At the very end of Year 12 we were lost in a haze of joy, knowing exams were all done and that a much deserved holiday had arrived. A few months later, we all found ourselves sitting in a room we had only rarely had the oppurtunity of seeing on the inside. Sitting along the walls we all looked upon familiar faces, the faces of Year 13 2010. All showed mix feelings, all were sad for losing the lovely holiday and were happy to see their friends. Together with those familiar faces we set our preperations for classes and the upcoming Year 13 Camp. Before we knew it, the Camp had arrived and the 48 of us all set out to our destination together, eagerly awaiting the fun. In the three amazing days there, we had managed to dress Tyler, Jordan and others in unforgettable newspaper dresses, play fun games of touch, swim, trash the kitchen with noodles and grow together as people and friends. Following the pure epicness of camp we found ourselves stuck in the same boring places we had always been; classrooms and desks, as we struggled to get back into our academic studies and pursuits.

One form-time, we were handed a list of wonderful candidates all applying to become head pupil of Ellesmere College, after some thought the decision was made, the trend of deputy and head was gone. Kirsty Rolls and Emily Haffner would become the 2010 Head Pupils. Together they sat, stood and spoke together to lead the school's students and organize numerous events to provide the proper oppurtunities to us all, which they have done brilliantly. Behind these two individuals were eight others (Do I REALLY need to name them?), all a part of the scheme to get more house spirit into our school, for the first time we had house leaders all on the stage as they eventually became icons to our eager juniors. Other such leaders of the school became known, such as Sam Lemon of the 1st XV Rugby team and Head of Sports (who always gave the longest speeches), Angela Barnett of the SADD committee and of course Sarah Baker who quite simply organized and helped with more than I am allowed to write about. Together the team all introduced events and the happenings to the grateful school.

What would a Year 13 Reflection be without a paragraph on the commonroom? Without a doubt, that small memorable room is a highlight not only of 2010, but our entire time at Ellesmere College. Keeping the paint left by the Year 13's of 2008, we frantically began to  pour couches, speakers, kitchen appliances, fridges, curtains and even a large TV from Mr. George into the room. By the end we all were able to look at the room with pride, fulfillment and belonging, unfortunately Mr. Stacey did not. Needless to say he wasn't happy at all with the state of the room or the profane things we had written on the blackboard! Eventually, we saw it as more than just that, it was our second home, filled with some (if not all) of our dearest friends. To help keep us guys busy during our 'study' periods and any other in which we chose not to go to class, we had the beloved Wii. To the frustration of the classrooms and the girls beside or behind us, we blasted Guitar Hero loudly. None of us will forget getting angry at Aidan for consistently failing the song for all of us or Sam's constant demand that we play Taylor Swift. If we weren't on Guitar Hero, we were on Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Which without a doubt has cost each and every one of us boys 10 credits+. The time we spent learning each character and stage is mind-numbingly massive, again we have far too many fond memories of wasting our time on this. (The greatest moment ever was Sam's massive Ganon punch, managing to knock myself, Adam and Tyler out simultaneously, nobody has ever come close to copying that pure, godlike fluke).

Vs. the Staff... We could all agree that this year's Year 13 have been a lot less heavy on the pranks towards the staff of Ellesmere College, with only two pranks ever being put into effect. With the most memorable being most of us arriving at school super-duper early and stealing the teacher's parking spaces. The competition between the two groups could be easily felt in the basketball, volleyball and netball games, which (as much as I hate to say) the staff all managed to win. It hasn't been all competition between the students and staff, this year we felt like peers and individuals among them, and many undeniable friendships between staff and student have been made. So many of them have had such a huge impact on our lives and futures.

The year is unfortunately all over. We can all spend many hours recalling countless memories and never think of the same one twice. Those “familiar faces” mentioned earlier became our second family, as looking back we watched them all grow into the friends we have today who we will appreciate until the end of time. From the awkwardness of Year Seven, to the sense of leadership and experience of life at its max in Year 13,  Ellesmere College has been a home to us all.

Best of wishes to absolutely everyone in their futures and all their endeavours. Let's all keep in touch a little while longer, mmkay?

Rainier Blick