As we spend our last few weeks at school and approach our final exams, there are mixed feelings from the 2020 graduating class of Goulburn High School.
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This is a time which would usually have been filled with excited anticipation, celebration and a sense of accomplishment as we look forward to dressing up for school formals and hearing the applause of our loved ones as we walk across the hall stage to graduate.
However, due to the current circumstances, much of this has been understandably restricted.
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The end to high school has been accompanied with the realisation that we are entering the workforce at one of the most uncertain times in history.
Facing the first recession in Australia in 29 years, the highest unemployment rates in over two decades and a weakened hospitality, arts and retail industry, many of us have not yet decided what we want to do next year.
With many post-school options such as travel gap-years eliminated and part-time work limited, many year 12s are feeling uncertain facing their futures.
Throughout the year, COVID-19 has also unfortunately limited our ability to interact with the community.
This has prevented us from participating in things such as ANZAC day ceremonies and our annual Year 12 volunteering day.
My fellow school captain and I, along with the Prefects and other Goulburn High students, are disappointed that we could not give more to our community as the circumstances have limited our ability.
It is in these challenging times that we have never been more grateful for the unstinting support of our teachers and the staff at Goulburn High school.
It has only been with their help that we have been able to achieve what we have this year.
Through dedicated before and after school study sessions, providing extra resources to help us study and ongoing encouragement, they have invested an incredible amount of time and energy into our educational journey.
Though the COVID-19 crisis has distanced us socially, we have never been more connected.
These tough times have brought us closer together through shared hardship.
I am sure we all will leave Goulburn High with memories of laughter, happiness and fun times.
Through the good times and the bad, it has been an incredible experience to grow up amongst such a diverse group of caring, creative, smart and beautiful human beings.
Though this year has been tough, it has shaped us as individuals and allowed us to understand our own inner strength and determination.
No matter how our HSC turns out or what our results are, this year has taught us valuable life lessons and every Year 12 should be proud of themselves for getting through this year.
We would like to thank the teachers and staff of Goulburn High for their care and support, and wish all HSC students the very best for their exams and their futures.
Charlotte Hargan
School Captain and Year 12 student
Goulburn High School 2020
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