In praise of ‘young people of heart, passion and innate goodness’

We are so very proud of our Year 12 students who have faced another year of restrictions and uncertainty with maturity, courage and support for each other.

Through the disappointments of cancelled events and extracurricular activities, the Class of 2021 has kept positive and made the most of other significant opportunities to celebrate, both as a year group and the whole school community. We were luckier than many other schools across New South Wales and were blessed to be able to celebrate our 75^th Anniversary together as well as stage our musical Downtown. Such joyous occasions have kept spirits up and we remain hopeful that some of the milestone events for Year 12s can still take place before the end of the year.

‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is certainly an apt expression for this time. We thank our families for entrusting their children to us at Chevalier College and for their continued support as we traverse this journey together.

Best wishes for a bright future!

to all Year 12s from all at Chev

In a special Southern Highlands News tribute to this year’s Year 12 students, Kate Price, one of Chev’s three Stage 6 Coordinators, reflects on the past two years working closely with the Class of 2021, through all their ups and downs…

“In general, our Year 12s have stayed positive and worked together with their teachers on solutions for any problems that have popped up. They have shown admirable resilience during a very difficult time which will bode well for them as they head to their next stage in life!

I feel the impact on them has been greatly lessened by the enormous amount of work put in by their teachers and leadership behind the scenes – from their Home Rooms to their Zoom classes – their teachers and counsellors have maintained communication with them on a regular basis. Whilst some students have struggled with motivation to keep working, most understand that this will eventually end!

Through all the disappointments, cancellations and delays regarding their HSC and graduation ceremonies, the Year 12s have realised we are trying to make their rights of passage as meaningful as possible for them and the college will do what it takes to celebrate with them as soon as we can all be back on campus together.

They’re a strong year group who have shown amazing spirit and courage –
and that gives us hope for future generations!

Whilst there have been anxious moments and overwhelming feelings, there have also been great moments of joy as we watched the kindness they have all expressed to each other. They’re a strong year group who have shown amazing spirit and courage – and that gives us hope for future generations!”

“Our world and future will be in great hands as the Class of 2021 move to the next stage of their lives” said Principal Chris McDermott, “Why? Because they are young people of heart, passion and innate goodness.”

Read the article in the Southern Highland News, Year 12 Souvenir Wrap – Class of 2021, Wednesday 29/9/21

See the gallery below for Year 12s at their retreat earlier this year and some as Year 7s back in 2016…