Published on: 19 August 2016



The rain cleared for 280 Year 10 boys, mothers and mentors as they gathered in the Refectory bright and early on Thursday morning. Roger Bayly, Deputy Principal, welcomed the guests to the annual Mother/Friend and Son breakfast, encouraging the group to treasure their morning together.

In the company of loved ones, guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast while listening to Young Australian of the Year for Sport (1999) and World Champion Paralympic swimmer, Priya Cooper, OAM.

Priya has overcome cerebral palsy to become one of Australia’s leading Paralympians. She thanked her mother for always being an optimist and teaching her to focus on things she ‘could do’ rather than those she ‘could not do’.

From her first appearance at the 1991 National Wheelchair Games, at which she won a staggering nine gold medals, she went on to win three gold and two silver medals, and break two World Records at the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992, her first international competition.

Priya spoke about passion and persistence, telling the boys that with this attitude anything is possible. She asked the boys to focus on their attitude, “With the right attitude anyone can succeed,” she said.

Many thanks to the Parents’ Auxiliary for hosting the event, and the Year 9 parent volunteers who assisted throughout the morning.