Surprise

By Ed Merrison
BRAINY Belgrave resident Laura Canning was one of many students celebrating the end of an anxious wait for VCE results yesterday.
Ms Canning, a Mater Christi College student, discovered on Monday morning she had duxed the school with an ENTER score of 96.85.
Her highest mark in a single subject was 47, in Health and Human Development, and she plans next year to study Health Sciences at Deakin.
Ms Canning said she hadn’t thought too much about her marks until the last couple of days, and was very happy with the result.
“It was a lot better than I had hoped for,” she said.
Ms Canning admitted to a few nerves as she waited for the results page to be displayed on the internet.
“It took a while for the screen to download, and then I was just really surprised.”
She said the exam period was tough, but there were some things about school that she had already started to miss.
“I miss seeing my friends every day, and catching up with different people.”
However, Ms Canning said the time had come to move on.
“I’m glad it’s all over. There was too much study and too much homework, so it’s good to have a break,” she said.
At Mater Christi, which had already begun analysis of its results by Monday afternoon, results were even at the top end, with six of the girls achieving ENTER scores over 95.
Mater Christi deputy principal Tim Crowe said there were many individual highlights, with two students achieving the highest possible mark of 50 in a single subject, and another student scoring a very creditable 49.
Mr Crowe emphasised the success of all the students who had performed to the best of their ability.
“While the main focus is on the fabulous high scores, there are many other success stories of students who have achieved their best and often exceeded expectations through their determination and with the support of family and schools,” he said.
Upwey High School had not had the time to analyse results when the Mail went to press, but principal Greg Holman said he was was hopeful of success.
“The kids have worked hard and prepared well for exams, and we’re hoping the exam results will reflect the good work they’ve done and the effort they’ve put in.
“We’re confident they will,” he said.
Ferntree Gully College had not made a comparison with last year’s results, but principal Margaret Uren said the school had achieved the marks anticipated.
“We had some individuals with very pleasing results, but I don’t want to single students out.
“The teachers have done a wonderful job and put in a lot of time – which is very much appreciated,” she said.