I came across this message from the Balance is Better website: A great reminder of why youth sport is so great!

"Ah, youth sport!

A world of boundless energy, raw talent, and unbridled enthusiasm. Where the field is your canvas, and the game your masterpiece. Where sweat, graft, and toil become badges of honour, and where trying, losing, failing, and learning are not just accepted, but celebrated.

In the grand scheme of life, youth sports may seem like just a fleeting moment. But oh, how those moments can shape us. From the first tentative steps onto the field, court, or pitch, to the last final game. The early mornings, the late nights, the long bus rides, the blisters, the bruises, the bumps.

To sweat, graft, and toil in pursuit of something greater.

There’s something magic about youth sport for helping us to all learn and grow.

Yes, one might say, youth sport is a microcosm of life itself.

Is there a better setting for young people to be introduced to the invaluable lessons of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork? Or what about discipline, sacrifice, and commitment? Is there a better place for young people to discover the limits of their physical and mental abilities? And then be supported and encouraged to push beyond those limits?

Sure, there are moments of sheer joy and triumph.

The thrill of scoring a game-winning goal or crossing the line first can't be denied. But it's the losses, the setbacks, the moments of doubt and uncertainty, that truly test us. It's in those moments that we learned the most about ourselves, about what we're truly made of.

As do our children.

And let's not forget the fun. The smiles, the laughs, and even the larrikins. Let’s not forget the lifelong friendships and memories that are forged and will stay with young people forever.

There's nothing quite like the camaraderie, the bonds that are formed between teammates who work together, sweat together, and celebrate together. Youth sports can bring together kids from all walks of life, united in a common goal. It's a powerful force for good, one that teaches us to look beyond ourselves and to value the contributions of others.

So, let's celebrate youth sport - the sweat, graft, and toil that makes it so special. Let's celebrate the young athletes who put their hearts and souls into every game, every practice, and every workout. Let's celebrate the coaches who teach them, guide them, and inspire them to be their best selves. And let's celebrate the parents who support them, cheer them on, and remind them that win or lose, they're loved.

Yes, youth sport is a beautiful thing - a thing that reminds us of the simple pleasures of trying, failing, succeeding, losing, winning, and last but not least always learning.

It teaches us that success is not just about winning, but about becoming the best version of ourselves.

So, let's sweat, graft, and toil our way to greatness; let’s enjoy the journey; and let's celebrate every moment along the way."

Interested in playing football for the school?

After a very successful football season last year, with St Hilda’s winning the senior girls league and coming 3rd in the Lotto NZ Secondary Schools (South) Tournament, narrowly beaten by the eventual winners, we have now lost a lot of Yr13 players and will be needing to rebuild in the coming seasons.

This offers a great chance for girls who play football outside school, and for those wanting to play for the first time, to join the school team. The training is for all levels of experience and the environment is very supportive, so don’t worry if you haven’t played before, come along anyway!

With the Women’s World Cup coming to New Zealand this year and games being played here in Dunedin, there is no better time to join our football team.

For more information, contact Liv O’Brien (Yr10) at livobrien@shcs.school.nz (Football Liaison) or Mr Janssen (TIC for Football).

FIFA Unity Pitch: To celebrate the Women's Football World Cup event, there is an exciting event happening at the artificial pitch at Logan Park from 9-12th March.

Friday 10 March, 11.30am – 2.00pm – Meet Tazuni™, the tournament’s mascot – a little blue penguin with some serious football street cred!

Friday 10 March, 6.00-8.00pm - Street Football – small-sided fun social games for everyone

Saturday 11 March, 9.00am – 12.00noon – Adapted Sport Day – sessions led by Special Olympics, ParaFed, and Blind Sport NZ – adaptive football, powerchair football, blind football – come along and watch or have a go.

Saturday 11 March, 4.00-7.00pm – Free use, bring your mates and have a go.

Stick n' Ball Extravaganza

Otago Cricket & Otago Hockey would like to invite you to the Stick n’ Ball Extravaganza on Friday 31 March.

Stick n’ Ball Extravaganza
Friday 31 March 2023
5:00pm
McMillan Hockey Turf (65 Harbour Terrace, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016)

Inflatables, Giveaways, Hot Food, Cricket & Hockey Games, BBQ, Volts & Sparks!

What better way to celebrate the end of the cricket season and the start of the Hockey season! Come along to the McMillan Hockey Turf on Friday 31 March and get amongst the action. (Parents – the Bar will be open upstairs while the kids get amongst the action outside)

REAL STEEL Southern Roadie! DUNEDIN

Sunday 2nd April

11am-12:30pm, Edgar Centre

Please register by Wednesday 29th March.

Join the REAL STEEL for a fun Skills & Learning Games session and learn from the best.

Year 3-8 or Year 9-13 targeted sessions.

$15

Don’t delay - spaces are limited

#GottaBeThere #REALSTEEL

Register through the https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/231656

Upcoming St Hilda's events:

School Athletics Day: **Time change**. To accommodate bus timetables, students will need to be at the Caledonian by 8.45am. There will be staff setting up from 8am if you needed to drop students off earlier. Our Arts department is holding a fundraiser BBQ.

Sign ups have come out for: Junior A & Senior A Basketball, Senior Hockey, Senior A & B Netball, Football, Year 9 & 10 Netball, Otago Primary School Swimming Champs plus more to come...

Summer Quad Sunday 12 -14th March

**HOST FAMILIES ARE STILL REQUIRED** we are still looking or for around 4 beds to host our St Marg's and Craighead students. If you are able to host a student, please get in touch by Wednesday 8th March.

Upcoming events:

SISS Rowing Championships

Otago Secondary School Athletic Champs

Otago Secondary School Touch Champs

Student Coach/Official Workshop

Otago Primary School Swimming Champs

Willows Cricket Tournament

SISS Touch Champs

SISS Satellite Volleyball

SISS Water Polo Champ

NZSS Rowing Maadi Cup

Important Dates