Letter from the Editor

Well, the year 12s are just about there. The Class of 2026 have left the building. Once those pesky exams are done, the VM interviews ticked off and the final bits of work have been completed; the school journey ends for this bunch of lovely humans.

For some, relief; 13 years of toiling away day after day in the school system should bring an immense joy and sense of accomplishment. Knowing that, arguably one of the biggest milestones in their short lives has been now officially ticked off. For others, its a step into the unknown; no 7:30am alarms to get to the bus, no 8:55am bell signalling yet another period of passionate staff rambling about their subject and no annoying staff asking why they aren't in the appropriate school uniform.

This time of the year had me reflecting on my own experience of finishing up with my school journey. A few moons ago, (just a few; I hear my year 12s giggling at me through the screen) I vividly remember putting my pen down at the end of my Legal Studies exam. Once the formalities of finishing an exam ended, and we were instructed to leave the school gym, I walked out of the hall and straight to the nearest friend's house who had a swimming pool. A collection of friends sat, in relative silence and took a breath. For what felt like an hour, no one spoke, we barely looked at each other in the eye and we seemingly just sat there with the feeling of freedom that, at that age, you have rarely felt before. 

At this stage, I coined the term the 'endless summer.' That time before university courses began, and whilst the rest of the school students were still required at school where time just seemed to sit still. I remember doing day trips to the beach, going to see a movie at 9pm on a school night (just because we could), and picking up plenty of work shifts to top up the celebration fund.

To the class of 2026, well done on everything you have achieved. Your legacy at the school will seldom be forgotten and the path you have paved for the next generation will be appreciated and the path well trodden will be embarked on by the class of 2027. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours, and look forward to hearing tales of your success long into the future.

Jack Lynch

Editor