The Kingston High School community held their athletics carnival on February 24 and 25.

Twin sisters Hannah and Ruby Eddleston, members of the school’s Creative Writing unit, interviewed staff and students during the event and prepared the following report for the Kingborough Chronicle.
The Kingston High School (KHS) athletics carnival went off with a bang last week.
Students had the opportunity to spend two days at the Queen’s Domain in Hobart, participating in a range of track, field, and novelty events.
Year 9 student Austin Dickenson commented on the heightened sense of school community brought about by the carnival, saying, “it’s really cheerful; everyone’s happy, having fun, and trying their best.”
When asked what they thought of the KHS athletics carnival, Year 7 students said that the location, equipment, and wide range of events made the carnival feel professional and exciting.
Students across the whole school felt that the atmosphere was supportive, relaxed, and fun.
The environment allowed students to enter events without feeling pressure to perform.
Both staff and peers were encouraging, making it clear that they valued students wanting to do their best and have some fun.
Students were unanimous in saying that the staff relay was the best event.
“It’s funny to watch your favourite teachers running, it’s surprising and unexpected,” students said.
Claire Taylor, a new staff member to KHS this year, said, “there’s a really wonderful atmosphere at the Kingston High School athletics carnival, a great sense of community and teamwork.”
At the carnival, teachers have the opportunity to see students excel outside of the classroom.
Staff member Alex Edwards said, “the athletics carnival allows students to succeed in different ways, and encourages them to try new things, which hopefully translates into a classroom setting.”
Year 10 student Elliot Ogilvie made incredible achievements at his first KHS athletics carnival.
Elliot took out first place in the Year 10 boys’ high jump, reaching 1.79 metres after 19 jumps, coming unbelievably close to breaking the 1987 record of 1.82m.
When asked about the achievement, Elliot said, “it feels pretty good, considering that it’s my first time here at the Domain.”
He also said that he felt a lot of support from his peers.
All Year 10 students gave up time on their events to watch and cheer for Elliot.
He came out of the athletics carnival as the Year 10 boys’ track and field champion.
Year 7 student Kayla McPherson made Kingston High history, with a record-breaking triple jump.
Kayla, who has only been training in athletics for one and a half years, broke a 15-year standing record of 9.51m, jumping an incredible 9.65m.
Kayla went on to become the Year 7 Girls Field Champion.
Massive congratulations to Elliot and Kayla from the KHS community.
This exciting event could not happen without the commitment of the KHS staff who volunteer their time to prepare both days of the carnival.
Staff members from all learning areas do their bit to make the Athletics Carnival and the lead up to it successful.
Students enjoy seeing their teachers take on different roles, such as music teachers announcing events, and cooking teachers firing the starting pistol.
The student body greatly appreciates all of these invaluable contributions and look forward to future sporting carnivals.
Supplied by Hannah Eddleston and Ruby Eddleston, Kingston High School.