The last page

Salut mes amis,

On this weeks agenda, we're saying goodbye. We walked through these halls for the first time over six years ago and now we get to walk them for our last time(s). 

"I always knew this day would come; we'd be standing one by one with our future in our hands, so many dreams so many plans"

It’s strange to think about how it all started - Year 7. Back when everything felt so new, so big, and so full of possibility. It was the year I met some of you for the very first time, completely unaware that you’d become the people I’d grow up with. Friends who’d turn ordinary school days into memories I’ll hold onto for life.

I still remember the volleyball team - Jess, Kripa, and Armaa - the laughter, the inside jokes, and the way we thought we were unstoppable. Noah’s math class rap still lives rent-free in my head (and probably always will). That was also the year I met Kristy and Alyssa - the two who made every lunchtime “buzz off” game outside the library something to look forward to. We were just kids, dreaming about the future, wishing time would hurry up. We looked at the Year 12s like they were from another world - the “big kids” we couldn’t wait to become. We were so eager to grow up. If only we knew how fast it would all really go.

"I always knew after all these years, there'd be laughter, there'd be tears. But I never thought I'd walk away with so much joy, but so much pain. And it's so hard to say "goodbye""

Then came Year 8 - a year that widened my circle in the best possible way. Kristy introduced me to Armaa, Kripa, Lovette, and Iman, and suddenly my world got bigger and brighter. Those benches outside the locker area became our spot. “40-40” games during lunch, Roblox and Discord calls that went way too late, and yes… Among Us. That game basically defined us for a while - the betrayal, the laughter, the dramatic accusations. We were ridiculous, but in the best way.

"But yesterdays gone, we gotta keep moving on. I'm so thankful for the moments, so glad I got to know you"

Year 9 was something special. It’s when I met my co-writer, Reebs - in “make-bake-decorate” of all places. Who would’ve guessed that’s where one of my closest friendships would begin? Year 9 was also when leadership began for me - Kripa and I representing 9S1, planning sports events, the meetings, and of course, Ms Le spoiling us with her rice paper rolls. That was also the year of Ollie L - the Teams messages, the exchanged number, the nonstop texting, the room tour, the bowling trips, the Phillip Island camp… a whole whirlwind of memories that still make me smile.

"The times that we had, I'll keep like a photograph and hold you in my heart forever. I'll always remember you"

Year 10 came with a shift - our first VCE subjects, our first glimpse of what the “serious” side of high school really looked like. But even then, we found ways to make it fun. Year 10 was Bingo’s year - full of inside jokes, endless messages, and way too much Snapchat. There was chaos, there was laughter, and there were even those mid-year exams that became their own kind of comedy (who knew doodling on past papers could be such a bonding moment?). #He messaged me straight after and apologised.

"Another chapter in the book, can't go back but you can look. And there we are on every page, memories I'll always save."

Then came Year 11, the big step up. Our first Unit 3/4 subjects, and wow, did they hit hard. It was the year we all realized just how much we’d have to juggle. But through the stress, there were moments of joy - especially in my favourite methods class. It wasn’t always easy, but we learned so much about ourselves, about each other, about perseverance. It was also the year this blog started.

"Up ahead on the open doors, who knows what we're heading towards? I wish you love, I wish you luck, for you the world just opens up. But it's so hard to say "goodbye""

And then Year 12. The year we’d been dreaming of since we were those tiny Year 7s looking up to the “big kids.” We finally became them. We got our jackets, our classes, and promised we’d give it our all. (Spoiler: that motivation faded pretty quickly.) We stressed over our first SACs, and then gradually… we started to let go a little. We started to enjoy it. From the letter dress-up day to pajama day, from reliving our childhoods to laughing at our chaos — every week was another memory. And of course, Year 12 was the year of Dorothy. That name alone carries a whole story, doesn’t it?

"Yesterday's gone, we gotta keep moving on. I'm so thankful for the moments so glad I got to know you"

And now, here we are. Our final week of high school.

Monday — gender bender (let’s just say, my attempt at dressing like a guy was questionable at best).
Tuesday — future selves, where we imagined who we might become.
Wednesday — modified uniform day and painting signs for the soccer game.
Thursday — pizza lunch, our final assembly.
And Friday — our very last lunch together at school.

It all happened so fast. One moment we were laughing in class, and the next, the final bell rang, for the last time.

It’s hard to put into words what this all means. High school wasn’t perfect, it was messy, emotional, chaotic, hilarious, exhausting, and beautiful. But every single one of you -  every person reading this - made it what it was. You were part of my growing up. You helped me find myself, even when I didn’t know who that was yet. You made me laugh on days I didn’t think I could, and you stood by me through every version of who I was becoming.

So thank you.

Thank you for the memories, the inside jokes, the late-night calls, the shared panic before SACs, the hugs, the tears, the laughter.

I love you all so much and I’m going to miss you more than I can ever say.

Here’s to the little kids who once dreamed of being “big,” and to the big kids who now realise just how magical those little years really were. 

Bisous bisous,

Reebs et Hols