In his poem ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ Robert Frost uses the autumnal imagery of his New England home to convey the inevitable passage of time in the most exquisite and subtle way. Once you finish reading the poem you are left with a sense of the shimmering and ephemeral nature of life and perhaps the need to make every day count. As we enjoy the wonderful pleasures of Autumn 2021, it is understandable that we may find ourselves remembering this time last year, when we were on the cusp of a lockdown experience most could not have imagined possible. I feel that we as educators, parents and students – as human beings – are moved to examine our lives as a natural consequence of so many disruptions that continue to occur in our world. It is a time of flux and so finding respite in Nature or your own personal space is crucial. Indeed, from our relatively safe vantage point of Australia, we continue to witness with sadness in our hearts how communities and individuals are still being ravaged by the pandemic. We are living in startling times indeed.

One year on and what is profoundly evident is the unyielding course of Nature and its unrelenting forward trajectory. Time stops for no one and it is perhaps what we learn along this journey that will inform our attitudes and convictions in the life to come.

This reflection certainly pertains to the experience the students of Year 11 have had thus far. Set against the backdrop painted above, they have moved into this first year of their two-year VCE studies with a deep sense of conviction and purpose to carve their way forward into life. Our students have shone in this first term, deriving meaning from their education and Co-curricular activities, as well as their families, friends and the experiences that they have had over the past year.

I believe that emotions are still raw for so many people in relation to our lockdown experience from 2020 and in my conversations with the Year 11s so far this year, the focus has been on wellbeing both personally and in a group sense. The focus has gravitated towards respecting each other and our individual journey. To be gentle with each other but to try and get on with it. To have a vision for our future. We have reflected upon our the innately fragile space that needs to be honoured by each and for each individual. Students have responded most positively and truly seek inner peace in a world which is so often fraught. Simultaneously, the intention to work as a cohort to build resilience through reflection, action, cooperation, respectful relationships, gratitude, kindness and listening carefully is also of key importance to our work.

In Term 1, the Year 11s enthusiastically stepped up in a pastoral and leadership sense through the Year 7 and 11 Mentorship program. In this initiative, Year 11 students are buddied with younger students and meet to discuss their school experiences, concerns and observations in a peer supported setting. The experience not only welcomes the Year 7s into the School community in their first term of secondary schooling, but also bolsters the sense of responsibility in the older students, which is most empowering and positive. This program continues into the year. In addition, within the auspices of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021, the Year 9s and Year 11s met to discuss specific experiences relating to study skills and practices that may assist the Year 9 students as they have moved up from Year 8. Students also workshopped this year’s IWD theme of ‘Choose to Challenge’. It was wonderful that we were able to include our overseas students during this session, who also had so many insights for the Year 9s.

What emerged from both of the above workshop and session is the knowledge and awareness that whilst Year 7s, Year 9s and Year 11s are at a different stage of their learning, there are so many common threads that bind our students and indeed, students are wonderful repositories of wisdom and assistance for each other. Many students from each of these levels have requested that they reconvene to continue these positive, supportive and team-building conversations. Often the advice offered by a peer can have a deeper more resounding impact than that of an adult.

The focus on achieving our very best academically, in a Co-curricular and Community Service setting has certainly spurred on so many of our Year 11 students in Term 1 and I am sure that this will continue in Term 2 and beyond. We applaud our scholars, our musicians, our sportswomen, our artists and every Year 11 student. As we move into Term 2 we also thank Ms Kirsten Wiley, Dean of Academics; Mr James Brown, Project Leader: Student Leadership and Mentorship; Ms Pauline Van der Poel and Ms Kristy Tine our School Careers Advisors; and Mrs Ceri Lloyd Project Leader: Senior Years Learning Model. These individual educators have taken time to speak with and inform our Year 11 students in their specific areas of expertise. Of course, we thank our Year 11 House Tutors who support our Year 11s every step of the way by providing guidance and advice.

Being back on the St Catherine’s School grounds has been such a reassuring and settling experience for most students. We are reminded of the power of schools and school communities to provide a comforting structure to life as well as a haven and a space where learning occurs in a supportive, friendly and meaningful way. As I often find myself telling our Year 11s, ‘Just speak with your teacher.’ Teachers are here to encourage our students in their learning journey. For this we are so grateful.

Term 1 passed so quickly and Term 2 will offer so many activities which will serve to build and further consolidate the Year 11 spirit of camaraderie and respect. During level sessions in Term 2 we will be focusing on Examination Preparation; Careers; The GAT; Nutrition and Positive Body Image; Mindfulness and Yoga.

It is with great delight that the Year 11s will commence Term 2 with their Year 11 Formal on Friday April 23. We hope that they enjoy this special celebration, taking time to recognise the importance of the moment and each individual in their cohort. ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay.’