Senior School 

Vermont SC Students Roar into Lions Youth of the Year. 

Four students from Year 11 were carefully selected to represent Vermont SC in the annual Lions Youth of the Year Award. 

Abby Serpell-Wilcock (Macedon),  Arwa Millwala (Hotham), Amelia Ross (Stirling) and Cherise Ncube (Macedon) have all demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service throughout this year (and previous years, truth be known). All have participated and led teams in innumerable VSC events and activities across the sporting, performing arts and citizenship sectors. All have also contributed enormously to various community organisations outside the college. 

The quartet were interviewed by Lions Club dignitaries on Monday 13 November. Although I was not privy to the behind closed doors interview, once all students had left the building, the Lion’s members were enormous in their praises. All were tremendously excited to see how the four leaders would go at the upcoming Lions Club meeting showcasing their speeches. 

Wow, what a night on Wednesday November 15th. The young adults presented an informative five-minute speech to the local Lion’s club group and their families. What an absolute credit they are to VSC, their families and themselves. I was blown away by their composure under pressure, but also by the words spoken with an emphasis on learning and giving to others. I may bleed Green here at VSC, but this night transcended the College House model, and I was a passionate barracker for all. 

Amelia spoke beautifully about overcoming adversity to rise with a newfound understanding of life’s golden rule of balance. Amelia sees the goodness in all communities she surrounds herself in. When one thing is lost, other opportunities are found. 

Arwa gave a passionate and empathetic speech about the importance of her religion to her and her community. At times misunderstood by others, members of Arwa’s community never waver in their goodness and care for others. The ladies sitting behind me were awe stricken. 

Cherise, an all-rounder of magnitude, spoke delightfully about her journey to VSC, coming from a school plagued with indifference, to a school embracing her gifts, not to look at shades of colour but to the worth of a person.  A message that Cherise tackles in her writing, spreading the message to young primary schoolers. 

And then to Abby, speaking lovingly of her grandfather. A man who overcame early hurdles to thrive, not only in business, but more importantly, in the business of life. A true inspiration to Abby. 

The college wishes them the very best in their endeavours and are so proud of their efforts. If only more people in our college community could have witnessed what I did. What an awesome foursome. 

Peter Henderson 

Macedon (but for the above night neutral) Head of House. 

New Artworks 

One of the school's talented artists, Sophie Edis (year 11), has painted an amazing mural in the senior school office. Sophie designed the mural and completed the work over the last couple of weeks (in between completing her year 11 exams!). The detail in the work is breath taking and she has completely transformed the space. A huge thank you to Sophie for her work. It's something that will be at Vermont forever.