If you were to wander through the landscape here at the top of Mary Street during beak time most days, you’d find any number of activities in play. Eating is non-negotiable; with over 1000 students on site, fuelling and refuelling growing bodies is priority number one. Since the use of phones has been drastically curtailed — phones can be used for a limited time during break, only for communication of an important nature and only in the vicinity of personal lockers — online games have taken a back seat for now. The joys of “Clash of Clans” or “Super Mario Kart” even “Minecraft” are relegated to more appropriate times.
Nevertheless, a game that’s on the ascendency here on the Hill, is Chess. Hard to believe this ancient test of strategy, is an option for the technologically bound youngsters of today. Full disclosure though, I believe Chess Online has had a part to play in this but none of these interactions will have occurred on phones during the day, I’m sure.
It’s said that Football (round ball stuff) is the world game, but with a millennium of history, Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in the world. Albeit played on a board not a pitch, it’s enjoyed by millions of all ages and backgrounds. Trace the Chess lineage back over a thousand years to India and you’ll find a game known as Chaturanga. This proto-game was played on an eight-by-eight board with four different types of pieces: elephants, horses, chariots and foot soldiers.
From India the game spread to Persia and following Persia’s conquest at the hands of the invading Arab armies, it was taken up by the Islamic world. Subsequently Chess found its way to Moorish Spain (Al Andalus) and Italy (the Emirate of Sicily). While variants existed in China, Japan and Mongolia; it’s in Europe that Chess evolved into the game we know today. By the 15th century, Chess had become a popular pastime among the aristocracy, being played by many a noble in European royal courts.
One of the most significant developments in the history of Chess was the introduction of the queen; a piece that could initially only move one square diagonally. In the 1600s, with seemingly revolutionary foresight, the queen's powers were expanded to include the ability to move diagonally and horizontally across the board. Thus, the queen became arguably the most powerful piece on the board.
I’m a big fan of Netflix; often utilising my fair share of the data streaming capacity the local NBN provider consistently spruiks. "The Queen's Gambit" appeared on my Netflix opening page a while ago just after the “da dunnnn” auditory logo. What? A Netflix show about Chess? Full disclosure here I wasn’t really very interested so no joy if you’re looking for spoilers.
On the other hand, The Queen’s Gambit as an opening move for a Chess game is a piece of a totally different colour. It’s genius! Trying to explain the moves becomes problematic, but here’s a go at it. Move the white pawn in front of your queen (two spaces, you can do this), black counters by moving a pawn to defend. White moves a second pawn that is to the left of the first. The result is two white pawns in the centre of the board. One white pawn in front of the white queen, the other to its left. Opposing this, one black pawn in front of the black queen and able to capture the white pawn diagonal to it.
Hamlet had a similar situation, “to be or not to be, that is the question” The Queen’s Gambit provides the conundrum to take the white pawn or not to take it. Black takes white pawn and the black queen becomes exposed. Don’t take up the chance and the black pawn is forfeit with the black queen vulnerable. Confusing? Well, there’s always the drive to school chat or the dinner table discussion, “how about that Queen’s Gambit hey? — the Chess move, not the Netflix show”. Admittedly if your son isn’t into Chess you may get a blank stare, but what a great bonding opportunity.
The Queen’s Gambit is a deliberate move, part of a defined strategy. It won’t win you the game, but it will put you into an advantageous position. This is exactly the situation we wish for our Eddies Men. For us, it’s about providing every opportunity to be in a Queen’s Gambit situation, win-win.
During any week of any term so much happens to provide the chance for learning but beyond this the chance for self-development. Every day sees formal classes occurring. Depending on particular interests our young men can find these a labour of love or a chore to complete. Nevertheless, they are here to prepare for the next part of the strategy.
Making moves to prepare for the next part of the game may involve sport, as a member of one of the College sporting teams participating in the AIC competition. Maybe, it will involve playing in a band or ensemble; perhaps, taking part in Drama Club. There have been camps, retreats, interhouse days and weeks for celebration and awareness raising. Next week is Harmony Week and in the same week Year 12 Retreat. As a team we must commit to helping our young men involve themselves as much as they can and to achieve success as they are able. This will place them well for the next moves.
School is a journey of learning and discovery; a well-informed, carefully thought-out strategy will assist in the discovery of the right pathway. Focusing on involvement and improvement with holistic development provides a good start for our young men. Their future moves will be up to them. Where they go and what they make of themselves depends on the lessons they learn and the skills they develop. The support they receive from us in this opening gambit will make all the difference.
Parking
As a College we try to be responsible neighbours and have good relationships with adjoining landowners.
Pickup and drop off time can be somewhat congested in the Mary Street precinct and cars blocking driveways is a frequent cause for frustration in our neighbourhood. Please be mindful of our neighbours during pickup and drop off.
Thank you for your cooperation.
