Years 11 & 12

YEAR 11 COORDINATOR

Chris McDuff

christopher.mcduff@preshil.vic.edu.au

While most people dragged themselves to the finish line in 2020, our cohort of Year 11s hit the ground running, relishing the opportunity throughout Early Commencement to push themselves and make a strong start to their Diploma Programme. As a classroom teacher across multiple subjects, I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm and endeavour firsthand as students set the tone this year.

While entering the final years of schooling can be daunting for students, there appears to be a buzz of excitement this year and the success of the Early Commencement will allow everyone to start with added confidence.

And with that, it’s with great excitement that I introduce myself as the Year 11 Coordinator for 2021. Having worked closely with this group over the past two years across a number of subjects, I jumped at the opportunity to support them through the final stages of their time at Preshil and look forward to what the final two years bring.

The focus of the next few weeks will be to settle in, familiarise ourselves with the ins-and-outs of the DP, and build a strong, collegiate culture that will form the foundation of the next few years.

Our first event this year will be the DP Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 10 February at 6pm.

In Week 3 we will head off campus for the Years 11 & 12 camp (15-19 February) which will be held at St Mary’s College on the University of Melbourne campus and aim to include a range of day-trips, tours, activities and electives.

I look forward to battling it out in escape rooms, throwing spoons at the cinema screen in The Room and testing my poor coordination on the ice-skating rink and, until then, I wish everyone the best possible start to 2021.

YEAR 12 COORDINATOR

Caterina Pacitti

caterina.pacitti@preshil.vic.edu.au

A warm welcome to the Preshil class of 2021 and their families, to what is an exciting and busy year for all involved. For me, one of the great joys of teaching is seeing my Year 12 students through their final year of schooling and towards their adult lives.

My aim for the first few weeks of the year will be to find opportunities to re-connect as a cohort and re-energise our shared love of learning. The Year 12s demonstrated considerable resilience during the events of 2020, and I know that this will serve them well during the year. This year, I am looking forward to seeing them further emerge as leaders within the school community. Year 12 can be a fulfilling yet challenging year, but no one goes it alone. The cohort has a strong support team of peers, teachers, parents and wellbeing and careers practitioners who will be with them every step of the way during this important year.

I know many of our Year 12s will be ready to hit the ground running, and there is plenty in store for them this term. Coming up in Week 3 is the DP camp at St Mary’s College at the University of Melbourne. The week will be packed with activities and outings that allow students to spend quality time together and to enjoy the arts, culture and history that our city has to offer.

On Wednesday 10 February, the DP Information Evening will provide an opportunity for students and parents to find out more about what to expect from the year ahead, and I hope to see you there.