Commencing at GVGS in Year 7 in 2020, Patrick Sharp says his early years of high school were an opportunity to explore his options. Living in Shepparton with his family – including younger brother Spencer, Year 11 – he threw himself into a range of different subjects and extracurricular activities trying to figure out what his academic goals were. “When I first started at GVGS, I didn鈥檛 really have much of an idea about what I wanted to do in the future,” he recalls. “I knew I had an interest in science and aviation, but I just did all the basics while I worked myself out – I did PE, music and tried a lot of different things.” It wasn鈥檛 until Year 10 that his career ambitions became clear. 鈥淭hat was when I decided I wanted to be a pilot,” he says. “Once I knew that, I understood what I needed to be good at, like maths and science, so that shaped what subjects I’ve chosen to focus on.” His interest in aviation was nurtured through his involvement with the Australian Air Force Cadets, a youth development program funded by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). “Cadets provides you with leadership training and gives you exposure to what being in an aviation environment is all about,” he explains. “I found out how rewarding a career as a pilot could be and what that life would look like. Being a pilot is a lot about being a leader and that appeals to me.” GVGS also played a significant role in helping Patrick refine his professional pathway. “The School had ADF careers advisors come and talk to us and in Year 10 I had a chat with the School’s careers advisor about what I needed to do,” he says. “They steered me in the right direction so I could start heading to where I wanted to be.” Over the years, Patrick has taken part in ICCES competitions for cross country, basketball and football. During VCE, he’s chosen to focus on his studies, but Patrick looks back on the Year 10 camp as a highlight from his time at GVGS. “We went to Mount Stirling and I really enjoyed camping,” he reflects. “It was good to work with my peers in such a different environment with simple objectives, such as setting up the campsite or walking a long distance.” In 2026, Patrick is aiming to begin training at the ADF Academy in Canberra, focusing on military employment training while also completing a Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) at UNSW Canberra. “I鈥檓 excited to be making moves towards what I really want to do. I鈥檒l stay in contact with friends from Shepparton and come back home often to visit my family, but I鈥檓 excited for this next chapter,” he says. “In six years, if everything goes to plan, I鈥檒l be fully trained and be working in the ADF as a pilot.”

Born and raised in Tatura, Harry O’Halloran joined GVGS in Year 7 in 2020. He says the welcoming and inclusive environment he stepped into at the School ensured his transition from primary school to high school was as seamless as possible. “It鈥檚 an incredibly supportive school – there鈥檚 always someone there to help you when you need it. When I started, it was right at the beginning of the pandemic so it was hard to make friends, but the teachers did everything they could to connect us with each other and help us create a close group of friends,” he recalls. “Thankfully, when I started coming to GVGS in person every in Year 9, after two years of remote learning, I had made some really great friends already and we just tried to get into the swing of things as quickly as we could.” Over the past four years, Harry has enjoyed and embraced the normalcy of being in the classroom full-time, especially the school camps. “I loved the camps in Years 9 and 10 – they made my friends and I grow closer and were a great opportunity for team building. Reaching the summit of Mt Stirling during our Year 10 camp and watching the sunrise was incredible. It was challenging at times, but in hindsight, it was such an exciting adventure,” he reflects. “Year 9 camp was my first proper experience spending time in Melbourne. The camp gave me the chance to get comfortable finding my own way around and gave me the confidence to navigate new environments. It helped me and my friends build problem-solving skills, like working out how to get from one place to the next efficiently.” Alongside his studies, Harry has been heavily involved in sports during his time at GVGS. He has played soccer for the GVGS team and in ICCES competitions. “We weren鈥檛 always the best, but playing soccer was fun,” he says. “It gave me something other than classes to focus on and was a welcome break from studying.” Gymnastics has been a major part of Harry’s life since he was four. Currently training up to four times a week, Harry balances over 12 hours of training per week along with schoolwork. “I love the adrenaline of it,” he explains. “It鈥檚 so rewarding when you achieve a new skill you鈥檝e been working on for ages.” In 2026, Harry hopes to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne and live at St Hilda鈥檚 College. “I like Melbourne Uni because my parents went there and I think it’ll give me the education I need. I want to go on to do a Masters of Engineering once I complete my bachelor degree,” he says. “I鈥檓 looking forward to meeting new people next year, building friendships and having that college experience while studying something I love.” Harry also hopes to continue gymnastics while studying in Melbourne.

Archer Mawson commenced at GVGS in Year 5 in 2018. Growing up locally, Archer鈥檚 connection to the School goes back decades before he was a student himself. His dad Peter, graduated from GVGS in 1987. Dad was meant to go to Scotch College because that鈥檚 where my grandpa went, but when GVGS opened, he ended up coming here instead,鈥� Archer says. 鈥淗e really wanted us kids to have the same opportunity he did and our parents wanted us to have a private education, but stay close to home as well.鈥� Archer鈥檚 older brother, Lincoln, graduated in 2023 and his younger sister, Savannah, is currently in Year 9. Looking back over his time at GVGS, Archer says the annual camps stand out as highlights. “Year 10 OEG camp to Mt Stirling was great fun,” he reflects. “I was in a group with ten of my friends and we spent the whole time hiking and camping with no phones or anything. The weather was pretty intense, so we had to face some challenges along the way, but overall the experience brought us all closer together.鈥� This year, Archer is undertaking his final three VCE subjects, including Accounting, which he believes will support his long-term career goals. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 love English, I鈥檓 much more into numbers and problem solving,” he says. “I think the subjects I’ve chosen will really help me in the future.鈥� Archer is currently combining his VCE studies with a school-based apprenticeship in heavy diesel mechanics through his family鈥檚 business, Mawson Construction. 鈥淚 started my apprenticeship in Year 11. Currently, I’m at school four days a week and at the business one day a week,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚 really like it because it breaks up the week and keeps things interesting.鈥� Balancing VCE with an apprenticeship has been both challenging and rewarding. 鈥淚t can be a bit stressful at times, but I鈥檓 only doing three subjects this year after fast-tracking one last year,” he says. “I do miss the Friday assembly each week which is a shame, but I鈥檓 passionate about the choices I’ve made and I’m committed to getting my apprenticeship done.鈥� While this commitment means giving up some of the free time his classmates enjoy during the holidays, Archer says he’s focused on the bigger picture. “When people ask me why I鈥檝e done it this way, I think that after all these years of school, I was determined to graduate with my friends and be there right until the end,” he explains. “It can be a bit of a balancing act sometimes, but I think it’s worth it.鈥� Next year, Archer plans to continue working towards completing his apprenticeship. “Once school finishes, I鈥檒l keep going with the apprenticeship full-time,鈥� he says. 鈥淔inishing both VCE and my apprenticeship will give me more options for the future.鈥�

Mya Falla joined GVGS in Year 7 after attending both Mooroopna Primary School and Orrvale Primary School. She lives in Shepparton with her family, including younger brother Logan, Year 11 and younger sister Lacey, Year 6. Looking back on her time at GVGS, Mya shares that she has really enjoyed her high school years, describing the environment as a good place to learn and grow. The highlights have definitely been the extracurricular opportunities I’ve had,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he camps, sports days and ICCES competitions have all been great experiences.鈥� One of the standout moments for Mya was the Yakapna Programme in Year 9, which she found incredibly rewarding. 鈥淵ear 9 is such a big year and there鈥檚 a lot of change,鈥� Mya reflects. 鈥淲e had to complete volunteer hours, which really pushed me to explore opportunities I might not have considered otherwise.鈥� In Year 9, Mya volunteered with local event management company JL Productions and Hire and in Year 10, she completed work experience with the Greater Shepparton City Council. I helped with Activities in the Park, which is a council-run program where local residents can get out and explore all the region has to offer. It was great because I got to visit surrounding towns and speak to local communities,” she says. “Now I have a casual job with the council, which all started because of the connections I made through school. If I hadn鈥檛 been encouraged to volunteer, I might not be doing what I鈥檓 doing now.” Outside of school, Mya works casually both at the local council and Kaiela Arts, where she also sells her own art. Kaiela Arts is one of only two Aboriginal art centres in Victoria, located in Shepparton on Yorta Yorta country. I鈥檝e always loved making art and about 12 months ago I started selling my pieces, I鈥檝e sold 15 artworks so far,鈥� she shares. 鈥淚 do acrylic painting on canvas and wood. I鈥檓 the only creative person in my family, so art has always been my thing. After a long day at school, I can come home and spend hours painting without noticing the time pass. It helps me relax and unwind.鈥� At school, Art Creative Practice is her favourite subject, with Accounting coming in a close second. The funny thing is that I鈥檓 not very math-oriented, but I enjoy Accounting because it gives maths context,” she explains. “You apply what you鈥檙e learning to real-life situations, like business management and that helps it all make sense.鈥� Looking ahead to 2026, Mya plans to take a gap year before heading to La Trobe University in Bundoora to study business. During her gap year, she hopes to work full-time at Kaiela Arts while continuing to grow as an artist. 鈥淣ext year will give me a chance to focus on my art, build my portfolio and develop new skills before starting uni,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to have my own business one day creating and selling art.鈥�

Sophie Birrell started at GVGS in Year 5 in 2018, shortly followed by her younger brother David. From Year 6 to Year 10, Sophie participated in the Voice and Communication Programme, elective lessons offered by the School that focus on improving students’ public speaking skills.

“I learned a lot about communicating effectively through the programme. Initially, it was a way for me to simply build my confidence, but as time went on I learned more about the correct techniques for projection and pronunciation,” she says. “Originally, I only did it because a lot of my friends were doing it, but after a while I realised that I actually found a lot of joy in the programme. It felt like an achievement – something extra for me to do outside of my standard classes. I got the opportunity to hone my skills so I could become the best version of myself when I need to get up in front of a crowd and talk.”

Over the years, Sophie has embraced lots of different opportunities that have helped her grow academically, creatively and socially. She played and umpired netball and from Year 7 to Year 9, participated in the School Music Programme, playing the flute in concert bands and the flute ensemble, alongside private tutoring.

“Being involved in sport and music has been a way for me to put myself out there in a controlled environment. It’s boosted my confidence and I’ve met so many people from all across the school community,” she reflects. “Getting involved in extracurricular activities expands who you know, both within and outside your own year level. GVGS has a wide range of students with lots of different interests and when you focus on the things you enjoy, you meet other like-minded people and grow those connections.”

In 2024, Sophie was a winner of the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize, which is open for entries from all Victorian students in Year 9 to Year 12. The competition encourages applicants to explore Australia鈥檚 wartime and peacekeeping history, with a focus on the ANZAC legacy. The ANZAC Prize is given to 12 students who receive a fully funded 11-day overseas study tour, where they have the opportunity to visit war heritage sites in T眉rkiye. Sophie’s winning entry was a hand-made quilt that represented the sacrifices made by service people during WW1. The quilt was adorned with the silhouettes of a nurse and soldier surrounded by red poppies and the words of the Ode of Remembrance.

“In T眉rkiye, I stood in front of the graves of fourteen year old children, when I was only sixteen years old myself, so it was very confronting. They made such a huge sacrifice at such a young age and I want to be a part of making sure history doesn’t repeat itself,” Sophie explains. “The first-hand experience I had in T眉rkiye was incredible, the sacrifices these people made has created the freedoms and life we get to enjoy today. Each and every ANZAC made a huge contribution through what they did and that can’t be forgotten.”

In 2026, Sophie plans to head to university and study politics and international relations.

“The way our world works is so deeply interesting and fast-changing and I want to be a part of that,” she says. “I鈥檝e always had an interest in history and the political significance of war. I want to know more about how we can prevent conflicts, as well as how society can recover and grow after something so tragic has happened.”

Sana Azizi started at GVGS in Year 7 in 2020 after successfully applying for a Social Justice Scholarship. Being the first person in her family to attend the School, her transition to GVGS felt daunting at first. “I was really nervous on my first day. I didn鈥檛 have any siblings or friends already attending and I didn鈥檛 even know where the School was. I live in Kialla, so it felt very far away from home back then and that was intimidating. I didn鈥檛 know if I was going to make friends and I had to take the bus, all the things that stress you out in Year 7,” she recalls. “The first two weeks were difficult because I鈥檓 such an introverted person, but eventually I met some people and I’m still friends with them today. In the end, I couldn鈥檛 have asked for better people to surround myself with, both students and teachers.” Sana has been part of the School鈥檚 Music Programme throughout her time at GVGS. She started playing the violin in Year 7 and has continued to do so until Year 12. “I鈥檒l be playing at graduation, which will be fun. I’m part of the string orchestra and we meet every week to practice at lunchtime,” she says. “I love the violin, when I was younger, I would see videos of people playing and hear it in songs, and I just really liked it. It鈥檚 a very delicate instrument, so you need to be precise when you play and it can be so calming when you get it right.” In 2026, Sana is planning to study a double degree in Pharmaceutical Science and Chemical Engineering at Monash University. “I enjoy chemistry as a subject and I鈥檝e always had an interest in medicine,” she explains. “This double degree feels like the right path for me.” A highlight of Year 12 for Sana was the school camp to Melbourne, which included a visit to the Monash University Parkville campus, home to the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “I decided to check it out, and I really liked it,” she says. “The buildings had a great vibe, and everyone was so lovely. Year 12 camp really confirmed my decision – before it, I was leaning towards pursuing medicine, but visiting the Parkville campus made me certain I wanted to do the double degree.” Reflecting on her years at GVGS, Sana is grateful for the School鈥檚 encouraging and inclusive culture and the way it has shaped her secondary school experience. “I had my doubts about making connections or getting the support I needed, but I got everything I could have ever wanted or needed and more,” she reflects. “The teachers are always there for me and you can genuinely feel how strong the school culture is. It鈥檚 amazing to be a part of that.” With the end of Year 12 fast approaching, Sana will be cherishing these final moments with her friends. “Now that a lot of the big events have passed, I鈥檓 looking towards the end of the year,” she says. “The whole year level feels closer than ever and I have a connection with these people that I鈥檝e been building since 2020. I鈥檓 looking forward to enjoying these final weeks together, right before we part ways and start the next chapter of our lives.”