The evening commenced in the tradition of all our College events, with an acknowledgement to country and a prayer. The context was set and then parents and students ventured off in pastoral groups to meet the Pastoral Advisors, who more than likely will be in this role for the girls until the end of Year 12. Pastoral Advisors have an exceptionally important role in the day to day lives of the students and offer practical, academic and pastoral support to your daughters.

The audience were then informed of all the policies and procedures for Preliminary and HSC courses; including College requirements and NSW Educational Standards Authority requirements, the “nuts and bolts” for experiencing success and achieving the best possible outcomes. 

The final and most informative session was the student forum conducted with 10 ex-students. Some students graduated as long as eight years ago and others, two years ago. Each person’s experience of school was unique, as are their personal journeys post school. Here are some of their stories:

• Some loved school and achieved excellent results, others not so much.
• Some were actively involved in all school activities and many curricular activities, others not so.
• Some achieved expected results, others were somewhat disappointed, but not surprised.
• Some encountered personal hardship with poor health and/or bereavement during Year 12.
• Some started University and have either deferred or changed path or decided that University isn’t for them after all.
• One started University, hated it, joined the workforce and experienced “on the job training” and many promotions.
• Another didn’t envision that she would go to University, but her mentor/coach encouraged her and it is the best thing she has ever done.
• Two took gap years, one to get global experience and the other to do mission work.
• One chose a non ATAR program at school, but this year is starting University having completed a TAFE qualification, while working.
• Another knew that she would work in fashion from as early as Year 7, is now doing so and is most successful.
• Finally, one other decided she was going to be an elite athlete of which she succeeded, but is now pursuing something else.

What was commonly articulated by our guests, was the fact that they felt connected to the community, safe and supported and encouraged to be the best that they could be. Even the girls who said they didn’t like school and could not wait to leave, acknowledged that this was the best place for them and had they gone elsewhere, they believe the story may have been a much different one.

So, a big thank you to the following girls for sharing their story. Taylor Sandiford, Alex McDermott, Rachel Leslie, Nikki McCall, Tanu Vasu, Kaylen Payer, Genevieve Neich, Kerrie Dargan, Esther Adeyinka and Sarah Cantrill. We wish you well in your future endeavours.

Cecely McGeachie – Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching