One of my favorite writers and activists of all time is Maya Angelou. She was quoted as once saying “If you are going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased”

I am the mum of a son finishing his 13-year schooling journey this year and a teacher in a high school. In Sydney, we have been in lockdown for over 3 months because of the pandemic. This has had a huge impact on these kids.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say to my son and to the kids in my care. I think Maya’s wise words sum it up.

These kids did their Trial HSC examinations online from home. Their last year at school has been disrupted and, in all honesty, they have missed out on what probably is one of the best years at school; BUT…what an achievement. These kids have made history, they have made their mark in time. They will be the year that did their final year of school in a pandemic. They achieved their HSC in uncertainty and disruption. They have left a legacy.

To the parents and students grieving for a lost year – we should be celebrating the mark on the world that they have left. We should be celebrating their resilience and their “getting on with it” attitude.

I tell my students and my own son “I am so proud to have walked this journey with you; to play a part in your legacy. You have shown me drive and determination. I am humbled to be standing beside you.”

To those who have done their final year this year – your legacy is something that will not be erased and will be the talk of educational circles and within families for years to come. You should be celebrating this achievement.

Namaste. Hoping you are all keeping safe.