Yes, it’s that time of the year again, time for the primary school athletics carnival.

You can rest assured that, no matter how perfect the weather has been, on the morning of the athletics carnival, the weather will be threatening.

It will be cold, and wet, and uncomfortable. As a prospective onlooker, you will be forced to dig out your gloves, your beanie, your scarf, your warmest coat, your most waterproof boots, and an umbrella. As well as a chair, and small change for the volunteer-run canteen. For all the Zappos and Ring Pops and other assorted lollies you’ll be coerced into buying for your little champion.

Being intrepid, and a great supporter of your child or grandchild, you will happily endure the harsh conditions, knowing that said child will appreciate you being there. After all, it’s about making memories.

This was me one morning recently, attending our local public schools annual athletics carnival. Along with a host of parents and grandparents, I prowled through the sports field carpark, finding a car space in the very far distance, and, forging on with aforementioned chair, brolly and bag, faced my next challenge: what part of the field was a good vantage point, what event was on, & where was my grandson in the melee? 

As if by design it started to drizzle just as the 9 yr olds took to the shot put, but regardless, teachers and helpers guided their young charges with a few quick tips, and it soon became a display of throwing. All manner of technique and strength, or lack of, appeared as each child took their turn. 

But the outcome was the same. Praise for every child. 

And this happened throughout the rest of the day. Whether it was the long jump, the 100m, the 200m. The praise came for attempting, taking part, engaging. Winning was not the major thing. Though winners of course were duly recognised and applauded, it was all about the coming together, the supporting of each other, the camaraderie, the dressing up in house colours, the sheer joy and fun of it all. 

This public school has educated two of my grandchildren, with my third still there. It not only educates, but the school and its community nurtures, and cares, and guides children of all abilities, equally. 

It is so evident that the school and its teachers lead by example, and so the children learn that kindness, and being a friend to all, and caring, is what really matters. But then, what would you expect from a school whose motto is ‘Learning to Live, Learning to Care’.

Nothing illustrated this to me more clearly than what I witnessed in one race. A young boy, clearly struggling at the 150m mark of the 200m, and walking dejectedly, was surrounded by fellow students who’d already crossed the finish line, and they cheered him on, walking with him and clapping him on the back, until he broke into a trot and finished. To huge applause from all who were watching.

If I saw nothing else at the athletics carnival to gladden my heart, this did. 

But I saw the same spirit time and time again during the carnival. Our children caring for, and being kind to one another.

And it made my day.