Whilst change is everywhere some things remain constant

2023 has been a most eventful year for our amazing Year 10 cohort of 82 students. As the year has progressed, we have welcomed new students who have joined our community from near and far, and what has evolved is a rich, dynamic tapestry of individuals who bring cultural diversity, insight, a sense of fun and respect to the broader St Catherine’s School community. Every individual in our Year 10 cohort has contributed in their own positive way to making this year so memorable, filled with excitement, anticipation, reflection and growth.

February, and the year commenced with the joy of entering Senior School. Students entered the world of ILTs and the looming VCE. There is a long journey ahead. In Term 1 there was lots of summer activity, evident in the infectious enthusiasm of our students in many sporting opportunities – whether it be cricket, swimming, rowing, tennis, athletics. Indeed, the Year 10s have certainly put the new strength and conditioning facility to good use. From the outset of the school year, students were aware of the balance needed in life, between sport, the many music ensembles and performances, or other co-curricular involvements, students sought to balance their passions and interests with the increasing academic rigours. What has been wonderful to see is that for many students, their learning has become their passion. Add to this, the importance of family life, the importance of social commitments and a picture of what it means to be a young person in 2023 at St Catherine’s School starts to emerge.  “It is not the way it used to be,” is a phrase I have often heard uttered by parents. And this is true, life seems to be constantly changing. It seems that one of the greatest skills we can develop in students and ourselves is the ability to welcome and not to fear change and adaptability. Open mindedness when embracing life is gold.

However, whilst our focus this year has been on ensuring students are VCE ready, a major challenge in our contemporary society resides in the ever-changing world of devices and technology, where wellbeing often suffers, lost in the seductive lure of phones, social platforms and skewed perceptions of image. When one is developmentally seeking to find one’s place in the world, things can become difficult to navigate, when there are so many distractions. The truth be told, we see these influences every day in our lives as adults, imagine what it must be like for a young person. And it is on this point that I stress the need to give ourselves permission to talk and communicate as parents and teachers with the young people in our care, to guide and mentor the young people in our lives towards a more balanced approach to life. To say, ‘It’s ok, don’t worry.’ Or ‘Yes, it is going to be hard, but that is part of life.You can do it. You will get through this. You are not alone,’ or to say, ‘Relax, have fun. Life is beautiful.’ We will all benefit from sharing our voices. Speaking and listening. We can learn together in our collective journey forward. After all, what is an education, if it is not lived, experienced and applied?

As Summer moved into Autumn, a wonderful Year 10 Wellbeing Retreat followed. Here students were involved in a range of activities from walking in the fern forests and waterways of an autumn-coloured Marysville, to House dancing, reflective practices of journalling, yoga and meditation. Inspired by former St Catherine’s School teacher, Dr Casey Delmara (PhD) students were given the challenge to consider the idea of taking control of their lives by adopting a positive mindset that reflects their own truth and authentic self.  Dr Delmara is a resilience and positive coping skills expert. She is a change agent and passionate about helping people, both in school and in the corporate world, to transform their mental health. Her time with our students was invaluable and many were motivated to use the Daily Dose Daybook. This journal focuses on developing mentally fit and mentally strong individuals. It suffices to say that the time away in Marysville as a cohort was significant as many friendships were consolidated, whilst new ones blossomed. Such is the dynamic of bringing together a group of very different individuals, connected with a common goal and journey ahead. It was inspiring for staff to witness the great camaraderie of our Year 10s who showed deep appreciation of each other. This was beautifully expressed in the students’ written affirmations.

As Autumn passed, we moved into what seemed to be an endless Winter, yet spirits remained buoyed and warm. Mid-year examinations initially appeared to be an insurmountable mountain, yet our Year 10 students displayed mature study habits, with a deep desire to do well academically. We climbed the mountain together and chose our VCE subjects for 2024 – another peak to conquer. We will address that chapter of our journey next year. For the time being, we moved gently into Spring. Even though there were blossoms on the trees, the cold weather hesitated to depart and Year 10 students turned their attention to Leadership Diplomas. What strikes one is the depth of so many of the Dark Blue initiatives undertaken by our Year 10 students which reflects the genuine awareness, concern and commitment to social justice, health and women’s issues that preoccupy the minds of these young women. It takes so much courage to present on issues such as Breast Cancer, Animal Cruelty or Palliative Care for Young Children, yet members of our cohort stood up and allowed their voices to be heard on pressing issues in their community.

And so, as we make our way towards another Summer, exams just around the corner, we reflect on what has been achieved this year and what may lay ahead. And once again, excitement is in the air. There is a cycle and rhythm in life that is reassuring. The main thrust of life in Year 10 has been focused on the word ‘embrace’ but just as significant is the thread that we have woven together as a group – the thread of respect – respect for each other, respect for our family, our friends, our community and the broader world beyond. We encourage our 2023 Year 10 cohort to have faith in themselves and the world around them. We encourage them, and every St Catherine’s School student, to continue embracing opportunities as they move together towards and into their final years of secondary schooling. We commend every member of this cohort, impressed by their initiative and desire to excel in everything they do, always adopting a respectful mindset. And thus, whilst change is everywhere, some things, like the need for respect, remain constant. There is a deep comfort in this thought.