From the 

Leader of Year 11 Wellbeing

Starting Year 11 at St Aloysius College Cronulla

Hello everyone in our St Aloysius community. My name is Cooper Gillard and I would like to share with you a little about my transition to Year 11 in 2024. This year so far has been one full of exciting changes that have been both challenging and rewarding in ways that I will remember for a lifetime. Getting around the Year 11 academic environment came with its fair share of positives as well as difficulties. The depth of the content and the quickened pace of learning required an increased level of dedication and focus, as well as commitment to more time spent at home studying. It took careful planning and efficient time management to divide and balance the load across my 6 subjects. However, I've been happy with my approach to these challenges and recently have been rewarded with better results than what both myself and my parents expected. 

As well as the academic challenges, Year 11 has provided personal growth opportunities that I have taken advantage of by getting involved in the LYL (Lasallian Youth Leadership) team, where we plan and coordinate school events such as the upcoming International Tea Day and Men's Mental Health Day. While working with my fellow peers and colleagues (our Lasallian Youth Leader, Evan, and Ms Gam), I have learnt about working with people to achieve great outcomes such as fundraising, fun days or awareness in our school community. 

I have formed new friendships and reconnected with old friends and have enjoyed spending time learning and growing with my fellow students. It’s great to share this senior school experience with such an awesome group of young people. 

Looking ahead, I am motivated and determined to continue to strive for great results and to take on more opportunities at St Aloysius, as I believe that it is very important to have a presence and make a positive contribution to the school community, acting as a role model for younger and future students. 

My start to year 11 has been a great experience that I credit to the great community at St Aloysius! My teachers help me strive for success, Evan has guided our Lasallian Youth Leadership team through numerous school events, Brother John is there for a friendly chat and most importantly, my fellow students who make school the most enjoyable and productive experience.

Cooper Gillard (Year 11)