EUPHORIA and being completely and utterly “over it” were the mixed feelings among Year 12 students at Muswellbrook High School (MHS) on Friday after HSC results were released yesterday and ATAR scores today.
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Add in a dash of parents and teachers who got a bit teary about the outcome – and it was a bit of a funny affair.
“We ride the emotional roller coaster with them,” said careers advisor Sonya McDonald in her defence as she and senior study room coordinator Fiona Bailey dabbed at tears at seeing the small group of Year 12 students together.
MHS had nine students with Band 6s and 50 pupils with Band 5s.
Overall, the school boasted 69 youngsters in Year 12, with 52 of them eligible for ATARs.
One with quite impressive results was Imogen O’Leary who gained an ATAR – Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank – of 94, achieved four Band 6s and two Band 5s and has already gained entry into a double degree of Law and Arts Honours.
Despite all that, she said it was nice to see all their hard work throughout the year pay off.
“During the year you can’t seem to take a step back from everything,” Imogen said.
“It’s really good to finally see it come to a head.”
Senior study room coordinator Fiona Bailey is also known as the Year 12s’ fairy godmother as she tracks when students’ assignments are due and how to prioritise them, helps with their studies, monitors attendance and mental health and supports students’ general wellbeing.
“I’m so proud of them all, the constant hard work in the prep room has seen great increases for them,” she said.
An example of that hard work is Ethan Warburton and Rebecca Hogan who improved their scores by 20 marks from trials to exams.
The school also has a mentoring program where each student selects a teacher to be paired with throughout the year.
As well, they have their Year 12 advisor Debbie Vardanega, who started with the current Year 12s when they were in Year 9.
“It’s extremely rewarding,” she explained.
“I mean it’s relentless hard work but building strong connections with the kids and their families is worth it, I’m very, very proud.
“It’s a bittersweet time because we’re so excited for them but sad to see them go.”
Principal Elizabeth Bate said the school was very proud of the students and gave particularly special congratulations to those who had achieved excellent results.
“Muswellbrook High School is a supportive team of dedicated staff,” she said.
“Our school has triumphed through a difficult year.
“We have a genuine love for our students, we’re excited for them and wish them all the best.”
