What’s the best part about going to St Andrew’s Cathedral School for you?
I love the community at the School, especially my friends and teachers who have made my High School journey unforgettable. Also, the fact we are a school in the heart of the city, which provides such a unique experience in itself.
“I love the community at the School, especially my friends and teachers who have made my High School journey unforgettable.”
What is your proudest achievement at the School so far?
I am proud that I have managed to consistently achieve academic excellence. I am also grateful that the School has provided me the opportunities to perform, from assemblies to school musicals.
If you think of yourself from the end of Primary School to now, how have you changed? Why do you think that is?
Leaving Primary School, I was not as confident as I am now (although there is still room for improvement!).
This is due partly to the nurturing environment of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, shaped by its core values and Christian traditions, succinctly summed up in Dr. McGonigle’s now School-famous adage: “You matter!”
However, my mentality has also been shaped and inspired by my friends, to always strive for high performance.
You are Vice Captain. When did you start to develop your leadership skills at the School? What do you most enjoy about this position? Has being a leader developed your character?
I was privileged to be a part of the Middle School Leadership Team in Year 9 and that experience helped to cultivate a servant-hearted attitude towards leadership.
In what feels like a very short amount of time in this role, I have enjoyed the challenge of overcoming my fears which has made me become a better version of myself.
“Serving the School community by putting others first has also broadened my worldview and helped me see things from a different perspective.”
Serving the school community by putting others first has also broadened my worldview and helped me see things from a different perspective.
You are involved in a wide range of activities. What’s been a highlight? How do you achieve balance?
I think I will definitely miss attending the various music ensembles such as Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra and Senior Choir, as well as playing volleyball with my mates.
I believe persistence is a key principle in sustaining a healthy balance between the pursuit of academic success and co-curricular relaxation, as the senior years of High School can be both demanding psychologically and physically.
What’s your favourite HSC subject?
I love Music 2 and Music Extension. Music functions as my creative outlet and a way I can relieve the stress of Year 12. I especially enjoy the performance aspect of music, tackling challenging classical and jazz repertoire alike.
Do you have a few lasting memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School or a story you’d like to share?
Part of what makes the School experience so unique is its Outdoor Education programme. I don’t think I will ever forget the memories made on the various school camps I have been on over the years.
“Part of what makes the School experience so unique is its Outdoor Education programme. I don’t think I will ever forget the memories made on the various school camps.”
This is especially true of the Year 10 Kosi to Coast camp, where it was raining so heavily that we had to change our plans and find shelter in a small church hall instead of the usual tents.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
I am planning to do a double degree of Engineering and Music at UNSW to hopefully combine these two differing subjects into something I will enjoy doing in the future and beyond.
