Earlier in the week I caught up with our school captains, Caitlyn Anderson Hunter and Lily Clements, for a chat about life and Year 12. Before I divulge further, now is the perfect time to mention how proud I am of these two and the many contributions they have made to HHS in the past, and the extent to which they are positive role models for the student body.

Caitlyn always looks out for her friends and she finds a way to support people who need it, by caring, checking in and just being there when people need it. Lily is an all-rounder who has demonstrated her ability in a range of areas; from music, to sport, to academic excellence. Both girls typify what we want our students to be and I look forward to watching them represent HHS this year (and beyond).

In terms of the year so far, when asked to describe it in three words, Lily said it has been exhausting, exciting and so far she feels determined. Caitlyn agreed with Lily- as we said above, Caitlyn always supports her friends!

Despite the extra pressure associated with being a Year 12 student and the school captains, both girls can see some positives to this situation. Lily likes being ‘at the top of the school again’ and seeing an end in sight. She feels like being a determined Year 12 student has given her a reason to be here and has made her feel like her previous five years at HHS were worth it. Nice to know! Caitlyn really likes the way Year 12 students are given more independence and how staff treat them like adults. She also loves having access to the Year 12 kitchen and she was pleased to report that, so far, her peers are keeping it clean and tidy. Once again, nice to know!

Recently, Year 10, 11 and 12 students engaged in workshops delivered by Elevate Education. These sessions are delivered by young people who have demonstrated success as VCE or VCAL students. Workshops focus on building student awareness of study techniques and strategies to build and maintain a healthy mindset. Both girls agreed that the workshop they attended was beneficial and has helped them set up for the year. They liked that the focus was on exams; how to prepare for them, the importance of practice question and asking teachers for detailed feedback. Although they have participated in several Elevate sessions throughout their time at HHS, they found this one the most relevant and useful in terms of supporting their goals.

We spoke about their Year 12 group and both captains agreed that they feel lucky to be part of a close-knit and connected group. They love having small classes and feel like this provides them with the opportunity to be successful; they have lots of attention from staff, they feel their teachers really know them and they feel confident to be themselves in class. Both agreed that all their teachers are supportive and helpful. Lily made special mention of Mrs Plunkett and noted that she pushes students who she knows want to do well. Caitlyn is loving her Media classes with Miss Koutkos for many reasons, but particularly because her requests for help or assistance are answered at any time of the day (or night)!

Outside of academic pursuits, both girls are looking forward to a year that is hopefully less disrupted by COVID (so am I!). After missing out over the past two years, they hope to have a fab time at the HHS formal and they are looking forward to the Year 12 dinner at the end of the year and celebrating six wonderful years at HHS.

Thanks girls! It was lovely to chat with you and fantastic to see that you both remain positive, determined and most of all, grateful for the opportunities you have had, and will continue to have this year.

-Mrs Mitchell