This week we are saying goodbye to Miss Carla Johl, who has worked as a sports coach at Emanuel School since 2018. Mr Hanson, Director of Sport, shares some words and below, we caught up with Carla to find out more about her experience at Emanuel and ‘what’s next’.
Carla joined the Emanuel Sports department in 2018 as a sports coach and she has made a fantastic contribution to school sport. Carla is a talented sportsperson and she has successfully passed her knowledge and enthusiasm onto the pupils. The girls at the school hold her in high regard. Carla has taken a leading role in the development of girls’ cricket and she has also had a significant impact on the standard of hockey the girls are now playing. The sports department is very grateful for her contribution and we wish all the very best for the future.
– Will Hanson, Director of Sport
What are some of your favourite memories while working at Emanuel?
I have too many good memories to count! One of the highlights was the epic match-up between the mighty Year 9 netballers and a star-studded staff team. Mr Booth’s precision shooting and some killer passing combinations lead the staff to a convincing victory! I would also say that the senior hockey Friday Night Lights game this year vs Ibstock is one of my favourite coaching moments. The atmosphere at the game and the performance the girls put in that night made for a fun experience.
What changes and developments to the sports department have you helped oversee?
Since starting at Emanuel, I have been lucky enough to get involved in many aspects of the school. There has been many a day I tossed a wild idea at Mr Hanson and he gave me the opportunity to run with them. I got to delve into my media background with the Emanuel Sports Instagram page creating new sports content such as our Athlete of the Month videos and highlight videos for each of the sports. It has been great to get to promote our students and their achievements on the social media platform while having a bit of fun as well.
What motivates you every day?
I love a challenge and thrive on collaborating with people in team environments. I think that is why I enjoy working in sport and schools. There’s nothing better than diving into something new everyday and working with and for such a diverse group of people. And at Emanuel it was definitely the banter and good vibes that come out of the PE office, as well as the awesome students that kept me motivated!
What words of wisdom do you have for our pupils?
I think it is important to always Act, Fail, Learn & Repeat. Success is not about striving for perfection, because things will never be perfect and that’s what makes our experiences unique and exciting. It is about having the courage to throw yourself into a challenge or environment even when you know you may fail. With those experiences, take them in and use them or throw them out and try again. Then repeat! Because it is in those moments that you find out what you are really capable of.
As many of the students I have worked with know, I love to dish out my favourite Kiwi sayings so it seems only appropriate to leave them with one of these pearls of wisdom. As the Maori saying goes:
Kia Kaha
Kia Maia
Kia Manawanui
(Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Steadfast)
What are your next steps?
I am heading (cautiously) into Europe to travel for a few weeks before finally heading back to New Zealand. After living away from home and around the world for more than 10 years, I plan on enjoying some time with my family while I figure out where my next adventure will take me.
