After a well-deserved three week break, the Year 11 cohort returned with a renewed sense of energy and excitement to begin Semester 2. They have completed their first Unit of VCE and are edging increasingly closer to their final year of schooling.

In the last week of Term 2, students received all of their exams back and were given the opportunity to discuss their results with their teacher. Whether their marks were disappointing, surprising or expected, an important process is to reflect rather than allowing the papers to disappear into the depths of their locker. Improvement can only truly happen after reflection and now is the time to be meeting with teachers, asking advice on exam preparation and seeking guidance on which areas they may need to revisit. In my conversations with parents this term, I have highlighted the importance of students reaching out to their teachers.

At the beginning of the year, each student recorded a goal for the year ahead. These goals varied – some were thoughtfully considered, some appeared strategic and others were spur of the moment ideas. Getting organised, achieving a good Study Score in a Unit 3/4 subject, working harder, completing homework on time and avoiding procrastination to name a few. Upon completion of Unit 1, I hope that each student has had a moment to think about their year so far and consider whether they are on track with their personal goal. Chloe Rodgers reflects below on her experiences of being a Year 11 student.

What has been the best part of Year 11 so far? 

As a cohort, we are quickly nearing the end of Year 11 and getting ready for the last year of our schooling. We have all become a supportive and encouraging family, and as a year level, we are as close as we have ever been. With each girl as nervous as the next for the coming year, we have looked to each other for comfort (although none of us are completely sure what to expect). I have seen girls become more comfortable in their own individuality and, in turn, have seen the year level welcome this change. In the midst of SACs, outcomes and many other stressors, we have a cohort of girls who are not afraid to bounce back from disappointment and launch into the next task. Between spontaneous dance parties, lots of laughs, pressing deadlines and the occasional tears, each girl has each other’s back, and I could not ask for a better group of girls to spend my last year with.

What has been the most challenging aspect?

The most challenging aspect of Year 11 so far has been balancing academic and co-curricular commitments. However, this obstacle forced me to organise myself, in advance, and manage my time around the week ahead. On the other hand, it is through these co-curricular activities that I have made some of my closest friendships. So I would encourage girls not to shy away from commitments just because they are scared about time management, but instead jump into every activity they can and, in turn, you will find that you make time, and may just be the most productive you have ever been.

What are you looking forward to next year?

There are many things I am looking forward to next year. The start of Year 12, in my eyes, is symbolised by receiving the blue jumper. As the oldest year in the School, I am looking forward to taking on all the roles and responsibilities of a Year 12 student. Moreover, I am also excited to be a buddy for the younger years and help them in their first few years of Senior School. Additionally, many other girls next year, including myself, will be turning 18, an age of independence. As we launch into our last year of school, each of us are thrown into the deep end and, in turn, will rely on each other for support, seeing our year level grow closer again. Whether in or out of the common room, each girl will be anticipating the end of the year, after our final exams. Although there are many things about the coming year, including the idea of finishing school, I know that by the end of the year, leaving the group of girls that make up Year 12 of 2020, will be a heartbreaking end. Nonetheless, I cannot wait for the year to come, a year filled with many ‘lasts’ but also many ‘firsts’ and a group of incredible girls, who I could not be more excited to spend my last year at St Catherine’s with.

Chloe Rodgers, Year 11 student.

This term, our level program is focused around looking after the self. We began this term with a presentation from Rena Ou Yang, a lawyer at Moores Legal. Rena provided a fascinating insight into child and youth safety, rights and responsibilities of young people and consent. This highly engaging session led to a thought provoking discussion around some of the issues young people navigate in terms of their rights and responsibilities. In addition, we welcomed back Paul Dillon, who specialises in education around the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The girls thoroughly enjoy hearing from Paul each year, who brings with him a wealth of knowledge on these topics.

In the first week back, I advised all students to approach this semester with the same level of enthusiasm, and to think back to their original goal – a personal driving force for the remainder of the year. I look forward to another busy term with this inspiring group of young women.

Ms Lilly Dusting, Head of Year 11 and Visual Communication & Design Teacher