A New Start at Ivanhoe

Bring on Year 10!

By Donelle Joseph, Year 10, Plenty Campus

Hello! My name is Donelle and I am a new student who joined Ivanhoe Grammar School in year 10. Getting used to the culture and community at Ivanhoe was, and still isn’t easy but that's the beauty of it. 

The new experiences, friendships and teachers are definitely ones to remember and I am so excited to embark on this new journey of my school life. Saying the first few days were confusing is an understatement, but it also gave me the chance to meet some of the greatest friends who answered all my queries and gave me the smoothest transition ever. Some of them were also new to this school, so it was comforting to know there were people who felt the same in this unfamiliar environment. There were so many people around me who offered endless support. The first week definitely went fast and kept me very busy and active. During this time, I was able to adapt to the environment and somehow managed to get to all of my classes. The second week was more laid back and relaxed so I was able to further develop connections with some of the teachers and peers around me. 

I am looking forward to what my future holds for the next three years at school.

By Maya Sakr, Year 10, Plenty Campus

Before my first day at Ivanhoe Grammar School, I had a lot of different feelings, especially since I’d be joining so late. I was afraid and nervous. But those fears were soon expelled and replaced with good ones. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to make friends and that I’d feel lonely. But this was not the case, from my first day everybody was so friendly and welcoming. I made friends right away and I didn’t feel lonely at all. I never felt as if I didn’t belong, Ivanhoe celebrates diversity and a strong sense of community which I am grateful for.

 I was also afraid that I wouldn’t be able to learn as well as I could because of the new environment, but I soon found that not only was I able to adjust immediately but if I ever was unable to adjust or feel uncomfortable, I’d receive help and aid to ensure my comfort and ability would not be affected. The teachers were all very helpful and I felt comfortable in my learning environment as they were all very open and kind. I also found that Ivanhoe got involved with amazing organisations that not only benefited the community but benefited us as students and people. 

I feel helpful and feel happy that I am able to participate with those organisations to help communities. There was always an opportunity to do something beneficial no matter your interests, whether it be sports or academics I felt as though there was something for everyone to be benefited by. 

My time so far at Ivanhoe, though short, has been an amazing and beneficial experience for me, and I feel as though I’ve been able to grow and learn as a person. There’s always something new to learn and always another door to open, and I feel as though Ivanhoe has helped me do that.