Over the past weeks students have been given the opportunity to engage in several activities. The Fit to Drive incursion enabled students to reflect on what makes a good driver and passenger. I also had the pleasure of accompanying 40 students to the Northern Territory which, once again, was an amazing experience.

The first week back we listened to the speeches given by the ten students who had applied to be the College Co-Captains for 2026. Over the years I have listened to many of these and this year the students captured the true essence of what a leader is. They all had a unique take on what it meant to be a leader. It is more than a badge or a position: rather it is knowing that for the group to succeed, all the components of the chain must work together. It is being aware of the talents of others and utilising them. It is being disciplined and always trying your best. It is doing the right thing even when those around you are not. It is supporting others to achieve their best. It is seeking out those who are quiet and solitary and making a connection. This is the true strength of this year level.

The process of selecting the Co-Captains and other leaders continues through the term and I am excited with the prospect of the team who will lead the students in 2026.

Student Reflections

Fit to Drive

Last term, the Year 11s participated in the Fit to Drive course that focused on road safety and education for schools. The program coordinators, Lexi and Jack, helped us learn about common misconceptions on the road, especially as a learner and red P-plate driver. We also had two police officers from Moorabbin Police Station speak to us about the common issues and dangers of reckless driving, giving us insight into the safety precautions that need to be taken while driving. Fire Rescue Victoria also came to speak to us about real-world situations of teenagers our age, giving us an insight into what can happen when you are driving dangerously or illegally.

During the presentation, there was a lot of engagement with the students. At one point, the volunteer from Fire Rescue Victoria invited a group of students to take part in a roleplay based on a real-life scenario, telling the story of four boys who tragically lost their lives while driving recklessly. This activity gave our year level a confronting and powerful understanding of the consequences of reckless driving, drunk driving and inexperience on the road.

Overall, the 120-minute course was not only educational for us as learner drivers, but it also gave us a deeper understanding of how to navigate and be safe on roads. It was not only informative but also made us think more deeply about the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel. We left feeling more confident about how to stay safe and make better decisions as drivers.

Ava Ferguson and Abbey Tomlinson

Year 11

Year 11 Northern Territory Trip

In July we had the opportunity to travel through the Northern Territory on an amazing, once in a lifetime trip.

We started our trip by flying into Uluru, where we stayed two nights. The first night we enjoyed a beautiful and mesmerising sunset at Ayers Rock where we posed in many photos and were in awe of the different colours the rock changes to during the sunset!

A favourite was definitely the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, where we hiked for 4 hours on unsteady rocks and up steep cliffs. Although it was difficult and took a long time – the beautiful scenery, fresh air, chats with friends and people around us was all so worth it and will be forever in our memories!

Another crowd highlight was the Yellow River cruise in Kakadu where we enjoyed watching the beautiful sunrise and immersed ourselves in the scenery of beautiful plants, hundreds of different bird species and many crocs. It was amazing.

During the trip, we made long lasting friendships and memories, learnt so much about Indigenous culture and stories from the land, and saw incredible scenery. Although we did learn so much more interesting and beautiful things about the Indigenous culture, we realised how much more of it there still is to learn and understand. Hopefully we will return one day and further explore this awe-inspiring region.

Cleo Ruthven and Leila Timms

Year 11

Sue Dempster

Lever Leader: Year 11