Year 12s

Nominated by HHS staff

Our Shout Out campaign celebrates individuals and their contribution to the Healesville High School Community. We are doing something different with this Shout Out and have decided to dedicate it to a much deserving group; our Year 12 students.

We’re sure the final year of their schooling hasn’t panned out the way they expected it to and it would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the challenges and setbacks COVID 19 has created for this group of students. Regardless, they have impressed us in so many ways and we want to take this opportunity to tell them (and everyone else) how proud we are.

One of our school values is resilience and if our Year 12s weren’t resilient at the start of the year, they certainly are now! Staff have been so impressed by their ability to adapt to changes to their learning environment, all while they have been forced to forgo important events in the life of 17 and 18 year old students. When temperature checks were introduced and later face masks, they not only adapted, but they did so with a smile. They’ve negotiated online SACs, multiple changes to study designs and Stage 4 restrictions and they’ve been admirable in the way they have done this.

Prior to COVID teachers often commented on the cohesive nature of this group of students. They show teamwork and care about each other. The current situation has only magnified this and they continue to support each other and their teachers.

Year 12s have demonstrated maturity and responsibility in their learning. Although they are well supported by their dedicated teachers, the remote learning environment has required them to motivate themselves, make themselves accountable and develop their independence. Special mention must go to our school captains, Mikayla Short and Ruby Langford. Both are doing an exceptional job and have demonstrated dedication to their roles. Despite the challenges of this year, they have worked with Mr Biffin to establish our first Student Representative Council in recent times and map out a vision for this group. They are responsible and fine role models for our students.

Mutual respect between staff and senior students is always apparent with our Year 12 students but this has been highlighted this year. Students appreciate their teachers and acknowledge how much they have needed to change to teach in a remote learning environment. Staff regularly comment on how nice this group of students are; they are balanced, friendly and easy-going people.

If you look hard enough, there is a silver lining to every situation. To our year 12s- this year may not be working out the way you expected, but the independence, adaptability and resilience you have built, and continue to build, will serve you well in your future endeavours. We want you to know that you are supported, we care about you and most of all, we are proud of you.

'I want our Year 12s to know how incredibly proud I am of them. They are doing an amazing job of coping with everything being asked of them and we will continue to support them every step of the way. Their resilience and flexibility is impressive to say the least. Keep up the great work!''- Allan Rennick