Senior School
Head of Senior School
SHARRON FRAME
Head of Senior School
Students are being asked this term to consider the direction for their future study and career choices, in order to make subject selections for 2019.
This is a daunting task for many as they simply do not have the life experience to be sure they are making the right choice. We encourage our students to ask questions, bravely try new things, and to treat mistakes as learning experiences not failure.
The journey to life after school requires careful thought and looking at options. As a school we have lots of information available and assistance to offer, but when students have an opportunity to hear from someone experiencing their first year after leaving school, the message becomes very genuine and very real.
We welcomed back 2017 Prefect, Christina Katatrioti, to address both students and their families at the VCE Information Evening last Wednesday. Christina obtained an ATAR >90 last year, and decided to pursue a career in graphic design.
For many reasons, she chose an option to study at Holmesglen TAFE this year. By the time she completes her studies she will have a Diploma, an Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree in her chosen field. In addition, because of her pathway she will also have industry experience and will have formed a network of contacts. Her advice to the audience was clear:
"Life is short and you don’t have time to postpone your dreams. Just to let you know your ATAR does not define your life. It is a number that will be a big deal for maybe a week and then no one will care. Dream high but keep it realistic. Do not be afraid of others’ opinions. The only person you should be afraid to disappoint, is yourself.”
Solid advice for students who place an extreme amount of pressure on themselves trying to achieve perfection. Many believe the only way to complete VCE is with examinations and straight to university.
Everyone is an individual and their journey may not be the same as others. TAFE, employment and other tertiary institutions provide alternate pathways that are equal in education standards to universities. It was wonderful to hear Christina share her experience. It is always wonderful to have a former student come back and share their journey with current students.
Following the semester examinations, Senior School students celebrated the end of the term with camp, a formal and a day trip to the snow.
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Congratulations to Con Christodoulou in Year 12. Con was selected to represent Australia at the Pararoos International Challenge in San Diego, America. Players from other states came together in Sydney to form the team that left on July 13th.
The teams from America and Canada proved to be strong competition. The results did not go Australia’s way and the team lost all three of its games.
It is a pleasure to be able to celebrate this achievement with Con. His journey since 2015 following his stroke has been hard but this is great achievement and we are very proud of Con.
Year 12 Formal
Looking very sophisticated and elegant, the students of Year 12 joined staff at The Gables for the Year 12 Formal last month. The evening was also the last function this year for Mary Harbis, Year 12 Home Group and English Teacher, before she left for her long service leave for the duration of Semester Two. Although the evening finished officially at 11.00pm, students were still dancing.
Year 11 Camp
Year 11 students attended camp at Mill Valley Ranch at the end of Term 2. Horse riding, crate climbs and rogaining were some of the activities students participated in.
Visiting the camp for a day gave Deputy Principal, Peter Dickinson and myself an opportunity to join in the fun. However, perhaps the funniest sight of the day was the staff lining up to purchase sweets at the small shop on site. A few relived childhood memories of favourite sweets on offer and we were definitely the loudest group at the counter!
Year 10 students were joined by Home Group teachers and Father George on the slopes of Mount Buller for a day of skiing and snowboarding. Many had never seen snow nor tried either activity. But a lesson for confidence, correctly fitting snow gear and they were ready to try.
The day started early and finished late but by all accounts, it was very enjoyable. Several of the students found the new experience challenging but it was good to see some of them persist and continue trying their best, especially the international students who had a real ‘don’t give up’ attitude.
