YEAR 11 NEWS

Gallipoli

From the 9 to 23 June, I was lucky enough to participate in an AAC exchange programme to Gallipoli. After being selected out of hundreds of applicants, I was nervous and excited about the adventures ahead for me.

Upon my arrival I was greeted by many people, other participants from around Australia as well as native Turks who chaperoned the trip. During my time in Turkey I visited many historic monuments and saw many amazing sights including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar as well as being given the opportunity to explore Gallipoli and its surrounding islands. Gallipoli was definitely the highlight of the trip. I was extremely moved when I got to visit ANZAC cove, Lone Pine and many cemeteries of different nationalities (Turkish, French, British and Australian). I learnt so much about the history of this amazing place which has given me an insight and a deeper understanding of what World War 1 would have been like. On top of this, I met many people who were actually the sons and daughters of veterans. Going on the exchange programme has been the best thing I have been given the opportunity to do to date and the people I met and things I learnt will be memories that I cherish forever.

Sonali Ambani Year 11

USA Summer Camp Experience

Over the winter break I worked as a counsellor in training at a summer camp in Pennsylvania USA. It was such an amazing experience, especially as it was my first trip overseas. The camp ‘Independent Lake’, was located two and a half hours from New York, and was very green and picturesque. Whilst I was there, I got to work with students from all over the world including France and Italy, teaching Circus skills and Flying Trapeze. After assisting each day in the Circus department, I had the choice to do water sports, rock climbing, horse riding, archery, art, dance or even drama, the activities were endless. I was immersed in the American way of life, and luckily got to spend the fourth of July at camp, where they celebrated Independence Day with a carnival and spectacular fireworks!

I met so many wonderful people during my time there and even performed on the trapeze on the last day. I’m looking forward to returning and hopefully spending the whole summer there working, as this experience has definitely been life changing!

Claire Shortal  Year 11

The UBS Finance Academy

During the holidays I was lucky enough to be selected for the prestigious UBS Finance Academy in Sydney. The week provided 50 students from across NSW, ACT and VIC with an insight into the business industry. During the week we were given a tour of the Stock trading floor, the Gallery of NSW and the CNBC studio. Mid-week, we attended a canapé function, where we had the opportunity to mingle with inspirational UBS employees who gave us a clear insight into their day-to-day lives at UBS and the opportunities the company has given them. During the jam-packed week, we heard from CFOs, economists, equity, debt and credit analysts, investment bankers and stock brokers. From the Gallery tour guides to the CFOs, we were shown people with a passion for their work.

There was a presentation skills workshop and multiple self-focussed sessions including Myers Briggs, Values and Goals, and a Motivation session. The focus of our learning was on Mergers and Acquisitions transactions, knowledge that was required for us to complete our Case Study and present it at the end of the week. The Case Studies were a culmination of all the new knowledge that we had acquired during the week and my group was lucky enough to win first place!

The UBS Finance Academy was a week filled with teamwork, passion, friendship and knowledge. We were privileged to be given such an in depth insight into the world of finance around us – but most importantly, we were shown the necessity of teamwork and cooperation in any career.  The opportunity to attend this week was one that will benefit each and every one of us for the rest of our lives.

Olivia Dolezal Year 11