THIS year might have been the first since 2019 that schools (and everyone else) had close to what might be termed a normal time of it – but it might be fair to say the coronavirus pandemic actually wreaked more havoc.

At least that’s the view at Portland Secondary College.

Speaking at the school’s presentation night on Thursday, December 8, principal Jo Kindred reflected on 2022.

“There’s no doubt it’s once again been a most unusual year,” she said.

While everyone thought lockdowns and the worst of the pandemic was behind them, the virus itself had other ideas.

“A large number of staff and students contracted the illness itself which was very disruptive to the school program,” Ms Kindred said.

However programs ran throughout the year.

“Our whole school community works hard to provide the best opportunities for children,” she said.

“The college has an emphasis on student voice where students have a legitimate say on how the school operates.

“Students have provided direct feedback to their teachers on classroom performance on numerous occasions this year.”

Ms Kindred thanked the school council and staff as well – six teachers will move on in 2023 and another two will be on family leave.

Guest speaker for the night was former PSC student Jayden Smith, these days, at 28, the Deputy Mayor of Glenelg Shire.

In a heartfelt speech he described his schooldays as “a bumpy ride”.

“I didn’t like school any more than many in this room and people long out of school,” he said.

“It wasn’t till much later on that I realised you give your teachers a hard time, no matter how good a student you are, and they do such an incredible job to make sure no kids fall behind.

“It was quite evident to me… the only way I was going to fail and be left behind was by my own attitude, and not the teachers.”

Mr Smith outlined his career since leaving school – working at the Portland Aluminium smelter, the Port of Portland and now at Portland Funeral Services as a funeral director.

“One thing I’d recommend to students is to try and have a plan,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time going round in circles because I didn’t have a plan.”

As a VCAL student he realised a tertiary education “isn’t everything, but I certainly welcome those who choose to take that path”.

“I still managed to kick the goals that I set for myself even though I didn’t go the regular route,” he said.

“My time at PSC shaped me into the person I am today… and I have great trust in the staff and the community in this school that you will excel and continue to create students that are fit for purpose and going to kick goals of their own.

“The world is your oyster.”

Outgoing school captain Elijah Roberts, the current Glenelg Shire Young Citizen of the Year, spoke on behalf of himself and fellow captain Gemma Nelson, who was absent.

In a typically confident speech he also paid tribute to his school.

“One of the hardest decisions parents can make is where to send their children to school,” he said.

“All the parents sitting here tonight have made a very wise decision.

“It’s a sad reality in our world that millions of children will never receive such privilege as you (students) are, that’s why I want every single one of you to jump on every opportunity.”

He also announced the student leadership team for 2023 – the captains will be Mia Cobby and Montannah Perrett with Sam Shelton and Milly Bayona the vice-captains.

Duces

Year 7: Charlee Coates

Year 8: Mykayla Augoustakis

Year 9: Annalyse Hein

Year 10: Bodie Steel and Madeleine Bailey

Year 11: Makeely Kindred

Year 12: Sarah Tunstall (announced after VCE results)