Year 12
Motivation for what comes next - Year 12
Year 12 students are now at the halfway point of their final year of high school, and for many this means exploring their post-school options.
The Careers Team at Cecil Hills High School provides outstanding support, advice and real-world experiences for students as they navigate their way through their choices.
In the last couple of weeks, School Captain Daniel Silmi completed three days with the Australian Defence Force and found the experience invaluable and inspiring:
I recently had the privilege of being selected for the Air Force Familiarisation Work Experience Program at the Richmond Air Base. In just three days, it became clear that this was far more than a placement; it was an experience that challenged my discipline, broadened my perspective, and left a lasting impact.
The early 4 am starts and long commutes were demanding, but they reinforced my value of commitment and opportunity. Surrounded by students from across the country, I quickly realised how significant this experience truly was.
From the outside, the program immersed us in an environment defined by respect, precision, and high standards. Even the smallest habits, such as posture, communication and attention to detail mattered, pushing me to become more aware of how I presented myself. Within hours, a group of 14 strangers became a united, driven team, connected by shared ambition.
Although I originally sent my application in to learn more about their firefighters, engaging with personnel across the Air Force, Army, and Navy exposed me to the vast range of career pathways (pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, electricians, firefighters, movements and logistics roles). Their honesty and insight gave me a deeper understanding of the commitment required and the purpose behind every role, developing my interest in the ADF further than when I initially came on my first day.
What stood out most was everyone's strong sense of purpose. Every individual contributed to something greater than themselves, so I was able to not only view but create a mindset that was both powerful and inspiring. This experience has motivated me to pursue the ADF Gap Year program and immerse myself in an objectively structured, hands-on environment.
I am incredibly grateful to the Careers team for making this opportunity possible, alongside Sargeant Harkins, who guided my friends and myself along the way.
This was more than a memory; it’s a motivation for what comes next.
- Daniel Silmi, School Captain
Year 12 2026 - Making memories
Year 12 students are enjoying their ‘lasts’ - the last Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival - even their last First Day at the beginning of the term. There will be lots of ‘lasts’ this year, preparing them for many amazing ‘firsts’ to come in 2027!
- Ms Cremin, Deputy Principal