Our Year 12 Induction Assembly took place on Wednesday, February 3. This formal event, beautifully organised by our Year 12 Team Leaders, Jill Muir and Miriam Fox, acknowledged the journey our students have undertaken, their achievement in making it to Year 12 and the road ahead. Usually, parents would be able to attend this event but were unable to this year, given Covid-19 restrictions.

The assembly began with Assistant Principal 10-12, Ms. Sharon Eppingstall addressing the Year 12 class of 2021:

Good morning everyone. My name is Sharon Eppingstall and I am privileged to be the Assistant Principal for Years 10-12 in 2021.

Usually we would have parents present at a Year 12 Induction Assembly and I would begin by welcoming them, inviting them to think about their student’s journey and offering them advice on how best to support you in your final year. In the absence of all parents and carers today, I want you to take a moment to reflect. To feel gratitude. Who has shaped the person you are today? Who in your life has loved and supported you so you could make it to Year 12? When you leave here today I want you to thank those people but for now let’s have a round of applause as a show of appreciation for the people who are important to you who cannot be present today.

Now back to you - the class of 2021. This is your 13th year of schooling. In the not too distant future, approximately 9 months from now, you will leave the shelter and support of Ballarat High School and begin a new chapter in your life. This is exciting. Despite all the bad news we are constantly bombarded with, the world is a wonderful place, particularly for students who have completed Year 12, and Australia is a diverse country full of opportunities. You just need to find your way to the opportunity that is right for you.

So what do all of you have to do in the next 9 months? If you haven’t already, it is time to take ownership of your life. As a young adult, I want you to be clear about what you want to achieve and set clear goals for yourself. Seek support from those around you - your family, your friends, your teachers - to support you in meeting those goals.

For most VCE students the goal is University or TAFE. This year is your opportunity to work hard and achieve the score you need for your preferred course. If the ATAR score you need for your top selection is 75, your goal should be 80 or above. Aim high. Working tirelessly throughout the year with focus, determination and sacrifice; it will be worth it when you access your results in December.

To those who are seeking full time employment and apprenticeships after VCE or VCAL I want you to think about the skills and qualities employers are looking for. Businesses want people who are enthusiastic, committed, persistent and reliable. Actively work on enhancing these attributes in your last year at school. Demonstrate passion in your studies by working hard and always doing your best.

However, no matter what your goal is - as well as doing your very best - I encourage you all to exercise self-care. Our health, physical and mental, is important. Make sure you get the balance right between study, work and play. If you need help, please ask. Our Student Wellbeing team is here for you. We are all here for you.

I now want you to look around at each other. Different people, different pathways but all part of the same learning community. I am a firm believer that “together we achieve more”. We need to celebrate each other, embrace each other’s differences and lift each other up. Support each other’s goals and be kind. Make an effort to talk to people you haven’t had much to do with previously – this is your last chance to forge friendships that may last a lifetime.

Speeches like this usually end with an inspirational quote from a famous person. Instead of a famous person I’m going to go with a quote from an ex High School student, my 95-year-old grandmother who likes to mix up her quotes and sayings. If ever I showed signs of self-doubt or slacking off she would say “Life is short and it ain’t no dress rehearsal. So believe in yourself and go hard!”

So go hard, Year 12 and have a great year!

Ms. Eppingstall also presented 2020 dux Margot Bettles with an ATAR of 98.2 to the assembly. Following this our Year 12 student leaders were introduced by James Warke and presented to School Council President Graeme Howard and Principal Gary Palmer before they recited the pledge and signed our historic pledgebook.

Ballarat High School Captains for 2021; Emily Glass and Ben Ludbrook addressed the assembly and then Year 12’s were presented. In addition to presenting each Year 12 student individually Mr Palmer presented the 2020 Year 12 Learning Area Awards. These went to

English: English: Poppy Ball, Molly Belden, Miranda Spiller
Humanities: Business Management: Natalie Renton
Maths: Methods: Margot Bettles
Science: Biology: Lily Fraser
HAPE: Health: Poppy Ball
Art: Studio Art: Poppy Ball
Technology: Food Studies: Allana Peart
LOTE: Japanese: Alexi King
Performing Arts: Theatre Studies: Trillian Sharples

It was then time for the House Captains to be presented by Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Rogers and to receive their house badges:

Mr. Palmer spoke eloquently to students about his hopes and expectations for our 2021 Year 12 students. Ms. Muir closed the assembly with these words:

For the past 5 years you have worked towards your final year and at the end of this year you will leave for your individual pathway. You decide how you want to look back on this year, the legacy you will leave and what it is you would like to be remembered for. Don’t let this year pass you by as if it is like any year, because it will be over before you know it.

Take the opportunities presented to you, be role models, embrace your friendships, and reflect on the past to improve the future. Class of 2021 this is your year to shine and we wish you the very best.

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