Joe receives results from Melbourne High entrance exam
When Joe was eight or nine we discussed schooling and through the conversation we suggested that Melbourne High was one of the best schools in Melbourne. Joe set it in his mind that when year 8 came, he would sit the entrance exam. This year Joe is in Year 8 and sat the exam. There are two other schools in Melbourne that offer selective entry but it can be argued that Melbourne High and MacRobertson Girl’s School carry that extra tradition.
Joe sat the test and was worried that he hadn’t done enough. The day of the results arrived and I was in Alice Springs on work. I checked the emails and there was nothing from the selective entrance unit. When I got back to Darwin and told Joe that I hadn’t heard anything, he almost resigned himself to not getting in or at best receiving a later round offer.
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The next morning I sent an email off to the unit looking after applicants from interstate and received an immediate rely saying that all emails had been despatched the day before. My heart sunk. I read on and looked at the content of the letter that had been copied into the email. Joe had been successful!
I couldn’t help myself exclaiming “Yes” followed by a fist pump. I re-read the letter to make sure I hadn’t misread anything. Yes, Joe had been offered a place at the prestigious Melbourne High. I immediately rang Helen to convey the news.
Many candidates for the exam undergo extensive coaching to sit the exam, paying big money for coaching and tutoring. Our approach was always to believe in the accumulated knowledge and experience Joe has gained at school and beyond.
Helen mentioned that it was like winning tattslotto, but the reality lies in the school’s motto “Honour the Work” which typifies Joe’s dedication, effort and commitment to achieve his goals.
So for us, 2016 starts a new chapter in Melbourne – four years at Melbourne High followed by four years of university with possibly a gap year somewhere in the middle.
There are many things to do before, during and after the move to Melbourne. It will be an interesting time, but one we are all excited about.
Joe’s Darwin schools – Marrara Christian College and Essington School have contributed greatly to his success, as has the efforts of his Mum who has instilled a work ethic in Joe that is balanced but committed. I think tools like Khan Academy, learning violin, sport and travel every year to new places has also contributed.
