Towards The Line
Ambition. Resilience. Courage. These three words came to mind when we thought of the diverse communities of Mac.Rob and Melbourne High School back in December of last year. For months, we hoped to highlight the unique experience of attending selective entry high schools such as Mac.Rob and MHS, including the challenges and pressures we come across. We wanted this to be filmed in order to showcase to our communities that whilst both schools may be different, there are a lot of similarities in our experiences regarding the pressure to achieve and high expectations we place on ourselves.
On the May 9th, we were so lucky to see our vision come to life. After setting up the cameras in the MHS Gym, we began the Towards the Line activity. In essence, Mac.Rob and MHS students alike stood on either side of a line partitioning them. For example, we would then read out questions, and step towards the line if your travel time is under 30 mins. This would progress to deeper and more thought-provoking questions such as topics related to identity and self-reflection. After this main activity which attracted over 140 participants from both schools, we, alongside three other Mac. Rob students from varying year levels (Haley P, Jennis M and Cherry A) and some MHS students, engaged in an in-depth roundtable discussion facilitated by Mac.Rob’s head of wellbeing, Dr. Bridget McPherson. Here, we were able to reflect as a smaller group upon participating in the activity as well as shed light upon our own pressures and challenges we as students face in these schools. It was particularly interesting to hear the variety of perspectives different students from both schools brought, and to see the similarities in our experiences, to reinforce the idea that we are not alone.
At the conclusion of the day, it was safe to say it was an eye-opening experience for us all. The nuanced perspectives and stories of an eclectic group of students made this initiative so worth it. We hoped by filming this, we could showcase to both our communities not only the beauty of coming to selective entry schools but the resilience the students have in recognising the challenges we face and the importance of supporting one another through this.
However, this could not have been done without a few key staff members and students. Thank you to our Pallas photographers (Gauri A, Isabelle V, Palwasha K and Evangeline L), and all the participants from Mac.Rob, who have been integral to the success of our event. Thank you to Jack Richardson, our Communications Officer, and Dr. Bridget McPherson who have provided their expertise to ensure this experience went smoothly. Ms. Sue Harrap, thank you for supporting us through this entire experience and imparting your wisdom to us when we needed it most. Finally, thank you to our wonderful Student Leadership and Agency Leader, Ms. Hannah Williams. You have been one of our biggest supporters, and this would have not been possible without you.
Upon graduating from these schools, we will take great pride in knowing that the memories made, challenges faced and experiences shared have become central to our identity in being ambitious, resilient and courageous people ready for life beyond high school.
Ananya B and Aditi T, Mac.Rob School Captains