WHSC Newsletter

Student 

Achievements

VCAL Captain 2021 | Congratulations!

Congratulations to Sienna S for successfully obtaining the position of VCAL Captain for 2021. Sienna did well and impressed us in her interview and we look forward to working with her in this new leadership position at WHSC in 2021.

 

Ms. Michelle Galea | VCAL Coordinator

 

“Hey I'm Sienna Stainthorpe and I've been chosen to be the 2021 VCAL Captain. I'm very excited to be working alongside Ms Galea and my VCAL class. I'm very approachable so if any of the younger year levels have any questions about VCAL in the future feel free to ask me, thanks!" -  Sienna S, VCAL Captain 2021

VCE Drama | Performance Exam

Congratulations to our fantastic Year 12 Drama students, who kicked off the exam season today with their Solo Monologue examination! Writing, directing, and devising their own performance based off characters such as The Drifter, The Stage Parent, and Mary Poppins, the exam is the crowning achievement of their VCE study, and we couldn't be more proud of them! Amazing work, team!

 

Ms. Genelle Lentini | VCE Drama

Student Agency | Student Parliament Update

Despite the challenges of 2020, we have been looking to expand opportunities for students to have more agency in making positive change at school. We have plans to implement a new Student Parliament program, where any student can pitch ideas and be involved in actively creating positive change in line with their interests. During remote learning, all students had the opportunity to fill in a survey identifying their top five priorities for change at the school. After collating data from all year levels, the top five areas for change identified by students were:

  • School uniform
  • Having more lunchtime clubs
  • Providing more electives/changing what is offered in current electives
  • Making the school environment cleaner
  • More positive behaviour from other students. 

In term 4, once students resumed face-to-face learning, we prioritised the idea of making more student-run lunchtime clubs. Students across many year levels have been involved in this process, and have worked together to develop a new system that all students will be able to use to start their own clubs next year – stay tuned for updates on this in early 2021! Thanks to Aryan S, Waasi T, Daniel W, Zach K, Simone J and Renae V for their work on this so far – we look forward to sharing this new system with the College Community.

 

Ms. Gemma McMahon | Student Agency Coordinator 

Year 12 Celebration Speech | Mikayla Harvey

This speech was delivered by Mikayla Harvey, one of the 2020 College Captains, at the Year 12 Celebration Day festivities that marked the conclusion of formal high school learning for all Year 12 students.

  

My fellow classmates,

 

The day we have been imagining since we were year 7’s is finally here. This is it. Here we are spending our last few moments together and what a ride it has been. This year may not have turned out the way we could have ever imagined it to be but I believe that every cloud has its silver lining. This year has proven that you are all so capable, strong minded and resilient.

You have been able to stay positive in the face of adversity and I hope that no matter the result you are proud of yourself and each other for making it to the end. This year has shown us what truly matters in our lives. It has pushed us to think differently- students and teachers alike. We’ve seen an emphasis on the importance of relationships and staying connected, even if it was through a screen. 

 

It has been an absolute honour to have had the opportunity to represent Wheelers Hill as College captains this year, in a truly unique way. As captains we came into this year wanting to put a focus on the mental health of students, little did we know how big of an importance and focus this would be in today’s current climate. As a cohort we have had to make many sacrifices this year but we have tried our best to make the most out of a difficult situation and give each of you a year that you would never forget. 

 

It has been a pleasure to watch each of you grow from those innocent little year 7’s and turn into these confident young adults. It is hard to believe that 13 years of schooling is coming to an end. I wish you all nothing but the best for your future endeavours as you embark upon the next chapters of your lives. Some of us may be sitting here excited to start this new adventure while others may be anxious to leave the safety of the college walls. But this year has shown that you have the resilience and willpower to do anything that you put your mind to. 

 

The end is almost here, but don’t give up! Hang in there! Work hard and go smash your exams! If this whirlwind of a year has taught us anything it is to appreciate the little things in life and to never take anything for granted. Cherish your friends and family, be kind to one other and to never stop chasing your dreams. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and make the most out of every day! 

 

Mikayla Harvey | Year 12 College Captain, 2020

Year 12 Celebration Speech | Jemma Frisina

This speech was delivered by Jemma Frisina, one of the 2020 College Captains, at the Year 12 Celebration Day festivities that marked the conclusion of formal high school learning for all Year 12 students.

 

To the class of 2020,  

 

WHAT A YEAR!

 

A quick question! What is the difference between Borat, Elena Gilbert and the class of 2020??? A quick answer! Only we, in 4 weeks, will have completed year 12- one of the most stressful years of our lives- DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC.... so be proud of your achievements this year because we are making history, and that’s an achievement within itself.  

 

It’s certainly not how we pictured it but I'm so proud of how students and teachers alike have handled this year.  

 

When we were excited to be the class of 2020, imagining how aesthetically pleasing the year would look on the back of our jackets, we could never imagine the kind of year we’d be having- lockdowns, change of study designs, exam dates, remote learning, restrictions, etc. it has been CRAZY to say the least. We’ve made so many sacrifices this year, but it has no doubt made us stronger and more resilient individuals and that’s what we should focus on.  

 

I’d like to say thank you to the staff for how you have adapted and changed the ways you teach to ensure that we have not been disadvantaged by this year, for all your hard work and dedication. I’m sure I speak on behalf of the year level when I say that we appreciate everything you have done for us, and will miss the bonds that we have formed with you, so thank you. 

 

Thank you also for the privilege of College Captain this year, I’ve truly enjoyed the time I have spent in leadership at Wheelers Hill Secondary College and I hope I’ve done you proud. 

 

Standing here, delivering my last speech to you all is so surreal, I still remember my first day of year 7 like it was yesterday but in the flash of an eye WE ARE ALMOST DONE! So hang in there, let's stay focused, let's work hard and let's DO THIS!

 

If I make any mark on Wheelers Hill Secondary College, I want to say: Don’t be afraid to be different, don’t be afraid to stand alone in a crowd and to speak up for something you believe in. Be kind, be humble and enjoy! Time goes fast so let’s all make an effort to enjoy the lives we’ve been given, each and every day.  

 

No matter where we end up 20, 30, 40 years down the track, I think it is so beautiful that Wheelers will always be a part of all of us. I am so blessed to have been on this high school journey with you all and I’m grateful for the friendships and memories I have formed along the way. 

 

So let’s cherish today, enjoy each other's company, breathe in that strange classroom smell, listen to the monstrous black birds caw and look through that crack in C3 for one last time. Because this is it… well almost.  

 

Good luck for all your exams, I truly wish you all the best and I’m looking forward to going out with you all and celebrating when the world goes back to normal...watch out world, the class of 2020 is coming, and we have a lot to make up for!!  

 

I love you Wheelers, farewell and thank you for the memories!

 

Jemma Frisina | Year 12 College Captain, 2020

John Button School Prize

Essays from two student nominees for the John Button School Prize are featured in their entirety on the next page. Click the arrows at the top or bottom of the screen to read them!