Congratulations to Year 12 student, Jessica Yang who achieved an ATAR of 99.85, placing her, along with fellow Year 12 student Emily Ryan, as St Catherine’s School’s 2021 Duces.

Since Year 5, Jessica Yang has immersed herself in everything St Catherine’s School has to offer. A passionate and committed participant in numerous Co-curricular activities at School, Jessica received full Rowing colours and competed as part of the A Grade Debating Team. 

Jessica was also Co-Captain of Debating of Public Speaking this year and involved in several other sports, including GSV Cross Country and Rowing. 

Academically, Jessica received the Caltex Best All Rounder Award at St Catherine’s School’s 2021 Speech Day along with a Gold Award for Exceptional Service to the School, Dark Blue Award for Academic Excellence and Light Blue Awards for Rowing and Public Speaking. 

Jessica’s conscientious and dedicated approach to her schooling ensured her Year 12 was a positive one. Her ability to juggle the academic rigours of VCE, with significant contributions to the Co-curricular life of the School, speak to her strong organisational skills. 

Jessica displayed great determination and commitment throughout the Rowing season and is to be congratulated on her gold medals at the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta, as well as at the Australian National Rowing Championships as a member of the Second VIII crew. As Debating and Public Speaking Captain, Jessica worked hard to develop her leadership skills and be a role model to younger students entering the program.  

Congratulations to Jessica for maintaining such a positive balance between academic and Co-curricular endeavours. We wish Jessica the very best for her future. 

Jessica provides her reflections on life at St Catherine’s below. 

What have been some of the highlights of your time at St Catherine’s? 

I have especially loved all the camps – Fiji and World Challenge especially. I have also loved the amazing Sports Department and Debating teams. I love the community we have at St Catherine’s, full of support, no matter what you try, or do.  

Has completing your two years of VCE within the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perspectives?  

Whilst COVID has not completely changed my perspectives, it has taught me that everything can change in a second. It has taught me to always stand at the ready and to be more flexible and organised with my studies. 

What do you plan to study post school? 

There are so many options out there and so much I would love to do but do not have the time to do, so I am still deciding! 

Where do you hope to study?

I would love to study abroad. I am thinking of taking up any exchanges overseas next year but will probably remain in Melbourne for university. 

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 

Hopefully I will have completed university by this stage and will be doing my best in whatever I choose to do. 

Despite COVID-19 what will you take away from this year? 

That everyone is amazing and unique, and that our world is full of amazing people.  

What are some life lessons you have learnt from your time at St Catherine’s, and particularly from 2020-21? 

Time management is an important skill. Most people are late and no one likes to wait.  

What has COVID-19 taught you that can be transferred into the next phase of your journey? 

To remain more organised. To always be on my feet and flexible to change to anything. To be bigger than a small virus and to not let my environment dictate what I do. 

How do you believe St Catherine’s and your teachers have helped you reach your goals? 

The teachers at St Catherine’s are so supportive. They will always help you to achieve your absolute best, which for me this year was my VCE studies. My best is all I can do, and this is what my teachers and I set out to achieve. 

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students? 

 Research industries and prospective jobs and careers you are interested in. Do work experience. But also remember that by the end of the year many of you will still have no idea what to do. 

 Also important is going for walks or runs before SACS and exams and unless cramming helps you, do not cram. Relax, listen to music and grab a coffee.