Senior School

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas … There are a number of ways to track the passing of time, and within the College various seasons are traditionally celebrated in a number of different ways, with a range of events and activities. COVID-19 has altered or adjusted some of these event markers substantially over the last two years. 

Over the course of the last few weeks, we have witnessed Year 12 students, including Year 11 Fast-Track students, undertake their final examinations in their VCE subjects. We continue to uplift the Cohort of 2021 in prayer as they eagerly await results which, for many, will play a part in determining their next steps.

Simultaneously, Year 10 and Year 11 students have commenced their formal preparation for their penultimate and final year, respectively, of secondary education. A three-day Head Start program afforded students an opportunity to experience their chosen subjects, meet an experienced subject teacher and discover other students with similar academic interests. Students also received essential preparatory work (homework) for completion over the Christmas holidays and we urge each student to complete this to a high standard to start 2022 from a strong position.

Year 10 and 11 students concluded their school year with a Country Picnic. The forecasted weather did not arrive and students were able to participate fully in this festive event and enjoy a relaxing end of year celebration with friends. Thank you to Miss Latham, Mrs Doblin and a number of other staff for making these events possible!

Year 12 Final Day had a very different look this year, as the historical rides were unable to proceed and crowd size limitations called for a great deal of lateral thinking. Mr Kotzé worked with Year Level Coordinators and PE staff to host the usual Final Day competitive sports over 4 consecutive days and student participation was incredible. Well done to all students who competed in Indoor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Table Tennis, or Basketball! 

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner was an exceptional evening with students able to attend Bramleigh, after repeated discussions over the last few months, as restrictions and requirements frequently altered. Students and their parents presented beautifully and celebrated the evening with a great sense of joy and freedom as many experienced eating out as a group for the first time for quite a while. The evening showcased the talents of several students musically, as well as the College Captains with speeches delivered that celebrated their years of secondary education and many highlights. Thank you to Miss Hogan for her persistence and to the Cohort of 2021 who attended and made this a highlight and sensational occasion. I would like to acknowledge all Year 12 students for their persistence and tenacity during the last two years, as COVID has hugely impacted their VCE studies in a way that may not be believable to future generations. I trust that they have learnt to trust in God, to lean upon each other and to know that they can achieve amazing things. Our Year 12s will be greatly missed and our prayers and best wishes will go with them into the next chapter of their lives.

Year 7, 8 and 9 students will, no doubt, be looking forward to their end of year excursions, which have undergone several amendments as venues changed, and previously not permitted activities now allowed. Thank you to Mr Whittle, Mr Cutler, Mr Gaschk and Ms Coates for their incredible efforts to ensure meaningful and enjoyable events conclude 2021.

It is perhaps an apt time to reflect on the last two years. I believe we have been sustained and favoured by our amazing God throughout all of the changes, deaths, illnesses, bad news and challenges that have arisen. I continue to thank Him for His blessings of safety, love, grace and mercy and will appreciate my own health and lifestyle to which we are fast returning, knowing that many in today’s world could not imagine such luxury, favour and wealth. At Christmas, it is timely to ponder the greatest gift the world has ever known, the birth of its Saviour. 

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Greg Barker

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School