All have worked extremely hard under extenuating circumstances over the past two years and the teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure the students have received a high standard of tuition and support.
An extract from a letter to the students by Principal Jeff Ward is an indication of the encouragement given to the young people beginning their journey into adult life.
It was sent before the recent school holidays, given that the official last day at school for the HSC students was September 17.
‘‘As we come out of lockdown and enter what is technically your final week of Year 12, I would like to commend you for your perseverance and tenacity during what has been two years of uncertainty,’’ Mr Ward wrote.
‘‘When I think back to Term 4 2019, when I was fortunate to spend the week with you in Sydney, who would have thought what was around the corner.
‘‘During 2020 your preliminary HSC year, you endured lockdowns, watched on television, and read in the media as people around the world began to suffer significant health concerns, even death.
‘‘People lost jobs, businesses closed and travel even locally grew to a halt. Many of you had those things we love taken away from us, like weekend sport.
‘‘Bring on 2021 and just as it seemed to be improving, we went back into lockdown during what is your most significant and final term of schooling.
‘‘The weekend before the trial exams, school closed and we went back into remote learning along with the removal of all the freedoms we take for granted.
‘‘This final week of your secondary education is usually a time to celebrate with mock assemblies, formal assemblies, fun activities and a graduation.
‘‘Unfortunately, these are not possible under current government COVID guidelines, so we need to look to the future and what can we do to best prepare you for your HSC exams starting on November 9.’’
Mr Ward said the health and wellbeing of students remains the education department’s and NSW Education Standards Authority’s priority.
‘‘All our students in Year 12 will continue to have the support of their teachers, year advisor, school counsellors, student support officer, careers advisor, deputy principal, and myself during 2021 and beyond,’’ he said in the letter.
‘‘We hope that you and your families stay safe and well. We understand all the associated stress and uncertainty you are going through, and you have all worked extremely well this last year and have the necessary skills to get through this.
‘‘I will finish with this quote which is one of my favourites from the Dalai Lama: ‘If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use’.
‘‘We are here for you, please reach out if you need extra support.’’
Local students have also reflected on their senior years in high school as the exams near.Their thoughts are as follows:
Rose Chamberlain – Life in lockdown, for me, has been one of the most reflective periods in my Year 12 career. However frustrating, having to deal with cancellations and isolation has allowed me to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities and goals for the future.
Mainly, it has given me the opportunity to explore how I will go about tertiary study, and has presented things that I can look forward to.
On the other hand, lockdown comes with some anxieties regarding the HSC exams, graduation and much more. Having supportive teachers, friends and family has given me a sense of calm in one of the most chaotic periods of my life, which is something myself and many others will be eternally grateful for.
Rory Knight – Home schooling has been alright for me. As I don’t live in Finley, I get an extra hour of sleep which is always a bonus.
Obviously it is hard not being able to see all of your friends every day, but I think I’m handling it pretty well.
Jemma Coombs – Lockdown lifestyle has made me more open minded about seeking opportunities in times when there feels like there aren’t any.
By this I mean there is always fun to be had it’s just finding a way how. It felt strange not being able to leave Finley, let alone my house, for anything other than necessities or lake walks.
It was a time of reflection, a good look to see where I’m at in life now and how all of my experiences this year has made me the person I am today. The time isolating has extended my appreciation of our everyday freedom.
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