Valedictory Dinner [Part 3]

[…Continued from Part 2]

In my opinion, those teachers who walked out because they got attacked in a song deserved to get offended. The attacks were justified, especially those who think they are the of the royal class and think that they should be treated like gods. Perhaps teaching in a old, ageing castle for some time has given them that impression. It is unknown if they returned or not, but if they had not returned they weren’t worthy enough to be there anyway, they had a free dinner by all means – it was the students who paid for their seats.

To those who think that the song showed a lack of appreciation should really take some time to think about what they are talking about. The success of any student is not because of their teacher. If that were the case, everyone would get 99.95 as their ENTER score (which is not possible). A student’s success lies through their hard work, persistence, parents, external resources and the help and mateship of other students. While teachers have some impact on the student’s overall success it does not warrant a 100% attribution of success to their name.

It is about time that those teachers who attempt to maintain dictatorship in schools – by ordering students around, taking out their petty anger out on us and assuming that they are the best and are always right – realise that they are not our masters, rather they should be working in collaboration with us. They cannot be viewed to be higher than their students – ever. Fortunately, there are some teachers which have the capability to do that – the others should learn from them.

Moving back to the dinner function, the principal had his say and apologised for his colleague’s statement that we are the worst Year 12s in the school history. One wonders how the teaching staff thought that was appropriate, yet a song attacking them was out of bounds. Double standard rubbish really. After his apology, the principal then went on to take back his forced apology by saying that our cohort had worried them. Sadly, he was not told that the certain teaching staff had worried the student body – most students will agree on that.

Finally, it was our school captain who addressed us. Before he began he informed us that he had not prepared his speech – which is extremely brave on his part. He started off by thanking the staff, and went on to state that all of us actually wanted to be there. Many laughed, including myself (I remember counting down to the end). He also stated that in previous years, many of Melbourne Highs students view that they are granted to be successful and more intelligent than the other students – not surprising considering that their teachers have a similar view. The captain wanted this to change and rightfully so – however, he slipped up when saying that the other students weren’t “that stupid”. Funny nonetheless.

Dessert was served, and it was delicious. Sugar was compressed and coloured brown to represent a cake and it was very good. Many were unable to devour the entire thing as they had filled up on too much coke and lemonade.

Once that was all done, the function was over. Many students took the time to take photos, class photos and other group shots. Others discussed about holidays and the future. Some walked around giving handshakes.

Overall it was a good function, great experience being with friends. Not sure if it was necessary to charge each student $65 and let the teachers with their fat paycheque in for free. I don’t know why the school couldn’t have allocated some money to respect the Year 12s who give the school it’s elitist reputation year after year and farewell them without asking for anything in return. Perhaps they needed to make a profit for their big Christmas bonus. Who knows.

I realise that this post is going to cause a lot of hate directed at me, especially by those who are in love with the school and think that displaying some of many faults of school is heresy.

Got a problem? Comment below.

Valedictory Dinner [Part 2]

[…Continued from Part 1]

Once inside we were served with soft drinks. Chamath and Hojo happened to take a soda water by accident. Carbonated water is often difficult to drink. In disgust, Hojo poured his drink and Chamath’s drink into the bin. At this point in time – the rest of the group was entertained by the fact that Hojo had used a bin as a sink. However, Chamath sealed it all by saying “I don’t want to look like as if I’ve finished my drink”. While the rest of us still had half a glass of drink, his glass was empty – devoid of any ice cubes as well.

Once inside, we were seated. The random seating arrangements that the school allowed meant that groups were quickly split up. When the function started, our school vice captain took to the miniature stage and addressed the crowd. During his speech, he bagged invidual students which created some laughter. Along with that he thanked the school staff for doing their jobs and for providing the services they are paid to do. Although our vice-captain failed to mention the great efforts of my form 12B, who appreciated the teachers for completing their duties as set out by their paycheques, by giving them presents and cards. Very thoughtful indeed. Then again, I shouldn’t be so ill about it, as I am enjoying my gift from the school… which was nothing. In any case, it was a decent gesture since it is better to give than to get.

The foundation of gift giving is reciprocity, you haven’t given me a gift, you’ve given me an obligation… The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as represented by the gift you’ve given me.
- Sheldon Cooper, PhD [Big Bang Theory]

Seems like the ‘obligation’ was not completed.

According to most people, the entree did not live up to their expectations. Many including myself questioned the true worth of the occasion – was it really worth $65? It was agreed that there could be a profit margin associated with the event, but the leading accountant Hojo did not agree to do the math.

Next up was the vice-principal. He too had his say about the hard work of the school. He brought back some memories of the year, as did the two Year 12 co-ordinators. They discussed about the smoking saga and the physics disaster. These recounts were impressive. The vice principal dwelled into the formal and social girls which started to get creepy, but it was in all good fun, I would hope.

Dinner was served. There were two dishes, but instead of having a choice we were allocated a dish – in an alternating fashion such that the people next to you got the other dish to yours. It is very reflective of school, in the way that you do as you are told, there is no such thing as choice. Luckily the chicken and rice/risotto dish was quite delicious.

Some students entertained the crowd with some music. One band sang two songs. The first of which is “We will miss you Melbourne High”. It was a great song highlighting the interactions of the students throughout the year. It was well appreciated by the entire crowd. However, their next song “Melbourne High Teachers, What the fuck?” caused some controversy. In this song, they attacked the teachers and bagged them. Most teachers got a mention. At the end of that song, many teachers walked out in disgust. I found that song funny – as did most of the other students.

[Continued in Part 3…]

Valedictory Dinner [Part 1]

Valedictory Dinner – a farewell function hosted by the school for its Year 12 students. As it was the last event of the school year – many turned up. After much prolonged thought, I too attended to see what the school can cook up.

December 3rd, Chamath and I caught the new Metro trains – also known as the rebranded Connex trains to Caulfield. Along the way, I was enlightened of Muqi’s ‘embarrassing’ moment. Apparently at Speech Night (which my attendance will be briefly discussed in the next paragraph) Muqi and his parents were attempting to exit the parking lot via the boom gates. It seems that the ticket machine which controls the boom gate did not accept their ticket – as a result the operator told them to put their credit card in the machine. Funnily enough, the machine swallowed the credit card and didn’t return it back. Half an hour later, another machine operator arrived to open the machine and return the credit card back to the rightful owners. By that time, Muqi had been exposed to some embarrassment as there was an entire queue of cars behind his vehicle.

Speaking (Writing in this case) of speech night, I did not attend much to the shock of many.

Readers by the name of Dilu:

I regret not going to Speech Night. I should have known better not to have other activities going on around the best night of my life. I am sure it would have been a blast – the memories cannot ever be erased. If technology ever gets advanced enough to transfer memories – I hope you can lend me your memory of Speech Night 2009

All other readers:

After the last three years of listening to the Principal and guests talking about how great leadership is and how everyone must be a leader (quite redundant really considering that the school can offer so many leadership positions and the fact that if everyone is a leader who is actually going to do the work – as we all know leaders often do not know much about anything. It is those who work under them that get the job done. From Presidents to Captains, the story is often similar). However, this year I am informed that the guest speaker changed things up a bit and talked about Public schooling – kudos to him. During the long speeches many students start chatting about unrelated matters suggesting that I am not the only one who feels this way. The break dancers are often quite awesome, other than that not much goes on. Singing is quite overdone – too many songs. I am sure it can be filled with some talent, which exists in the school. I shall stop here before it becomes a massive rant.

Back to the dinner. As we were walking to the venue the general public stared at us, since we were in school uniform. Once again poor decision making on the school’s part. Not surprising. At a dinner party you want to look your best. You don’t wear school uniforms to weddings or receptions so why to a dinner?

To our delight, Muqi presented us with another tale of woe. It seems, he and his father were walking down Flinders Street at night and across the street they saw two men fighting. It seems that another man who was on their side of the street invited Muqi’s father to go and help the fighting. Being smart, the father subtly rejected the invitation and moved on. Such events can only happen to Muqi.

[Continued in Part 2…]

Facebook Updates: Indian Cricket 07-08

A friend of mine, Kunal L,  has sent me a copy of his perception of what the Facebook Updates for the Indian Cricket Team would have been like during the Cricket Season of 07-08.

Since the formatting of the document would have been lost had I pasted it into this post, I have attached a Acrobat File.

(To view this PDF file, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be found on the Adobe Website for free)

Link: Facebook Updates: Indian Cricket 07-08

Enjoy!

The Great Revelation

The following piece was written by Raphael Park. All credits are in his name.

——————————————————————————————————————–

A great revelation was made about the perceived legitimacy of the English prize awarded to a “talented” student, Krusty Jovanoski

The great-grandfather of Mr Jovanoski was actually the brother-in-law to a Brynt, who we speculate may have been an ancestor of Samuel Sanjay Luthra, whose son was due to receive the “prestigious” award had it not have been for Mr. Jovanoksi.

“[The Punjab society] is disappointed at the obvious lack of caution by the school to ensure equality”

His son, Kanine Luthra, 18, has received two awards: one for scoring the highest in Chemistry, and the second for scoring the best in the science subjects.

“Out of the six subjects that I have studied”, said the disappointed student, “I was only able to receive two of the seven-that were available. I believe that all the awards that I have missed out from is due to scandals such as the mentioned one of Mr. Jovanoski”

It has also been exposed that Poll Kite’s cousin is married to a Vietnamese woman, the same nationality as that of the Physics prize recipient

“It is the culmination of all the hard work that I have put in during the last 12 years of my life, behind the locked doors of my study”

His great-grandmother-in-law, Anina Bas agreed.

“He put in a lot of work”, said the English teacher at Melbourne High School, and also a former Bollywood actress during the [18]40.

Her great-granddaughter, Nashi Luthra, 17, is married to Mr. Luthra, who are incidentally also cousins as per Punjab tradition.

“He very nice boy, should get 99.99″

Mr. Jovanoksi is currently in Japan, debating whether Alexander the Great was Japanese or Greek.

He will be available for comments at The Age Online when he returns.

Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Luthra and their 8-year-old son are reported to be doing well.

——————————————————————————————————————–

What did you think of this amazing story? Comment and Discuss.

Final Frontier: Exams

Game over. Marathon has finished. For over two years, many VCE students were wondering if there was an end in sight. Standing at this point in time, we call all happily agree, that we have escaped the clutches and we are now free people.

The term "freedom" still hasn’t struck home for many. After a long two years of no games, and relatively low entertainment, it has become difficult to adapt to such sudden change. However, over the coming weeks, I am sure many will leave their prison life of school behind and embrace the wide world of freedom.

Ever since the end of school (22nd October) many have been fearing the arrival of the English Exam which was on the 30th of October. VCAA, who are cheeky and manipulative in their ways, thought it would be a nice little "trick" (in the spirit of Halloween) to place a Specialist Exam on that day as well.

While it looked like a mammoth task, the two exams were proved to be a mammoth task. However, the funny thing in all this chaos was the fact that Specialist Maths was a simple task when compared to the ghastly English which loomed over us for 3 hours. Gathered up in our circle, we proceeded to chuckle at how VCAA has managed to humiliate Specialist Maths by making it "appear" easy. Once in the exam room for Specialist, all went alright it seems.

Once at home, a strange thing happened. A Facebook group by the name of "We don’t like you Voxi" popped up. Over the course of the weekend, it gathered as much as 10,000 members. Many engaged in posting messages of disgust and anger.

To give the non-VCE people some background, Voxi was the supposed author of the "language analysis" section of the English Exam. His/her article (the gender is unknown) was not preferred among the student body as they complained of a lack of "persuasive techniques". As a result, this hate group had emerged.

In the midst of all that, a rival group emerged by the name of "We don’t mind you Voxi". Along with that, carnage stuck the original group. Many MHS boys decided it would be entertaining to tear down those who posted on the ‘group wall’. A few "bad eggs" went in and started to abuse random people. The other members of the public (meaning the non-trolling people in the group) tried to save those getting abused, however, ended up getting a barrage of abuse from the other trollers. Most trollers even went as far as abusing people racially, intellectually and even made fake accounts for this hobby. This behaviour continued for over 3 days. After which it stopped? No, it spread like a disease, throughout the other groups on Facebook.

Once the trolling was set, the exams were soon forgotten. That was until it was the night before and as you slept you realised. After the two hour long Specialist exam, there was a four day break before the next exam. During this break nothing happened it seemed.

The week of horror approached us after the first methods exam. This week consisted of 3 exams in 4 days. Many tried to study, but the searing heat was a massive obstacle. Instead of fighting, many gave up in despair.

As we finished the exams one by one, we arrived at our very last exam. It was Chemistry. It had been a long two weeks, and finally it had come to an end. Many were furiously doing their best in this exam, giving it all their power. Once the examiner said "Please put your pens, pencils and biros down" people let a sigh of relief. It was truly all over. No more suffering.

It all ended with a roar of triumph as people gathered out to rush away from the examination hall and to live out their life. Many people engaged in a movie, particularly ‘2012′ as the after-exam party, while others went home. Those who went home were the ones who had chosen a language as one of their subjects.

With the end of exams, this is the last school-related post that should pop up (I think). I hope you have enjoyed reading this section of my blog, and I am hopeful that you will all return back as I continue to write on other topics. Have a great summer holidays everyone! Enjoy!

Quotes of the Fortweek:

Sam: Do you think it is really worth doing practise exams for Methods?
Kunal: How else do you propose to study Methods?

Muqi: *Puts gum into his mouth* This is for my crack addiction
Kunal: Do that in the interviews
Kristijan: Ah, how pleasant. That is the preferred response. The other one being "Get Out!"

The Final Week

This is it. Our schooling career ends. 12/13 years comes to a rapid close and many are gearing up for the life ahead. It was the final week of school forever. What did we do to celebrate? Read on.

Most of our classes were pretty much filled with doing absolutely no work. Talking substituted in instead and much to our delight, the teachers themselves didn’t mind it. As you can see, our exam preparation is going quite well!

Thankfully, the SRC made some attempt to bring some life into the last week of school by organising some activities. First up was Guitar Hero – which I didn’t attend, so we’ll talk about the next one which was Teachers vs. Students Dodgeball.

This game was quite cool to watch. While standing on the balcony – I witnessed my friend holding a handycam – videotaping the soon to be memories. It was a huge turnout with people filling the entire balcony which overflowed into the gaming arena. The balls were thrown with force from one side to the other – which saw many participants getting out regularly. Entertaining stuff. However, it was the students who were triumphant. It was a comprehensive victory!

Next up was the water fight. Here, the boys get to act like pansies splashing water around and giggling like little girls. No. This was war. It was Woody’s half vs. Asensio’s half. Whenever its inter-co-ordinator matches – the participants must always take it seriously. Consequently, many students from my class (in Woody’s half), pleaded with the co-ordinator himself to allow them to fill up the water balloons. Their request was indirectly granted – but none of them picked it up. When the message was finally conveyed – nearly all of them bolted out of the room.

The co-ordinator himself did not participate. Instead he was the commander – giving instructions from a far. Some of us in the class followed his lead into leadership positions.

Wednesday arrived. It was officially our last day of school, meaning that it was the last day of classes. On this day we had every single subject – what a way to end! First up was English – which I was unable to attend. In my absence, the class seems to have been given some home-made cake.

Methods was next. We were awarded some muffins (small ones) coupled together with a heartfelt speech on how our teacher had enjoyed teaching us. In return we too delivered a short but sweet speech. Well, it was Abid who spoke. He spoke on behalf of the class.

Chemistry, sorry, I mean dodgeball was next up. This was possibly the last game of dodgeball we may every play. Along with that, it was the battle of the homos. Form pride was at stake. The form who wins has eternal bragging rights, whereas the loser would have to sulk in the corner forever. It was game on! Our opponents, being the weaker ones, hired some goons to play for them – but to no avail. They were comprehensively beaten to pulp. Final score 5-0. It was beyond destruction.

Soccer was next. This game was headed by our Specialist teacher. Those who were interested in playing soccer from other forms joined in the fun. Eventually it turned out to be 12B vs. The Rest. Final Score? 2-2. It was a pity since we were leading 2-0. However, our consolation for the draw was the fact that our opposition as filled with some star soccer players.

Milk Run was on at the break between Chemistry and Specialist. Although, it was fun to watch people barf out coloured milk for a short period of time – the foul smell became overwhelming. When they started to throw milk around – many ran for cover!

Thursday. MUCK UP DAY!

No, no, no. Stop that. Take down the banners, stop the water bombing. Sorry fellas, no muck up day.

Muck up day was to be no more. Well, it isn’t the usual destruction – instead there were some people who did some moving. Kids from my class decided to move a co-ordinator’s desk (well the contents on the desk) was moved down to the Foyar. It was blast!

Others decided to stack chairs in the physics room and put up some nice posters. Well done there guys!

Mr Wood also got his treatment, and I was a cause. My Photoshopping skills came in handy to Photoshop Muqi’s and Sam’s face into doctors’ faces which were eventually made into A4 posters. Many copies (80 copies) were made and stuck all around the co-ordinator’s office.

Soon after 8:30, many people started to sign shirts. This was a fun event – making some funny comments as well as generic comments. However, the biggest fail of the day occurred from one of the smartest kids. While signing the shirt he addressed his personalised comment to Chamath and proceeds to write. Another friend came along and remarked “why are you writing it to Chamath”.  What had happened? He had written on Abid’s shirt. A wave of laughter ensued.

Assembly was next. Many people were enjoying the moment – with a Boy Band (made up of MHS students) and some singing. Speeches were made by the co-ordinators and by students and school captains. One of the many highlights was watching people’s faces in year 9. Krishna was featured with a scary face – which everyone laughed off. So did Hojo, Matt G and Kristijian. When it was Mr Wood’s turn to address us, the ‘Imperial March’ music was played. It was so fitting. After a few more speeches we were dismissed.

More shirts were signed, and it brought a close to our schooling life. The time has come for us to move on.

I hope you guys have enjoyed my posts for a year and a half now. Thank you to the people who have supported this blog. I would also thank my classmates who have not protested their presence in the “Quotes” section. Once again I thank you! I shall continue blogging; hopefully, I will still have the great readership I currently have.

Quotes of the Week

Giacom: Hojo doing med? What is the world coming to?

*After Mr. Wood addresses a serious issue, Kristijian was laughing*
Mr. Wood: You find that funny do you Kristijian?

Muqi: Can we go and fill more water bombs?
Mr. Wood: There is a limited number of taps I reckon
Sam: You can have I person filling and another person tying
Mr. Wood: You would make a great manager on the factory floor

*Kunal gets told he doesn’t receive the prize*
Kunal: Ohh! I just wanted a prize to show my parents. Now I won’t get anything. *depression*
*Later, he is told he won two prizes*

Mr Wood: *reffering to the water games* I will be watching you guys from a long way. A long, long way.

Mr. Wood: Why aren’t you guys participating?
Rumes: We are following in your footsteps
Mr. Wood: It’s the first time you’ve listened to me this year Rumes!

*After soccer, score line being 2-2*
Fanshou: Don’t worry. We won the important game.

Week of Finals

As our time in school wanes (yay!), we approach the lasts of everything. One of those things is the dreaded SACs which apparently have an impact on your study score or whatever. Usually, it is a pain which has to be endured because that is how the world works.

It was only Physics and English remaining, and to make the situation worse, they were on consecutive days. First up was Physics, which was on a Tuesday. It must be noted that Monday does not exist in this week as I was not present – neither were eight other people. Moving on, the SAC itself was a bit of a sour one – as we were strapped for time. This was heavily reflected when we got back our marks. It marks a sour end for a good subject.

Next up was English. This was a dreaded SAC for two reasons. Firstly, as a context piece, you must find a way to write rubbish which together makes some sort of sense. The other reason is that, one must surpass the standards of university literature in order to see a measly A from the teacher. In other words, the teacher is quite an unreasonable hard marker. Setting that aside, we went into the room – celebrating that it was the last SAC (well I was anyway). Additionally, I knew that whatever I write my mark was already determined; hence I wrote what I could.

Thursday was quite an interesting day it seems, simply because at the start of the day – when the bell rang for Form Assembly, there were only 7 people present. Between Form Assembly and first period ten more people arrived. Although this may seem like quite a big number – this was only 17 out of a class of approximately 26. Throughout the day, we moved as a small group to each of the classes – taking with us the joy and excitement that is allowed by the school (which is in fact not that much).

The next day was Friday – this marks the end of the last full school week we will ever have. Just like Thursday, a select few were absent from class. As a result, we only had about 18 people show up. In the midst of all that, one Abid got ridiculed for his stupidity. A scholarship application asked what percentage his guardians and himself contributed for his educational expenses. Under his mother he ticked 50%, under his father he ticked 50% and under himself he ticked 10%. When basic arithmetic was done it was found that there is a 110% contribution. Outraged (in a joking manner), the teacher yelled at him highlighting the stupidity of someone doing Specialist Maths.

That wraps up this week – being the final full week of our schooling career.

Quotes of the Week

Giacom: *Frustrated over a maths question* I put it on my calculator and it looks like my graph.
*Looks at the solution* Oh, its (2-x), not (2-x) squared.
*Looks at his working out* What is that? Oh it’s a piece of rubber.
I hope that doesn’t happen in the exam

Ryan: *to Rumes* What time is it?
Fanshou: Time to get a watch!
Ryan: That is the lamest call
*David points at a clock down the corridor*
Ryan: What is it?
Fanshou: A clock!

Rumes: Kunal is 18 yeah?
Muqi: Yeah he should be.
Muqi: Kunal, are you 18?
Kunal: Nah, I turn 18 the day before the English Exam
Muqi: GG to your life.

Muqi: Have you applied for accommodation for Adelaide
Hojo: It’s a deserted place, as if I won’t get an accommodation. If anything, I can build a tent and live there.

Hojo: Well, now can you un-quote me?

The Last Leg Begins

When we started our life at the school we attended, our principal compared our stay there to running a 400 meter race. At the moment, we sprinting – sprinting the last 25 meters of the race. So, are people actually sprinting academically?

First day back, many people enlightened by the fact that there were only 14 days left of their school lives. Others were miserable that the school days have returned. In any case, many decided that our classes were licenses to just bludge. Throughout the whole day, even those who were intending on doing many practise exams to make up for their shortfall during the two week holidays, engaged themselves in gossip. Yes. That’s right. Even guys gossip.

While this eased on the second day, as we had to do some work, many found the fact that we were blessed with three free periods too much of a opportunity to pass up. Some were planning muck up day antics which now are quite spoilt because we need to get it approved before we are able to do it.

This trend continued in chemistry – where we were instructed to do a practical task. What did the boys do? They coalesced into a deformed circle and started chatting about university applications and courses. As soon as the teacher walked past, the group dispersed in an unsuspicious manner. Well, at least the teachers now know that unassessed work will not be taken seriously. A physics test was to ruin the party. Many were displeased at the fact that they had to do a test on a week where it was thought that no such work was required.

Friday. It was like any other day in the week. It was the usual bludging and planning for teacher’s presents and muck up day. Nothing too flash.

That was a speedy outline of the week – very analogous to the sprinting we are required to do. I hope you have enjoyed reading such a boring summary – but hey, let’s face it – it is school after all!

Quotes of the Week:

Mr Wood: If you have an idea for muck up week, then you should talk to your student leaders, they would be your first resort. If you think it is a silly idea, or they think it is, you can come and talk to us and we can tell you what to do. If you think it is a very stupid idea, you can come to talk to us and we can give you the Exit Form earlier than most people.

Mr Baylis: I want more bass in your singing
Muqi: We aren’t speakers!

Muqi: When I realised that it was daylight savings, I was like oh no, we are one hour closer to the English exam
Tej: You are a faggot!

Luka: How did someone who wrote 7 bullet points get 2 and I got 3?
Muqi: There are no marking discrepancies

*Mr Sarbinowsky stares at Muqi for eating inside*
*Muqi, leaves immediately*
Tej: He’s trouble sir, he is going to cause a lot of trouble
Mr Sarbinowsky: Yes, he is trouble!

Unknown: Everyone was expecting Vibs to get 99.95 as soon as he walked into the school
Rumes: Yeah, so, he still did good – he got 99.8
Chamath: Nah, its shit! *jokingly of course*

Muqi: *to unknown* So you’re going to take Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off?
Tej: Are you coming to school on Saturday and Sunday Muqi?
Muqi: Thanks Tej *sarcastically*

A Week In the “Holidays”

As the title suggests, school students all around the state and possibly the country are enjoying their two week break (or three weeks if you are a private school student [la ti da]). But the question is, why are there quotation marks around the word Holidays? Did you notice them? Do they have a hidden meaning?

Well, in fact the quotation marks do have a hidden meaning. Well, if you are an Year 12 student you would know what is coming. While we are eluded into believing that these are holidays – the reality is that these aren’t in fact holidays – but rather working vacations or “Study WithOut Any Teachers VACations”, abbreviated to SWOTVAC. Whose reality is this in? Year 12s reality. How depressing.

Consequently, we are expected to finish off a massive load of work. This includes two mammoth exam packs for each of the two maths, and other exam packs (smaller, but still quite as difficult) for the other subjects. All this in two weeks. Possible? No.

To add to the misery, the dreaded UMAT scores were to be released. However, instead of releasing it peacefully, ACER thought it would be fun to toy with the students who sat for it by not telling exactly when they would release it. As expected, many people were frustrated and started speculating when it was going to be released.

We all knew it would be this week. But when? That’s when the speculation started. Many people, gathering statistics from previous years calculated it to be on the 22^nd of September. Now, I found that rather amusing because that happened to be a special day for me. Disbelievingly, I set out to calculate the dates for myself. I found that the probability of the results being released was centred around Wednesday and Thursday.

However, those predications did not calm any body’s nervous system. Since many people were convinced that the release date was to be 22 September at 10 am, many eagerly waiting, shivering at the prospect of the results being released.

9:59 am. Gasps. Worried Faces. ACER WebPages.

10:00 am. The results weren’t there.

It was a grave disappointment. Many were fooled. Many were depressed.

The next day, people waited once more at 10 am. Nothing once again. More exasperation. Effigies of ACER were being burnt all across the state.

However, there was a word that the usual release time was at 11 am. Being the curious and nervous person that I am, I had the webpage on my screen floating at 11am. There were no results at all, only the usual message “Results will be released in late September” appeared. Celebrating the fact that the results won’t be released for another 24 hours, I started to other work in a relaxed mood. Ten minutes later, laughing with delight, I refreshed the UMAT results page.

To my deep horror, the results appeared. In shock and disbelief, I pinched myself many times to check that I wasn’t dreaming. I then proceeded to metaphorically take the plunge…

That was the week that was. The week of the “holidays”