It’s crazy to think how fast the time has flown; only a few years ago we were walking into Norwood’s gates for the first time and here we are now, on our final stretch. I have recently been reflecting on my time at Norwood and how amazing it has been to have been given so many great opportunities and to have had so much support and encouragement along the way.

From being the Covid Year 7s who spent most of our first two years of high school online and on the couch, to all of the amazing camps and experiences, time at Norwood has been so fulfilling. One of my personal favourite memory building experiences has been the Central Australia trip: filled with lots of singing, card games and good laughs, it really characterised everything that I’ve loved about high school with all of you.

While I really am sad that it’s all coming to an end, I cannot wait to see where this group, the class of 2025, will go next. I just know you will do incredible things. Good luck to all future Year 12s and remember, amongst everything else, to have fun. It has been an absolute privilege to be one of your collage captains for 2025.

Tayla Donald, College Captain

A big congratulations goes out to the class of 2025 for coming to the end of your schooling journey. This last year has been a special one to remember as it has been filled with funny moments, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. We persisted when times got tough and pushed through when maybe we didn’t feel like we could. We should all be very proud of ourselves and look forward to finishing the year off with our favourite people.

Good luck to everyone for your exams and again, congratulations!

Liam Russell, College Captain

Back in 2020, most of us students started here at Norwood Secondary College walking through the corridors not knowing what the next chapter had in store for us. Fast forward 6 years and we are now finishing our time in high school. Although it has felt like it’s gone by in a flash, it was filled with so many memories including school camps like Central and school sport days such as Athletics Carnival. Norwood has always been more than just classes and homework, its provided a wide variety of opportunities for different students to follow their individual pathways and achieve their goals. It’s been a safe place to make new friends, try new things and do the things you feel passionate about. Over the years, we have been very lucky to see and use the new buildings and infrastructure such as the STEM Block, M Building and most importantly the Gym. This shows how much the school takes pride in developing and improving, therefore students coming to Norwood in the coming years should be very excited for what’s to come.

Jacksyn Fitzsimons, College Vice Captain

Study Tips

I just wanted to share my favourite study tips, in what I have learnt throughout my VCE journey. Consistency, routine, commitment and asking for help are key factors to help you make it through VCE. VCE is a wild ride which goes so quickly. It challenges you, makes you grow and shows you what you are really capable of. We also have access to amazing teachers that believe in you.

Routine / Planning

I encourage you to create a monthly calendar. Having a visual tool can really make a difference. It can help reduce stress when having a plan on a page. It allows you to schedule in your activities around school, which includes part-time work, sport, music and your social life (which is very important) and all the extra study hours.

Research says you should study for 2 hours each night, which might work for some of you, however I strongly recommend breaking it into small chunks.

For example :

Arrive home at 3:30pm .
4.00 pm – 4 :30pm
- Please go for a walk, have a snack & get fresh air.
4 :30pm – 5.00pm
- Commence one study session
- Write cue cards for the topic you did in class that day
5 .00pm– 6:30pm
- Sports training
- Work Shift
6:30 pm – 7:30pm
- Have Dinner with your family
- Fuel your body and mind
7:30pm – 8:45pm
- Next Study session which could be answering 5 exams questions and send to your teacher
8:45 pm – 9:30pm
- Relax and GO to sleep.
- Sleep is everything.
- We need to rest and recharge for the next day.

Creating Resources

Creating study resources from the start of the year is very important as it allows you to organise all your content in a simple format that works specifically for you. This may include cue cards, mind maps and handwritten notes using coloured highlighters. I recommend using a large whiteboard as it’s a great tool to help you stay focused and it makes it easy to revise and organise your work. For me personally, it helped me learn all the definitions for each subject. I encourage you to also ask your family to test you on your cue cards. It’s a great way of revising and remembering content.

Study Sessions

This year I had 3 early study sessions, which were optional; however, I recommend going to all of them as they made a significant difference to me. In having the extra study sessions with the teachers, I had the opportunity to expand on my knowledge and ask for help in areas that I was less confident in. I also recommend seeing your teachers in your free periods, as it is worthwhile and very productive. This may initially seem overwhelming, but learning in a school environment for many students is way better than doing it at home as there are many more distractions. You can make study groups with friends, which makes the learning fun and enjoyable. I did an afterschool session with Mr Cole and one of my good friends. There was laughter amongst the study and lock in time. This is all about being committed to having a solid routine and sticking to it. You can do it!

SACS / Pressure of Year 12

Year 12 is hard and also fun at the same time. It is busy, and it is 100% okay to have feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed, and nervous. I’ve learnt this year that it actually means that you care.

Personally, I sometimes found it challenging to cope with the pressure of the ATAR and studying intensely, especially when the results didn’t always reflect the effort I put in. But it’s all part of the journey and that’s okay.

For your SACS, I encourage you to find your routine. For me, I would make sure that I stuffed my face with lollies and chocolates before every SAC’s which was the best way to start. I would have all my pens and water organised and always practice my box breathing, which Mr Cole taught me. It’s a little thing but breathing is the best!

It is also so important to teach yourself, to have a strong and positive mindset as well as a good attitude. You need to walk into that SAC room like you’re the Queen or King of that subject. Just own it and give it your best. As my maths teacher said, “your best is your best”. Then walk out of the room with your head held high, treat yourself to something you love, and take pride in everything you’ve achieved.

Self Care

As Miss Sweeney says “be kind to yourself." I really believe in this quote so again, please be kind to yourself and others. Throughout the year, you can at times unintentionally be hard on yourself and have moments of doubt, which is ok. You need to allow yourself time and treat yourself. Make time in your calendar. Get some yochi with friends, head to Maccas or whatever you like to eat. Why not go for a walk or bike ride or kick the footy with your mates. Please do not stop your social life just because of school. BALANCE IS KEY and you need to have lots of fun along the way.

Year 12 has so many exciting events. Have fun and attend the special 18th parties, get your driver’s license, see your friends and enjoy every moment because sooner or later you will be finished.

I hope you have enjoyed my favourite study tips. Just remember you’ve got this and always ask for help if you need! There is always a teacher or a friend nearby to help you!

Have a fabulous Year 12!

Shaye Mattison, College Vice Captain

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