her first ever gold medal as well as two silver ones, whilst Geoffrey Bramston took home a silver medal too. The senior girls’ also earned a third place in the medley relay. Most of our swimmers have been a part of this team for many years.

St George’s hosted a part of the ADISR badminton championships this term. In a very competitive category, Adelaide Wood came second place, and along with Allison Schmidt, Charné Roux and Lauren Watson took home the moyenne girls’ team trophy. Although competitive opportunities don’t come around often, badminton clubs run all year-round and the team practices regularly, week in, week out.

In Saanen, Claire Chauvel won a bronze medal at the SGIS skiing championships, with both Adelaide Wood and Martin Barrett also posting strong performances. All three ski most weekends and have showed long-term commitment to their chosen sport.

The girls’ volleyball squad finally got a chance to test their talents when they entered the Division II SGIS competition in Lausanne. The manner in which the team gelled together was extra-ordinary to behold. All the players wore our school kit smartly; Alex Barrios led a team warm-up before each match; as captain, Stephanie Hitchens unified the girls during pep talks; and the substitutes didn’t complain when they were on the bench, but rather they encouraged their team mates after every point. All the matches were very closely fought and at the end of two days, the girls came out as worthy champions. The girls have not had many games in the last year but the core of this team has been patiently practicing together for many months.

And finally let’s celebrate our very own international athletes – Jenna Caira has been travelling abroad to play softball for Canada, whilst Edward Langelier and Adam Hutton have both gone off this week to represent Switzerland at rugby. All three have reached international level through their own hard work and dedication to their sport.

So what can draw from the achievements of all these students. We can’t all be champions: but remember, a reward is that bit sweeter when you have had to wait. In a world of easy gratification, where waiting is somehow considered to be a violation of our rights, all these students are proof that hard work and patience are qualities to be proud of. As we move towards the summer term with its exams, tennis tournaments, athletics competitions, swim meets and more, remember that thorough preparation will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you tried to achieve your best. Set yourself a goal and enjoy the break.

J Hill