Vox pops | Get to know the class of 2026

We asked them what their goals were, what they were most looking forward to, their advice to the incoming Year 7s, and what messages they would give their end-of-year selves.

Gemma Withall

My goals for this year are ... to try my best. I want to end the year going I know I did my best. I just want to make sure that I’m doing the best in my ability that I know I can.

I’m looking forward to ... I would be lying if I don’t say the kitchen and having those privileges to be, like, in our own space. When you’re younger you start looking up to all the Year 12s and see what they get to do. There’s like dress-ups and stuff. I think also just being closer as a year level as well.

My advice to Year 7s is ... just have fun. At Year 7 don’t be stressing. At that time, I think I thought every problem was like the biggest thing in the world, and now I don’t even think about what happened. Find your people who you’ll get along with and who will be your best friends.

My message to my end-of-year self is ... just be proud of yourself.

Charlie Isaac

My goals for this year are ... to just create good study habits and find a routine that works for me and get a good score at the end of the year.

I’m looking forward to ... enjoying my final year here and all the events that come along with Year 12. Also just experiencing the friendships that I’ve had since being in Prep.

My advice to Year 7s is ... just try to make new friends and enjoy you time here because you have to spend a lot of time here. Make it enjoyable.

My message to my end-of-year self is ... congratulations. It’s been a long time. How did you go?

Guneet Buttar

My goals for this year are ... to become a better leader and much more fluent in terms of communication. Also to strive to be a leader that the little ones are looking up to.

I’m looking forward to ... probably the challenge that I will face through exams but I’m also looking forward to making cherished memories with my family and my friends.

My advice to Year 7s is ... you’re not alone. Other people have faced that same feeling of being a Foundation in your high-school years again. It does feel overwhelming; however, please feel free to reach out to these senior year students because they have experienced what you have and they have so much advice to give. They’re just waiting for you to ask.

My message to my end-of-year self is ... don’t stress out too much. What is meant to happen will happen. Just live your happiest life. I hope you get to travel.

Oscar Carver

My goals for this year are ... to try my hardest and see where I can end up. I’m trying to go to uni next year — to Geelong — so I want to get the highest ATAR I can achieve.

I’m looking forward to ... getting through an exciting and tough year with everyone. Just have fun.

My advice to Year 7s is ... take it as a good opportunity to meet new people and have fun with your teachers. Your teachers are your best friends so just try your hardest and see where you can go.

My message to my end-of-year self is ... I hope I’m happy with the score that I got.

India Iannacone

My goals for this year are ... stay consistent with my work and try to spend at least an hour every night trying to study each subject. To stay consistent with my work, keep on top of things and get all my homework done.

I’m looking forward to ... definitely the time we have off, like the buddies retreat, and just like all the fun things and the dress-up days.

My advice to Year 7s is ... have fun, but also prioritise the work when you can because its gonna get harder.

My message to my end-of-year self is ... just listen to yourself and try something new. Do what I want and don’t follow my friends — just believe in yourself. Oh, and get into a good uni.