St Joey’s class of 2020 impresses despite difficult year

GEELONG’S St Joseph’s College again boasted some high achievers, as December 30 put a full stop on arguably the most difficult of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) years as students received their ATAR results.

The coronavirus pandemic saw much of this year’s Victorian schooling take place at home in remote learning, providing never-seen-before challenges.

Nonetheless, there were some outstanding efforts. Clancy Hehir achieved Dux of the College after producing an ATAR of 99.65, while fellow students also enjoyed stellar results as Patrick Day (99.55), Luke Dowd (99.25) and Liam Bindokas (99.05) all received an ATAR above 99.

St Joesph’s College saw 9.5 per cent of students receive a result of more than 90 while 25 per cent has results above 80.

College principal Tony Paatsch said he was proud of this year’s graduating group, undoubtedly from an academic point of view, but even more so for their ability to navigate such a difficult year.

“A 2020 VCE is perhaps worth more than any other year given the circumstances,” he said.

“I’m really proud of them… ATAR is important, but demonstrating the ability to overcome and persevere through difficult times is more significant as a life skill.”

The Geelong College also celebrated some outstanding results as six of its students recorded an ATAR above 99.

Danny Yang was awarded Dux of the College with a 99.80 ATAR, which included study scores of 50 for further mathematics (in 2019) and music performance while Michael Pan, Douglass Bell, Amy Pan, Lachlan Houen and Felicity Bisinella rounded out the group to be ranked in the top 1 per cent of the state.

Principal of The Geelong College Peter Miller said he was thrilled with the work of all Year 12 students.

“We are all very proud of what has been achieved by all of our Year 12 students this year These outstanding academic results are the product of their hard work and commitment to high achievement.

I would like to offer special congratulations to our Dux Danny Yang, who is a talented, hardworking and humble young man who has shone not only in his academic studies but in sport, music and leadership. I wish him well for the future.”

More than 64,800 students across Victoria received their VCE and VCAL results.

This year, 50,284 students graduated with their VCE, an increased completion rate of 98.3 per cent while a record 14,529 students received their VCAL in 2020.

Acting Minister for Education Gayle Tierney congratulated all students in what was an unprecedented and difficult year.

She reminded students that their results did not define them and there were many opportunities and pathways available.

“Congratulations to every VCE and VCAL student. This has been an incredibly challenging year, but every student of the class of 2020 has shown outstanding resilience and commitment,” Ms Tierney said.

“To all teachers, parents and carers, thank you for supporting and guiding our VCE and VCAL students through this year.”

Round one offers from the Victorian tertiary institutions for 2021 will be released on Thursday, January 14.