Randall Chu returns

When I began as a Year 9 student at Nossal High School, I distinctly remember the feeling of excitement at being part of something new. There was no established culture to imitate. The houses for student competitions did not yet have names. This was a time when it was rare for people outside the Nossal community to even be aware that the school existed. When I told others the name of the school, the most common response was “where’s that?”. 

A culture began to develop over time, with thanks due to the extraordinary work put in by staff. 

Early on, significant voice was given to the students. The four houses, Garuda, Pegasus, Griffin, and Phoenix, were chosen through a competition with entries submitted and voted on by students. A sense of community and collegiality emerged as teachers got to know the students and faced off in friendly competitions such as the staff versus student swimming relay, athletics relay, and debating. It was clear that the staff were willing to put themselves out there. I vividly remember the staff getting up for a surprise act at the end of choral night (now the house performing arts festival). They did a freestyle rap!

As I look back, I am very thankful for being able to attend Nossal. The environment of an academically selective-entry school is conducive for highly driven and aspirational students, who are sometimes isolated at their previous schools, to come together and spur each other on. 

I appreciated the adult learning environment and responsibility given to direct my own academic studies. The curriculum was rigorous and the demands of the academic program encouraged me to consistently study and revise at home. This was something that I didn’t do prior to attending Nossal and establishing those habits early on prepared me well for later years. 

However, what elevated Nossal, in my view, was the community. When I think of Nossal, I remember peers who were incredibly talented, generous and driven. I remember staff who went above and beyond for their students. The community made Nossal a nice place to come to each day. 

Recently, I have been immensely thankful to have the privilege of returning to Nossal High School, this time as a teacher. 

It has been a delight to see many of the distinctive features of my experience as a student here still remain, high student voice and agency, an adult learning environment, and a wholistic view of education which encourages developing the whole person and continuing to be involved in extra-curricular activities. 

I have enjoyed meeting students and reconnecting with former teachers (now working alongside them as colleagues). 

It truly does feel like coming home. I look forward to getting to know the Nossal community and journeying together with you. 

Randall Chu

Class of 2013