The Ruyton Reporter - Spring 2016

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4 the ruyton reporter
Excitement over the Olympics was at fever pitch in
August at Ruyton! All the Junior School girls participated
in our own Mini Olympics. The girls were randomly
assigned participating countries and encouraged to
wear the colours of that country on the day. Most of the
staff were dressed in Green and Gold, to represent
Australia, of course!
In this year of the Olympics in Rio it is also timely to
reflect on old Ruytonians who not only competed in
previous Olympics, but also were involved in an
administrative capacity. (See Sue White (’64) in Former
Students’ News.)
We are very proud of the efforts of Kim Brennan (Crow
’03) who won a gold medal in the Women’s Single Sculls
at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where she led all the way in
the final race. Kim was also chosen to be the flag bearer
at the closing ceremony. She also competed at the 2012
London Olympics (winning a silver and bronze medal)
and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Throughout her Olympic
campaign Kim has always displayed integrity. Her
remarks post-race about giving back should serve as a
mantra to every Olympic athlete, as well as to every
Ruyton girl. We celebrate the achievements of other
Ruyton Olympians. Claire Mitchell-Taverner (’88) won
a gold medal in hockey at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Claire has used her own experience as a successful
athlete to support others to achieve a balanced
approach to the pursuit of their own goals. Kym
Georgina (‘Gina’) Peele (Douglas ’90) is an Australian
rower who competed at two Olympic Games: Atlanta in
1996 and Sydney in 2000. Her father, David Douglas,
was also an Olympic rower who won the silver medal in
the men’s eight at Mexico City in 1968. Marilyn Young
(Wilson ’60) won silver at the Rome Olympics in 1960,
swimming in the Women’s 4 x 1 00mMedley Relay with
Janice Andrew, Dawn Fraser and Rosemary Lassig.
Finally, Linda Douglas, our own Principal, competed in
rhythmic gymnastics at the Los Angeles Olympic Games
in 1984.
Currently, we know of four parents at Ruyton who are
former Olympians (do you know of any more?) Alison
Inverarity (mother of Helena in Year 8) is a former
Australian Olympic who competed in the high jump.
Alison represented Australia at Barcelona 1992, Atlanta
1996 and Sydney in 2000. Her husband (and father of
Helena) Scott Ferrier, represented Australia in the Men’s
decathlon at Atlanta and Sydney. Richard Macquire
(father of Olivia Year 8) is an Australian slalom canoeist
who competed at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.Michael
McKay (father of Remy, Year 7) was one of the Oarsome
Foursome men’s rowing coxless crew and is a four-time
Olympic medalist.
Recently, Linda Douglas reflected on her own
involvement at the 1984 Olympics, and reminds us that
being the best you can be must always be the aim, as so
few can be the very best. Here is an extract of what was
in a recent Wednesday Weekly, written by our Principal.
Last Friday the Year 12 Captains ran a thoughtful and
compassionate Assembly, which touched the hearts of
everyone in the Senior School. They focused on R U OK
Day, explaining the origins, the reasoning, and the way
we can use this philosophy to support one another in
a society where we feel compelled to say we are okay
– even when we are not. Over the weekend I reflected on
the Assembly and turned to Dr Brené Brown’s work on
Vulnerability for further thought. I realised that, so often
I focus on providing a strong role model for girls and
young women, but perhaps I don’t share with them my
own vulnerabilities. And that this could be helping to
perpetuate what I most fear for this next generation
of women: the notion of perfection as normality.
So I shared with the Senior School girls one of my most
vulnerable times in life. Beyond my immediate family,
I have never let anyone watch the short video of me
performing at the Olympics. In my mind it has not been
good enough. I know I tried my hardest and did the best
I could, but I always felt I let other people down. I let my
disappointment and the words of others overshadow
my achievement. After many years I have finally come to
terms with my Olympic journey and shared it with the
girls who inspire me. I have remembered why I find it so
important to acknowledge people for their endeavour.
Mainly because I always wonder if that would have
helped me to understand the Olympic experience better,
at a time when I was so far away from the natural
support of my family.
Having committed to the struggle for excellence, I have
learned so much from it, and not much of that learning
has been about winning. I like to think most of it has been
about how to live my life well. If there is one thing I want
for every Ruyton girl, it is to know that when she has
given her absolute best, there is no more required of her.
That being the best she can be must always be the aim,
as so few can be the very best. To give her best is
something to be truly proud of.
We congratulate all members in our community who
are or have been involved at an elite level in sport. They
have truly achieved their personal best and are good
examples for us all to follow.
We love to share news of the exploits of Old Ruytonians
in whatever field they may be engaged. Please send all
news to The Editor, Mrs Elizabeth Beattie, at
or dire
ruyton.vic.edu.au
Olympic Fever
Being the Best You Can Be