Senior News

Congratulations to the Graduate Class of 2019. Today all students who applied through VTAC received offers of tertiary placement and, as a staff, we are feeling incredibly proud. The culmination of the two years of VCE study actually ends at a beginning point and this time the students take with them a toolbox of knowledge and skills and hopefully an attitude of courage and curiosity. I would also like to credit Marie Clark in Careers for assisting students to find the right match for them and being available to help navigate the complex VTAC application process.

It is hard not to be nostalgic when an era ends and as the year 12s attended their final roll call and received their VCE Certificates the sentiment was relief mixed with anticipation. Facing the challenge of VCE and navigating the landscape of burgeoning adulthood takes strength, perseverance and good humour, the students demonstrated all of these characteristics and as they leave Maffra Secondary College, we hope they take this with them too, as well as a few good memories.

We are incredibly proud of Mat Angliss, MSC Dux, who has conducted himself with integrity throughout the year. Constantly seeking feedback to continually improve his learning, Mat is already an inspiration for younger students who saw his determination and focus in the study centre, as well as his energy and comradery on the volleyball court and playing basketball. Other students who achieved ATARs above 90, Lucy Capurso and Claire Coster, also led by example through championing community spirit and drawing attention to humanitarian and environmental causes.

While these students achieved a hallmark ATAR many of our students excelled, and all of the students’ achievements are worth celebrating.

Congratulations Class of 2019 and on behalf of the Senior Team, I wish you every joy and success in the future.

Mathew Angliss, DUX, MSC, 2019

At the start of the year I couldn’t have dreamed of standing up here tonight. Back in January, year twelve was a daunting task in front of me however it was a task overcome with the help of many. Tonight, I want to focus on thanking those who helped me to achieve my success and the successes of the graduating class of 2019.

First of all, I’d like to thank all my teachers this year; Coxy, Huddo, Mr Price, Mrs Lambert and Mr Sonka. A lot of people claim that year 12 is the hardest year of your life, well I think teaching it must come pretty close. Every one of you gave countless hours of your own time, time away from your families, to help and assist with my studies throughout the year which goes far beyond your job descriptions. Another teacher I also have to thank is Ms Fry. Although she wasn’t my English teacher, she spent many hours reading through and assisting with my essays allowing me to achieve my best. I think by the time exams came around she dreaded seeing my face, but she never said so.

Secondly, I have to thank all the senior team staff for their incredible emotional support during one of the toughest years of all our lives. I want to mention Whitty (Ms Whitwam) in particular for constantly checking in with my family while I was suffering from mental illness. Your care and compassion for all your students goes far beyond your role as a teacher and I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve provided me.

Thirdly, I must thank all my fellow year twelves. You all put in so much effort this year and you all pushed each other when you needed it which allowed us all to perform at our bests. Also, you gave us many laughs and a year we won’t forget.

Finally, but potentially the most important is my support crew from home. Mum, Dad, Molly and my girlfriend Kayla you all pulled together to help me immensely. Whether it was Mum’s amazing cooking that gave me the energy to study, Dad accompanying me on a bike ride to allow myself to clear my head, Molly’s high achievements giving me something to aim for or Kayla putting up with my endless complaints about VCE. Your contribution to my success won’t be forgotten.

By achieving DUX I’ll now be able to join both my mum and my sister on the school honor board.

My score has allowed me to gain guaranteed entry into my preferred teaching course where I aspire to be much like my own teachers and allow others to achieve their potential in the areas of maths and chemistry.

Before I leave here tonight, I want to leave you all with something that I have learnt throughout my schooling at Maffra Secondary College and that is you don’t need to attend a private school to gain a great education. Throughout my time at Maffra I was never once limited in the success I could achieve. The teachers here are equally, if not more knowledgeable than those at private schools however where they are superior is the care and compassion for each individual student that is second to none. It is these qualities that have allowed the many graduates of Maffra to succeed. And no, the school didn’t pay me to say this.

Thank you

HEADSTART

Usually the final two weeks of formal classes can be rather exhausting as students and teachers alike are drained and slipping into a realm of mindless automatons…but not this year… the new Year 11 students hit the Senior Study Centre with such enthusiasm it was easy to be swept up in the energy. It’s one thing for students to be able to make a cup of coffee at recess and lunch, which both the indulgence and the caffeine may be a reason for the energy, BUT, it wasn’t just the corridors and the yard that the energy was evident, classes were energised with questions and discussion and a tangible desire to learn. Students have begun 2020 content, completed homework, engaged with creating study planners and many have already contacted teachers with questions. What a great start!

Someone really famous said, “Begin as you mean to go on”, (actually , it was my mum - none the less), I believe we have begun as we mean to go on and I look forward to what 2020 brings for the new yr 11’s and 12s.

VCE and VCAL BBQ and Information Night is scheduled for 6pm, Thursday 6th February.

2020 Captains

Vicles Higgins, Claire Coster, Emily Saddington and Riley Geischan handed over their well worn badges of responsibility at Presentation Night to Narelle Brown and Lucy-Belle Macreadie, our elected School Captains for 2020 and Joe Capurso and Chelsea Smith, the MSC Vice Captains. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the student leadership team next year.

Congratulations also to the award winners this year, quite a showcase of students with diverse and interesting talents. I would also like to say a special thank you to Hannah Gardiner and Charlotte Keifer who brought some school spirit to the study centre by planning activities to spark a bit of joy leading into Christmas. Even the planning was fun!

Finally I would like to wish all families a joyful and peaceful break. May the summer be smooth for all and see you in 2020.

Key Dates For 2020

VCE & VCAL- Info night 6pm - 6th February

VCAL Camp - April 27th- 29th

VCE Camp - November 24th- 26th

PRESENTATION NIGHT

MSC 2019 Presentation Night