In the months leading up to the games of the XXVII Olympiad, classes across the whole school were integrating an Olympic theme into all areas of the curriculum.

As the Olympic torch relay began its epic journey from Uluru to Sydney, students at Happy Valley were learning a great deal about the Olympic Games. There was much interest in the origins of the games, the birth of the modern Olympics, as well as the traditions and importance of the games today.

Right: Student Abbey Yeomans proudly holds an official Olympic torch at a special school assembly.

Students learnt much about our country as they followed the torch relay around Australia. There was considerable pride in two of our past students who actually participated in the relay.
       Chris Megson was chosen to run 4.5 km along side torch bearers. Chris was selected from nominations at Aberfoyle Park High School.
       Tim Edge was selected as a torch bearer and ran on July 15th at Murray Bridge. Tim was nominated for his eight years of service to the Surf Life-saving Movement.
Congratulations to both ex-students.

In addition to the individual class projects, whole school activities also focussed on the Olympics.
These included:-
     A special seminar, "Finding Gold," was presented by the Aberfoyle Park Schools Ministries Network.
     At a special assembly, Gus Nathan, a member of the team that designed the torch, spoke to the children. He introduced two relay runners, Dr. Nicholas Proctor and Bradley Mills who proudly displayed their torches.
     At another special assembly, the school conducted its own version of an Olympic Torch Relay. This event was to have been part of a special Creative Olympics Day. Unfortunately, a water-logged school oval prevented this event from being staged. However, the torch relay was held on the bitumen areas of the school. 

Above: Grandparent Glenn Powell, students Abbey and Ben Yeomans and local identity, Martin Downing at the school's own "Torch Relay." 

At the assembly, the whole school formed an outline of Australia to symbolise the togetherness of our school in an Olympic year, and to recognise the way in which the games draw people together from all over the world.

Our Inspiring Gold Medallists

The Students, staff and parents of Happy Valley School would like to acknowledge the efforts of all of our competing athletes, both Olympic and Paralympic. 
                            You made us proud to be Australian !
In particular, we would like to recognise the following athletes who "Dared to Dream" at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and who won Gold Medals for Australia and for themselves!

"Heroes Live Forever"

"You are the light that shines in everyone,
The truth that's there for all to see,
You are the voice that speaks for everyone,
You're the heroes we'd all like to be."

"You live the dreams that lie within us all,
The passion that cannot be denied, 
You bring the whole world together as one, 
And we'll always be by your side."

"And all the world will join in celebration,
And all the world will share the joy you bring,
And all the power, the hope and inspiration,
In all their glory, the nations all will sing:-
Heroes live forever, heroes live forever .............."

Words are from "Heroes Live Forever" sung by Vanessa Amorosi at the
Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games