Year 11

ms malwina Dwyer | Year 11 Coordinator

We began 2021 full of joy and hope that this year would be different, that it would be back to ‘normal’. We were able to start off the year together onsite and, luckily, were able to finish it in the same manner. Although it was another year with disruptions and distance – and we had to really dig deep for perseverance, motivation or optimism – the times physically shared on the Salesian grounds became ever so precious. Most of our boys began their VCE journey, with some undertaking Year 12 units. Some of us continued our VCAL journey while others excitedly joined the class after realising this pathway was more suited to their career choices upon graduation. One of the big events this year was our Year 11 retreat. This was held towards the start of Term 2 and saw the year group travel to a beautiful scenic location in Lysterfield, where we engaged in a guided program that challenged the toxic traits of masculinity and subsequent detrimental expectations by society. The boys did a wonderful job identifying positive masculinity, and genuine connections were formed discussing the concept of manhood. The day was sunny and the boys played mostly outside. In the sea of casual clothing and smiling faces, I remember the stilled moment of joy at the sight of us all being together again. The numerous snap lockdowns and the extended lockdown were hard: hard for the boys, hard for the families and our community as a whole. Honestly though, our time apart isn’t what we’ll remember. The memories which will last are the favourite recess or lunch spots for hangouts (covered courts, under the chapel stairs, near our lockers), participating (albeit perhaps limited) in sport, drama or music this year, the hype about the local Guzman Y Gomez opening up, the running jokes about my height or my shuffling days back in the Year 9 staff mockumentary. The best memories I will take away will be how special the boys made me feel. The boys and even some families regularly enquired about my baby boy’s health or development. It was so wonderful to see how tight-knit we were as a community (and how could we not after 3 years together?) and as I continued to watch the boys grow, they also witnessed me become a mum.

At the end of the year, a handful of students concluded their journey with us for various reasons, including apprenticeships, and we wish them all the very best of luck! This is such a fine year level and, since Mr Ashmore’s commencement as Principal this term, I have been unbashful in raining compliments about this year group. I am certain that these boys will be an extraordinary example of what our college represents and stands for as Year 12s and leaders of the college in 2022. I will always remember these boys as my first year group, how can I not when they’ve made such a big impression?