The Year 6 and Year 8 teams competed admirably in the main competition with the reserves taking out top honours in the alternates challenge as David Proudlove, Head of Humanities and Senior School FPS coach, reports:

“Accompanied by myself and Mr Richard Wright, Headmaster of the Preparatory School, a team of Year 6 students and a team of Year 8 students competed against dozens of schools from across Australia, at various locations, around the University of Melbourne. Our junior team, competing in the Years 5 to 7 category, consisted of Ben Anderson, Cameron Everett, George Gare and Nicholas Pizzino while our middle team, in the Years 8 to 10 category, included Jimmy Lac, David Latham, Chris Popovic and Brendon Wright.

Both teams tackled an imaginary problem based on a future with food costs spiraling beyond the means of many, proposing ways to improve food production and distribution, and helping to reduce malnutrition and poverty in developing nations. The contest also allowed for each school to send ‘alternates’ to the National Finals, two reserves who might step into the team should there be an illness. While in Melbourne, alternates from all the schools were placed into new, mixed teams of four, who competed in a separate competition, following the same theme. Our alternates were Tom Waring and Lachlan Goddard (Year 6) and Henry Cooney and Brandon Afiat (Year 8).

After an intensive evaluation process, which lasted long into the Saturday night, the results were announced in the Copland Theatre to an excited, expectant crowd of over 500 students, parents and coaches. While our junior team failed to make the top six in their competition, our middle team achieved an excellent sixth place, finishing behind teams significantly older than themselves and above many older contestants. Our visit was superbly rounded off by the announcement that all our alternates had helped their respective teams to either first or second place in their competitions. The four boys bounded down the auditorium stairs enthusiastically to receive their silver and gold medals and certificates.

With only an hour to go before our return flight to Perth, the boys still found time to stock up on a variety of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, promising to save a few for friends and family back in WA. A well-fed and happy group arrived back late on Sunday, full of stories and determination to achieve even greater things next year in FPS. Both teams would be quick to acknowledge Mr Brad Hilliard’s contribution and commitment to FPS that continues to place Christ Church boys among the most successful students in the State and at national level. Unfortunately, Mr Hilliard was unable to accompany the group this year, however, the national organisers acknowledged his contribution during the awards ceremony, bestowing on him a fellowship for his leadership role in FPS in WA.

FPS will be available to highly motivated students in Years 6, 8 and 9 in 2011 and we look forward to making a big splash in next year’s competition and all being well, eventually leading to the Gold Coast for yet another appearance at the National Finals next October.”