As Term 2 draws to a close, once again I wonder and am amazed at how quickly a term passes and how our Year 11 students have sought to make the most of their time and opportunities.  

Whether it is chatting with students near the Year 11 pigeonholes as I write my daily greeting and announcement on our whiteboard, during Level Sessions, or during more serious conversations in my office, it is so inspiring to see how students seek to do their very best.  

I know my colleagues and I are impressed by the way the Year 11 students have stepped up this term in their use of the Library – making use of this vital facility in their study and general academic preparation.  

The lead up to the exams has seen students realising the importance of the Nicholas Library as a significant space in their learning journey. It is a joy to see our students working independently, in pairs or in small study groups revising for their upcoming examinations with focus and keen interest in the finer details prescribed by their teachers.  

Indeed, the examination period serves as a crucial practice for the more intense SWOT VAC they will be engaged in next year as final year students and beyond.  

So, whilst students are not in class during this period, they are still occupying the learning environment, but in a different, pro-active, and scholarly capacity. 

This term has been particularly busy. We started with our Year 11 Formal, held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club where a fun time was had by everyone who attended. It seems like ages ago, but I know that a lasting memory was created for our Year 11 Cohort. There was much merriment, laughter, and dancing. I am happy to report that the feedback St Catherine’s School received from the venue was that this was the best group that had attended the venue. How proud we were to hear this lovely feedback. What was specifically noted on the night of the Year 11 Formal was the courteous manner and respect students expressed towards their House Tutors as well as other Senior School staff present. The words ‘Thank you’ resounded at the night’s end towards teachers, Kooyong staff and of course to parents who took the time to decorate the venue and provide everything that was needed to make their daughter’s evening a most beautiful and memorable one. We are once again reminded that it does indeed ‘take a village.’ 

The term has unfolded with other key moments – House Athletics, House Cross Country, Jazz Night, the Senior School Musical Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience, our Mother’s Day Breakfast, the Careers Expo, and the Ruth Langley Luncheon. Even though my word limit does not allow me time to delve deeply into the importance and benefits of each of the above events, please know that they are pivotal in engaging our students in the richness of school life at St Catherine’s.  

Yes, as a school, our primary focus is academic endeavour and achievement, but balance and engagement in life is so important. Learning life skills is important. Attendance is the way we make connections and develop a meaningful sense of belonging and community. Indeed, these are crucial opportunities for students and their parents to get involved. I thank the Year 11 Cohort and their families for continuing their staunch support of our School. Together we help to build such a special community. 

As a Head of Year, one has a very special vantage point where we can see the full picture of a student as they make their way through their secondary schooling. So that whilst there may be hiccups along the way, with communication, professional support and expertise, as well as deep care and respect, students are able to overcome challenges and start to become the architects of their own life.  

Encouraging our students to get involved is so important in this process, for through involvement individuals often build resilience, discover new passions, make new friends, and see that the world is not necessarily as narrow as they may once have thought. I state this as I often witness a degree of tentative hesitation to get involved and a few words of encouragement can make a world of difference to the self-belief and confidence of a student. 

So, as we move into our mid-year hiatus and prepare for Semester 2, I am hopeful that our Year 11s will continue their upward trajectory towards Year 12, mindful of the gifts of learning, family, friendships, and community. I am hopeful that they will continue to shine and show gratitude for the opportunities and support that they receive in attaining an education that will certainly make a difference to their lives and to the lives of others in a positive way. 

Knowing that there is still much to do and achieve, our Year 11 students (and every St Catherine’s School girl) are reminded that they are not alone, but we are standing next to them supporting them every step of the way.