English

As a faculty, we have been so impressed, inspired and moved by the commitment and engagement displayed by the students throughout this unpredictable and difficult time. 

On behalf of the English department, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank parents and caregivers for working with us in maintaining a degree of normalcy when it comes to education. Our Student Services team have also been incredible in supporting the wellbeing of our students, as well as assisting with the completion of the work. I would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our English teachers who have created meaningful lessons and activities this term and who have gone above and beyond to support our students.  

Year 7 students have been studying the concept of the Hero’s Journey in films, while Year 8 completed an introduction to Shakespeare and are now working through an independent reading module. Our Year 9 classes have been analysing the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet, whereas Year 10 have been engaging with a range of documentaries, most recently focusing on He Named Me Malala. Our Year 11 students have also been working diligently. Standard classes have been studying novels as part of their Close Study of Text topic and our Advanced students have been critically analysing Shakespeare’s Othello and King Lear. The English Studies class have been working through a module focused on all things Australian. 

We can’t express how proud we are of all our students, but special mention must be made of the Year 12 cohort of 2021. Individually and as a group, they have absolutely embodied the school’s motto of “persevere”. To endure two lockdowns in their senior years and persevere in the face of frustration and disappointment is an achievement that cannot be understated. Although the HSC Exams have been delayed again, we know that they’ll be ready when the time finally arrives. 

I’d like to leave you with this quote from esteemed poet, Maya Angelou. 

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

Have a safe and well-deserved break,

Mr Blake Wawrzyk

Head Teacher English