Year 11

This year was the year in which 'remote possibility' took on a new meaning for the Year 11 students and teachers of Mater Christi College. Rather than the term having negative connotations and meaning ‘little or no chance’, the school community, including the Year 11 students and teachers, turned this phrase into a positive one. The upending of norms of learning which we have lived with over the years was met head on with determination, good humour, creativity and pragmatism.

The Year 11 cohort of 2020 have demonstrated the qualities which we, as a school and a wider community, wish to see in our young people - they have shown themselves to be informed, compassionate and creative. As they have faced the pressures, challenges and opportunities presented to them this year the students have grown and developed individually and as a group. They are a group of young women who put the Good Samaritan values of care for neighbour into action in their support for each other and their engagement with the wider school community and, for many, the broader community.

Of note this year, has been the leadership displayed by many Year 11 students within the school community. This has taken place both formally and informally. Informally through the support which many have offered to each other, to younger members of the community and even to staff in dealing with the many challenges which unfolded throughout the year (be they epidemiological, technological and even meteorological), and formally through the efforts of several Year 11 students in positions of school leadership, including those of ‘House Captain’. This was a new role for Year 11 students and those who undertook it exemplified this year's College theme of ‘letting their light shine for others’.

The leadership and personal capabilities of the students also shone through in the speeches presented for leadership positions in 2021. Rarely have I seen such a broad and consistently excellent presentation of ideals, values and hope for the future. At times throughout this year, particularly prior to year level assemblies, I put out a call to teachers for the names of students who they believed deserved public acknowledgement for their efforts and willingness to help others and themselves. I found myself being presented not only with a broad range of names but also requests for entire classes to be congratulated for their efforts and their qualities as learners and as people. To me this exemplifies the source of my pride in both these young people and their teachers.

James Bakker Year 11 Learning Coordinator