From Mr Heffer 

It has been another hectic term in the teaching and learning realm of the College. As always, Term 3 is a challenging time for Year 12 as they take on the stress of the HSC and International Baccalaureate Trial Examinations. For some students, these have been the first structured examination period in some years, as the 2020 examinations were cancelled for this cohort and last years were completed online.

With that in mind, there is a great deal about which this Year 12 cohort should feel proud. They have endured three challenging years and will emerge a little bent and bruised from the experience. All Year 12 students feel stress and anxiety at this time of year, but for many of this year’s cohort, it is amplified by the unprecedented context in which we find ourselves. At the same time, I cannot help but feel that in the medium and longer term these experiences will hold them in good stead. Their resilience, grace, and flexibility under pressure have been exemplary, really showing the rest of the College how to overcome adversity. Amidst all of those external factors they have remained precisely the kind, friendly approachable leaders we would like them to be. And they are all leaders. With the College now extending from K-12, our youngest students look up to our oldest students in every way—literally, but more importantly figuratively. Again, I would like to thank Year 12 for their care and engagement with those younger than them. 

Of course, results become part of the conversation at this time of year. It is indicative of the media cycle that even that sentence invokes immediate thoughts of Band 6 HSC results or IB Diploma 7 grades. We celebrate those successes in time, but more importantly, we celebrate all students who reached their potential and became all they could be academically. What you do not read about in the media is whether students become good people. I often ask parents whether they would prefer their child to receive a high ATAR or be a good person. Over the years I have never received an answer suggesting the former. Of course, it does not need to be either or—at TRAC we are proud that our students are able to walk and chew gum; being able to both attain excellent results and be young men and women of sterling character. For us teachers, being part of a 6-year long journey of growth is its own reward. And of course, academics are vital to our role in providing a platform for future studies or work. By far, though, the greatest gift we can give our students is the lessons that build emotional intelligence and resilience. I thank this Year 12 for exhibiting those traits of which I know their parents would be most proud. 

To the leadership team of Paddy, Sarah, Toby and Lucy, I say thank you. Leadership should be driven by service and you, along with all of the House Captains and Portfolio Captains have led the way. You in particular have exemplified the core values of The Riverina Anglican College-Faith, Learning, Excellence, Individuality Kindness and Innovation.    

We wish our Year 12 students all the very best as they leave us and enter the wider world. Good luck in your examinations, remembering there are many pathways to success and this is just another step toward your destiny. 

I thank our parents for their continued support over Term 3. I trust everyone has a safe and restful holiday as we look towards a busy and exciting final term for the year.       

Anthony Heffer