Anyone who has read Roald Dahl’s Matilda or watched one of its screen adaptations will remember the terrifying Principal Trunchbull. Strong, competitive, intimidating, and absolutely convinced that she is in charge, Trunchbull is one of literature’s most unforgettable school principals. At first glance, comparing Miss Helena Smith to Principal Miss Agatha Trunchbull might seem a little dangerous. However, dig a little deeper, and there are some surprisingly funny similarities, although, thankfully, some very important differences!

Perhaps the most suspicious similarity is their love of athletics. Principal Trunchbull is a former champion athlete famous for her strength and throwing ability, particularly the hammer throw. Miss Smith is also a competitive Masters athlete who competes in a range of throwing events, including hammer, discus, shot put, and weight throw. In fact, Miss Smith is taking her athletics considerably further this year. She will soon travel to Daegu, South Korea, to compete at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships, representing Australia against Masters athletes from around the world. And what is her very first event at the World Championships? …. Hammer. Yes. Hammer.

For anyone familiar with Matilda, the comparison is becoming slightly concerning. Fortunately, there is one crucial difference. Miss Smith keeps her hammer throwing inside the throwing circle and aims for maximum distance across an athletics field. Trunchbull is rather less particular about what or who she throws.

Both Miss Smith and Trunchbull certainly have high expectations. Miss Smith expects students to listen, follow instructions, come prepared, work hard, and take responsibility for their choices. She also believes there is a time for fun and games, but there is also important work to be done. Trunchbull also expects students to follow instructions. The difference is what happens when they don’t. Miss Smith might give you the look, remind you of the expectation, and ask you to make a better choice. Trunchbull has the Chokey. We know which one we’d choose.

Both women have a competitive streak. Miss Smith loves athletics, school sports, and House competition. She wants students to participate, challenge themselves, and experience the excitement of representing their House or school. Soon, she will be doing exactly that herself, stepping onto the world stage in South Korea and representing Australia. Trunchbull also loves competition, but her philosophy is considerably more terrifying. Winning, strength, and power are everything. For Miss Smith, competition is about challenging yourself, supporting others, and seeing what you can achieve. For Trunchbull, competition is mostly about proving that Trunchbull is the best.

Students hoping to quietly chat while instructions are being given may discover another similarity. Miss Smith notices. Trunchbull notices. The consequences, however, are dramatically different. Miss Smith might stop, wait for everyone’s attention, and remind the class that listening is part of showing respect. Trunchbull might launch someone through a window. Again, an important distinction.

This is where the comparison completely falls apart. Trunchbull leads through fear. Students obey her because they are terrified of what will happen if they don’t. Miss Smith’s approach to leadership focuses on relationships, encouragement, responsibility, and creating opportunities for students. Whether through classroom learning, House activities, leadership opportunities, sport, or performing arts, the goal is to help students participate, contribute, and grow. Trunchbull wants children to know who’s boss. Miss Smith wants students to develop the confidence to become leaders themselves.

There are definitely similarities. Both are strong personalities. Both are competitive. Both have high expectations. Both work in education. Both love athletics. And, perhaps most concerningly, both throw hammers for fun. But there is one rather significant difference… Principal Trunchbull famously doesn’t particularly like children. Miss Smith has built much of her career around creating opportunities for them. Perhaps the fairest conclusion is that Miss Smith has Trunchbull’s competitive spirit and athletic ability, combined with Miss Honey’s desire to see students succeed.

So, as Miss Smith prepares to head to South Korea for the World Masters Athletics Championships, students can wish her luck as she steps into the circle for her first event. The hammer. Of course. And if she returns from South Korea with an unusually good throwing arm, perhaps everyone should be extra quick to follow instructions. Just in case.