Graduating classes of 2022 — Shepparton News

This year has highlighted the enormous resilience of students and staff as they battled the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and for that, we congratulate everyone involved.

This special feature celebrates the dedication and strength of Year 6 and Year 12 students as they take the next step on their life journeys and into the future. Well done!

CLASSES OF

GRADUATES OF 2022

Setting

I’ve spent a lifetime in teaching but never have I had the opportunity to introduce more than 2000 students to a new college campus. Here, at Hawdon St, we inherited a setting that is the envy of many in education and the chance to build a proud college culture in 2022. Our success is owed to our senior students – they claimed this place as their own and proved to be the GSSC mentors and role models our younger students needed as they started fresh in a new school. As the first graduates of our new campus, you shared our leadership journey and have shown yourselves to be the young adults you are. We will always be proud of the Class of 2022 and you will always be welcome at GSSC – as visitors (maybe even teachers?) and in years to come, perhaps as parents!

Unique privilege and great pride

As incoming college captains to our new campus, we knew our first year at Hawdon St would also be our last in state education. As senior students, it has been a privilege to help welcome Greater Shepparton secondary students to this place and watch our diverse community come together as one. This year seems to have flown by since we participated in a ribbon-cutting to officially open GSSC and very soon, we will be passing on our leadership duties to others. As individuals, we are proud of the primary and secondary schools we came from, proud to be among the first student leaders of our brand-new college and proud of the entire Class of 2022. We look forward to watching GSSC go from strength to strength – and we wish the very best for our peers as they do the same in their future adventures in life.

- Executive Principal Barbara O’Brien

- College Captains Skyler Norton, Rowan Farren, Beth Gray, Olivia Judd, Dante Sinclair-Dealy and Ella Rei Dunlop

Thanking you and thinking of you!

GSSC makes history with first graduates

Year 12 Greater Shepparton Secondary College student Kesalini Muli is not only a vice-captain of the school, she’s also a history maker.

Kesalini is among the first ever graduates of the college, which was created from the merger of four schools in Shepparton and Mooroopna.

“I think it’s cool because we’re making history basically, we’re the first ever graduates of GSSC,” she said.

“It’s been a long, long journey for all of us individually.

“It was a long journey, but the connections and the support that we get from the school really helps us and that’s why we feel so much more connected now than we did, let’s say two years ago.”

Kesalini speaks highly of the facilities and opportunities offered at the college, which Year 7 student Andi Riza has five more years to take advantage of.

This time last year he was a Year 6 Bourchier Street Primary School pupil contemplating his graduation to secondary school — and at a brand new one at that.

“It was difficult to leave primary school, I was a bit nervous to come to Year 7,” Andi said.

“It was first year it was being built, but, you know, I felt calm and stayed calm.”

One of GSSC’s assistant principals, Julie Walsh, said the school had a carefully designed program that made the transition for Year 6 students into Year 7 as smooth as possible.

“We’re spending a lot of time in transition, going and visiting our year sixers,” she said.

Ms Walsh said although the college had brought four schools onto one site, its design meant it seemed smaller.

“We have three neighbourhoods, but within those there’s three houses and so our students stay within that house from Year 7 to 12,” she said.

“These kids have got some of the most amazing facilities, their opportunities have just broadened so wide that you know, anything that they want to do they can.”

Another of the school’s assistant principals, Anna Sloane, said careful attention had also been given to catering for students with extra needs.

“In each of the neighbourhoods, we’ve got dedicated wellbeing staff,” she said.

They include cultural educators, educational support staff, multicultural leaders, a paediatrician, the doctors in schools program and mental health practitioners, including headspace.

“So, so much wraparound support that we can offer our students,” Ms Sloane said.

For Kesalini Muli, the step out from high school into the world beyond is a little daunting, but the Year 12 graduate said she was well prepared.

“It’s scary because we just started changing and now everything’s going to change again and it’s now growing in life,” she said.

“So it’s that next step — you’re no longer a teenager or a child, you’re actually going into the real world and you’re becoming a young adult.”

Andi Riza offered some words of encouragement to the Year 6 students facing a similar daunting step.

“Don’t worry too much. Don’t stress, you’ll get used to it and you’ll have a lot of fun,” he said.

St. Brendan’s Primary School Shepparton Year 6 Leadership Team 2022

Dear Year 6 students,

I am so proud of how much you have accomplished this year. It has been wonderful seeing you all grow in so many ways during your time at St. Brendan’s.

Thankyou so much for being such amazing buddies for our Foundation students, and the support you have shown to them in the playground. Your leadership at our school has been exceptional and such strong role models for our younger students. I wish you all the best for next year. You are a fantastic group of children with a lot of potential. Make sure you shine in whatever the future may bring.

Paula Stevenson (Principal) and the Year 6 Teachers of St. Brendan’s Primary School

Amber Wesenick

Sophia Wesenick

Ready for change: Greater Shepparton Secondary College assistant principal Julie Walsh, Year 12 student and vice-captain Kesalini Muli, Year 7 student Andi Riza and assistant principal Anna Sloane are ready for change come the end of the school year.

SCHOOL NAME: Ardmona Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Achieving Personal Success

ADDRESS: 580 Turnbull Road, Ardmona PHONE: 03 5829 0273

WEBSITE: www.ardmonaps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Jean Varty MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Stong, resilent students, best of luck in the next chapter of your lives. We applaud you!

SCHOOL NAME: Dookie Primary School

ADDRESS: Baldock St, Dookie PHONE: 03 5828 6585

WEBSITE: www.dookieps@vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Troy Woolley

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our graduating 2022 Year Six students. I wish you all the best with your future studies and aspirations as you take on the new adventures that secondary school will provide.

PRINCIPAL: Eron Chapman MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

SCHOOL NAME: Bourchier Street Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Best Always

ADDRESS: 1-19 Bourchier Street, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5821 3488

WEBSITE: www.bourchierps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Denise Howley MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Congratulations to our 2022 Year Six students, who have all contributed to making Bourchier Street Primary School a great school. Good luck, enjoy secondary college, work hard and have fun.

SCHOOL NAME: Gowrie Street Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Dream Big ADDRESS: 1 Gowrie Street, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5821 3100

WEBSITE: www.gowriestps.vic.edu.au

To our 2022 Grade 6’s A group of wonderful young people who we all know as energetic, fun loving, enthusiastic, full of heart, creative, caring and each and every one their own beautiful selves. As you leave us take with you all the very best wishes and love from our Gowrie St community. We are proud of you and can’t wait to see all the great things you will do and all the great places you will go. You represent all the values of Gowrie St. Dream big and embrace all the opportunities life brings.

SCHOOL NAME: Congupna Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Be KIND, Be BRAVE, Be CURIOUS

ADDRESS: 3580 Katamatite-Shepparton Road, Congupna PHONE: 03 5829 9286

WEBSITE: www.congupnaps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Adam Cleary MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Our Congupna Primary School Community would like to wish our ve graduating Grade Six Students of 2022 all the very best in their future endeavors. Secondary Schooling is a very important stepping stone towards being independent, successful and realising your dreams don't forget to stay KIND, BRAVE & CURIOUS!

SCHOOL NAME: Grahamvale Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Quality Education For All ADDRESS: 85 Grahamvale Road, Grahamvale PHONE: 03 5821 4219

WEBSITE: www.grahamvaleps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Simone Higgins

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

7 years ago we started our school journey at Grahamvale together and what a wonderful journey it has been. I would like to thank our students for the wonderful ambassadors they have been for our school. I wish them all the very best and wish them every success in the years to come and to never lose sight of what they can achieve!

PRINCIPAL: Barbara O’Brien

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

SCHOOL NAME: Currawa Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: The Little School Where Science Rules

ADDRESS: 2 Ridge Road, Dookie College PHONE: 03 5828 6581

WEBSITE: www.currawaps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Rebecca Brown MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations Joel and all other graduating students. We are so proud of all your achievements and are wishing you the greatest success as you continue your learning journey and for all of your adventures thereafter.

PRINCIPAL: Lisa Wilson MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

SCHOOL NAME:

Greater Shepparton Secondary College SCHOOL MOTTO:

To develop creative, curious and caring learners who actively contribute to making a better world.

ADDRESS: 31-71 Hawdon Street, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5891 2000

WEBSITE: www.gssc.vic.gov.au

Congratulations to our graduating class of 2022 – our very rst group of students to graduate from our new GSSC campus! You should be proud of the leadership you have shown, the example you have set and the work you have put in to achieve this milestone. Thank you for being on this journey with us and we wish you every success in your future.

PRINCIPAL: Brendan Bicknell

SCHOOL NAME: Dhurringile Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Aim High

ADDRESS: 605 Langham Road, Dhurringile PHONE: 03 5826 6222

WEBSITE: www.dhurringileps.vic.edu.au

On behalf of the Dhurringile Primary School community, I would like to congratulate all of the year 6 students graduating from our local schools. Let your dreams of today be the wings to carry you into the future.

SCHOOL NAME: Guthrie Street Primary School ADDRESS: 33-69 Guthrie Street, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5821 1944

WEBSITE: www.guthriestps.vic.edu.au

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

I always arrive at this time of year with mixed feelings, I’m excited by the thought that our Year 6 students are well and truly ready to progress to their next stage of their education, but on the other hand I sel shly feel a little sad. I thank our Year 6 Students for the contribution they have made over their time at Guthrie Street and wish them all the best.

SCHOOL NAME: Harston Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: A Caring Community

ADDRESS: 155 Harston Road, Harston PHONE: 03 5854 8317

WEBSITE: www.harstonps.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL NAME: Katandra West Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Strong, Be your Best

ADDRESS: 17-27 Bankin Street, Katandra West PHONE: 03 5828 3350

WEBSITE: www.katandra-west-ps.vic.edu.au

GRADUATES OF 2022

SCHOOL NAME: Kialla Central Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Quality Education, Rural Environment

ADDRESS: 128 Central Kialla Road, Kialla PHONE: 03 5827 1373

WEBSITE: www.kiallacentralps.vic.edu.au

ACTING PRINCIPAL: Karen Batson MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations Conner on completing Year 6 at Harston Primary School. Everyone at Harston wishes you all the best in your secondary education and beyond 12 Happy @Harston.

SCHOOL NAME: Merrigum Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Small School, Big Voice, Growing for the future ADDRESS: Judd Avenue, Merrigum PHONE: 03 5855 2275 WEBSITE: www.merrigumps.weebly.com

PRINCIPAL: Tony Shannon MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations Abbey and Holly, our graduates of 2022, on being fantastic leaders at our school. We wish you both the very best and every success in your future endeavours.

PRINCIPAL: Marcia Waters MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

We are all so proud of you and honoured to be a part of your educational journey. You have all achieved so much over your time at Katandra West Primary School and even more importantly, you have also grown into respectful, strong and kind leaders of our school. We can’t wait to see where life will take you next. Whatever it is, have fun and may you dare to do great things.

PRINCIPAL: Debbie Humphries MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Our 2022 Grade 6 Graduates share a very special bond. They demonstrate excellent leaderships skills and are positive role models across Kialla Central P.S. They have conquered challenges and unfortunately, endured the tragic loss of their dear friend and classmate, Karar … ‘Respect the nugget!’ I am so proud of you all and thank you for your contribution to K.C.P.S. I wish you every success with your secondary school adventures and beyond!

SCHOOL NAME: Mooroopna Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Motivated, Persistent, Successful ADDRESS: 16 O’Brien Street, Mooroopna PHONE: 03 5825 2060

WEBSITE: www.mooroopna.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Carla May MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our Year 6 students upon their graduation from Mooroopna Primary School.

We have enjoyed being a part of your lives and know the future of the Mooroopna community is in very good hands. You have excelled during one of the most tumultuous periods of educational history and we admire your resilience and maturity. We wish you every success as you enter the next phase of your education. You will forever be a part of our Mooroopna Primary School community.

SCHOOL NAME: Mooroopna North Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Resilience Respect Responsibility ADDRESS: 835 Ardmona Road, Mooroopna PHONE: 0409 025 137

WEBSITE: www.mnps1612.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Michelle Duke MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our 2022 graduating students as they meet this milestone and progress to the next stage in their education. We thank them for the contribution they have made to school life at Mooroopna North and wish them every success as they continue to achieve their goals and follow their dreams.

SCHOOL NAME: Kialla West Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Resilience, Excellence, Pride ADDRESS: 7370 Goulburn Valley Highway Kialla West PHONE: 03 5823 1333

WEBSITE: www.kiallawestps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Wesley Teague MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our 2022 grade 6 graduating students. This group of children have gained excellent academic results and have been wonderful role models in the Kialla West Primary School community. We are very proud of their achievements and wish them all the best for their future.

PRINCIPAL: Kerry Miller MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Remember to dream big, try hard and set your eyes on your goals.

SCHOOL NAME: Mooroopna Park Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Growing and Learning Together ADDRESS: 45 MacIsaac Road, Mooroopna PHONE: 03 5825 3856 WEBSITE: www.mpps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Hayden Beaton MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our graduating class of 2022. We are proud of the effort you have put in and the growth you have achieved. We wish you all the very best!

SCHOOL NAME: Lemnos Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Love Laugh Learn ADDRESS: Lemnos North Road, Lemnos PHONE: 03 5829 9287

WEBSITE: www.lemnosps.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL NAME: Murchison Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Be the Best You Can Be ADDRESS: 8-10 Impey Street, Murchison PHONE: 03 5826 2391 WEBSITE: www.murchps.vic.edu

PRINCIPAL: Karen Goodwin MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to the Class of 2022 on your achievements at Murchison Primary School. Wishing you great success with your future education and dreams.

SCHOOL NAME: Orrvale Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Educating Hearts and Minds

ADDRESS: 300 Channel Road, Orrvale PHONE: 03 5829 2490

WEBSITE: www.orrvaleps.vic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: Adam Brennan

SCHOOL NAME: Shepparton East Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: By learning, We grow

ADDRESS: 15 School Road, Shepparton East PHONE: 03 5829 2426

WEBSITE: www.shepeastps.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL NAME: St Georges Road Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Knowledge, Service, Happiness ADDRESS: 120 St Georges Road, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5821 3383

WEBSITE: www.stgeorges.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL NAME: Tallygaroopna Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: The philosophy of considering the feelings of others at all times is strongly endorsed within the school.

ADDRESS: 24-34 Victoria Street, Tallygroopna PHONE: 03 5829 8264

WEBSITE: www.tally-ps-3067.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL NAME: Tatura Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Achieving Together

ADDRESS: Corner Service and Albert Streets, Tatura PHONE: 03 5824 1684

WEBSITE: www.taturaps.vic.edu.au

GRADUATES OF 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to our graduates, we are so proud of your resilience and flexibility and know that you have been well prepared and are ready to take on the new challenges, friendships, emotions and opportunities that secondary school will provide. We thank you and your families for working in partnership with us over the past seven years and look forward to following your lives as you make the most of the talents you already possess and those that you are yet to discover.

PRINCIPAL: Les Walsh MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: The Shepparton East Primary School community would like to congratulate our 2022 Graduating Year 6 students. Your hard work and persistence is a credit to you all. May all your dreams and aspirations for the future come to fruition through your ongoing dedication to continual learning. Thank you for your contribution to making Shepp. East PS, the great school it is!!

PRINCIPAL: Adam Burbridge MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Dear Students, congratulations on your many achievements throughout your primary school years. I hope that the SGRPS values instilled in you will enable and empower you to be successful and achieve your goals and dreams for the future. Never forget the importance of kindness and care for those around you, work hard and never give up. You’ve got this! Best wishes and much love from myself and all the staff at SGRPS - we will miss you!

PRINCIPAL: David Brodie MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Good luck to all of our wonderful Grade 6 students who will soon move onto their new educational challenges in 2023. You will always be considered part of our school and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and mature into the future.

PRINCIPAL: Susanne Gill

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Each child in the Graduating Class of 2022 at Tatura Primary School has developed friendships and skills that will last a lifetime. They have learnt to adapt to many challenges, to be respectful of themselves and others and to live in an ever-changing world. We wish them every success in the future.

SCHOOL NAME: Toolamba Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Where everyone counts!

ADDRESS: 69-77 Wren Street, Toolamba PHONE: 03 5826 5212

WEBSITE: www.toolambaps.vic.edu.au

ACTING PRINCIPAL: Craig Thompson MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: We wish our 2022 graduates well as they transition to secondary education. We look forward to seeing them build on their learning and develop into outstanding members of our community. They have worked through challenges on their way to completing their primary education. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!

PRINCIPAL: Sharon Thompson

SCHOOL NAME: Wilmot Road Primary School

SCHOOL MOTTO: Happiness Through Achievement ADDRESS: 84-90 Wilmot Road, Shepparton PHONE: 03 5821 4953

WEBSITE: www.wilmotrd.vic.edu.au

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations grade 6 students on your achievements. Continue to challenge yourself to be the best you can be, and follow your dreams. We look forward to seeing the great things you achieve in your schooling and beyond. All the best from your Wilmot Road family.

SCHOOL NAME: Undera Primary School SCHOOL MOTTO: Learning for Our Future ADDRESS: 45-55 Anderson Street, Undera PHONE: 03 5826 0211 WEBSITE: www.underaps.vic.edu.au

ACTING PRINCIPAL: Robyn Bell MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Congratulations Gabriella and Eva on your graduation from Undera Primary School. May you continue to aspire to achieve your dreams and make the most of all educational opportunities in secondary school next year.

PRINCIPAL: Peter Farrell MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: A very special graduating class this year. Isabella and Audrey are my grand-daughters and it has been my great pleasure to teach them both all these years. Good luck to you both.

SCHOOL NAME: Zeerust Primary School ADDRESS: 245 Zeerust Road, Zeerust PHONE: 03 5829 8282

WEBSITE: www.zeerustps.vic.edu.au

Best wishes to the class of 2022

Congratulations to the class of 2022 in the Goulburn Valley, who are about to finish VCE or VCAL.

You are all among a cohort of resilient and determined students who have continued to work hard through many challenges throughout the year. I am so proud of the way that you’ve worked with grit, determination, focus and resilience.

The best of luck to those about to sit exams. You’ve done the hard yards and now, it’s time to show all that you have learnt.

To those who have combined study with hands-on learning, the skills you have learnt today will put you in great stead to become the leaders and workers we need tomorrow.

To all students, you should be proud of your efforts for they are a testament of your hard work. Take a moment to appreciate all that you

have achieved — and to soak up the final days of school.

My enormous thanks to the many parents, carers and school staff who have guided and encouraged each and every one of you to do your best. The support you’ve provided has been integral to our students’ success.

Remember that top marks are not the only measure of success.

Whatever your study scores or ATAR, this is just one step in your life journey and there are many pathways to achieving your dream career.

I wish you every success in your next chapter, whether that be studying at university or TAFE, joining the workforce, starting an apprenticeship or even taking a gap year.

Natalie Hutchins Victorian Education Minister

Congratulations to the2022 Class of Year6

Dear Year 6 Students,

St Mary’s Primary School is incredibly proud of our 2022 Grade 6 students. They have been wonderful role models and have been a positive in uence as leaders of our school. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into such responsible, respectful and resilient young people. We wish them every blessing and good luck as they begin a new journey entering high school.

Regards,

Ready to jump into the future

Finishing primary school and moving to secondary school can be a nerve-racking experience.

But for the students at St Luke’s Primary School, there is nothing but excitement at what the future might hold.

Gathered together for a photo of the Year 6 cohort, it was smiles all round as graduating students eagerly took a break from study to interact and have a little fun.

Indianna Payne and Jack Hudson were two such students.

The two Year 6 students will be moving to Notre Dame College in 2023, along with many of their friends from their current class.

Though excited about graduating, they will take fond memories with them.

For Indianna, this included a three-day school camp to Ballarat and Bendigo where they learnt about the gold rush and panned for gold at Sovereign Hill.

Indianna also spoke of her love of learning.

“I like writing stories and reading,” she said.

Where Indianna talked about her passion for study, Jack’s passion was for football, and he will be leaving with memories of playing in regional and state games.

Jack’s favourite part of school, besides physical education classes, was being with friends and the knowledge there was always something to do.

“Being able to hang out with all your friends and being able to come to school knowing that you can do something,” he said.

Like Indianna, Jack is looking forward to a new school and trying out new subjects.

Bella Walker, who teaches Year 6, was brimming

with pride describing her students as a mature leadership group who have supported each other constantly throughout the year.

She said the school wouldn’t be the same without them.

“I can’t wait for what this year level does. I think there is going to be such a broad range of achievements and career opportunities and stories that I hope they come back and tell us,” Miss Walker said.

David Keenan (Principal)

Graduating class: St Luke’s Primary School Year 6 students who will be leaving at the end of the year.

Photo by ‘Goulburn Valley School Photography’

Goodbye primary school, hello high school

It’s that time of year again, when Year 6 students say goodbye to their old primary school lives and begin the transition to secondary school.

For Bourchier Street Primary School students, it’s a journey with mixed emotions.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities we get at high school with the camps and the work experience, and probably lots of the learning in different subjects,” Year 6 student Ella McLennan said.

Next year Ella will move to Goulburn Valley Grammar School.

Opportunities, especially in the library, were front of mind for fellow classmate Chase Sullivan, who will continue his education at Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

“We have a very big library at the new high school,” Chase said.

Ella and Chase are just two of the 86 Bourchier Street students who will

Both are enthusiastic at the prospect of starting high school, if a little nervous.

For Ella, there are questions about the amount of homework she will get while for Chase, it is the reality that a new school means making new friends.

There is also sadness at leaving the friendly staff and students at the primary school, which was like a second home to them for the past seven years.

Assistant principal Patrick McMullan was upbeat about the futures of the school’s graduating students.

Like all teachers, he was feeling a mixture of sadness and pride at the departure of students he helped nurture over the years.

“With all our Grade 6 students, we are going to miss them when they’re moving on, but it’s always exciting knowing that we, as teachers and staff, have had a big impact on their

Future looks bright: Bourchier Street Primary School

Year 6 students Chase Sullivan and Ella

Counting down to their final day

They knew it was coming but even so, the Year 12 captains and vice-captains at Notre Dame College didn’t realise how quickly the final weeks would reach them.

For college captains Elsie Boyer and Oscar Crilly, and vice-captains Lucy James and Isaac Barry, 2022 has been a year of pressure, friendship and the realisation their lives will never be the same again.

“It’s over before you realise what’s going on,” Isaac said.

Relieved at finally being back at school after years of COVID-19 disruption, the Year 12 students reflected upon many of this year’s highlights.

Standing tall: Notre Dame College captains and vice-captains (from left) Oscar Crilly, Lucy James, Isaac Barry and Elsie Boyer.

“Being home wasn’t fun. Being back at school has probably been a highlight,” Elsie said.

Apart from being able to attend school, the charity ball they held for Caritas Australia was a highlight for the Year 12 students.

School retreat was another highlight.

“Getting to know the teachers and eating lots of food and doing activities to get to know the cohort. Everyone was able to be themselves and we just had a lot of fun together,” Elsie said.

Lucy enjoyed all the responsibilities Year 12 offered her and her fellow classmates. As one of the vice-captains Lucy had additional responsibilities, such as preparing assemblies, which she relished.

Friendship was another theme that was strong among the four students.

Isaac said his mates were a great help to him over the years. For Elsie, the funny memories one inevitably creates with friends in high school were a highlight.

Oscar also highlighted the strong connection the Year 12 cohort formed with their teachers and said he would miss that when school finally finished.

If there is one thing the students will not miss about Year 12, it is the increased workload they faced. Elsie and Isaac were also keen to ditch the structure and uniformity of school.

With the 2022 academic year now fi nished, all that’s left for the students is to sit their exams before enjoying the formal celebrations befi tting their massive milestone.

Though naturally nervous about the exams, each of the four students were confi dent in their abilities as well as their determination to study hard and put their best foot forward.

“I’m sure I should be pretty prepared and a bit of hard work the next few weeks and I should be all right,” Oscar said before exams started.

Elsie believes success will come down to the individual, saying if you want to learn and succeed you will do what it takes.

What awaits the students at the end of their school journey will be as varied as the students themselves.

Elsie plans to study occupational therapy at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

Isaac will spend next year as an intern at Kruger National Park in South Africa with the hopes of eventually becoming a vet.

As for Lucy and Oscar, both plan to stay in Shepparton.

Lucy wants to study nursing at La Trobe University in Shepparton before perhaps moving to Bendigo, with her fi nal goal to be a midwife.

Oscar will stay on for a gap year and is planning on going on a Pacifi c cruise.

Notre Dame College deputy principal Emma Reynoldson spoke of the immense pride the staff at the college felt, noting that despite the challenges, the students acquitted themselves brilliantly and led the younger students with positivity and inclusion.

Positivity was also front of mind for Elsie, who believes that despite soon having to leave the security of school, the opportunities to come will more than make up for it.

“I don’t know what the future will look like. But that excites me as well as in a way because the best things happen when they’re spontaneous,” she said.

The Shepparton News wishes to congratulate the graduating classes of 2022. We wish everyone all the best in their future endeavours.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” —Dr. Seuss