Hey guys and girls. I've spent the last three hours reading through this whole thread from start to finish, and I've managed to figure out what each person is saying.
First off, I wish to start by saying that I'm a prefect at North Sydney Boys High. I was on television last night (Channel 10 -- I had the blue prefect tie on if anyone noticed). From memory, my comment ran something akin to this:
"To be told that it's cancelled, and that we'd have to get ourselves up emotionally - AGAIN - It's pretty tough."
I doubt this comment would have caused much commotion, as regardless of what school people go to, they can appreciate the physical, psychological and emotional strain that a Year 12 student is placed under during Trials (and ultimately, the HSC).
One of the comments regarding the quality of the original essay when compared with the probable quality of the future essay was virtually rendered invalid due to the use of selective editing. The guy's intention was not to generate this effect.
The comment at the end pertaining to the "ease" of the next question was unfortunately rather bigoted and it displayed an unwanted aura of arrogance. It highlighted the ease at which mistakes can be made.
Now, onto the topic of Cheltenham and its students. In no way am I going to blame the girls for what has happened. While the students at NSBHS, EBHS, NBHS and Carlingford have been the victims of this misundertstanding, it is explicitly clear that the students of Cheltenham Girls High School have been victimised due to events which have remained outside their jurisdiction and control.
I applaud some of the girls on here who have staunchly defended their school. By the same token, I find myself slightly embarrassed after reading some of the comments that my peers have made. Guys, before you mouth off at these girls, realise that you are still representing North Sydney Boys High School. We are one of the most respected schools in the state, so it would be a good idea to even attempt to uphold this status.
christina88 said:
and ..nsb represent? lol i heard some of those guys have never said a word before the news interview. i dont think your 'quality' opinions are shared by everyone in your school either.
Hey Christina. I've read your posts and heard a little about you from one of my friends, and you seem like a decent girl.
But hey, please don't question the integrity or validity of any of our students' opinions. What they think is just as valid as what you think. This is a situation where there is no right and no wrong for the students, because all involved have been adversely affected.
schmo723 said:
Of course, I cannot speak for all Cheltenham students but I really don't think any leak was intentional. Why would we do that? by leaking information about the catholic paper intentionally would only disadvantage us. It's just not logical.
Hiya. You've been the most ardent supporter of your school. Good on you, and hopefully, like 'ellipses' suggests, you shall win the 'Spirit of Cheltenham' award!
But back to this post. And Jo (I take it you are Jo), you know just as well as I do that Trials are merely a structured format used to determine internal ranks only. A girl spreading the question to students attending another school is not in the least adversely affected.
ellipses said:
No matter what happened, it seems a lot more appropriate to vent your anger amongst yourselves as it's pretty much obvious that opinions clash and will continue to clash. This thread is just all about banging our heads against the wall...
I still find it hard to believe that people think that it was possible for us to have been able to work out that the English papers were Catholic ones. It takes two to tango...in this case at least.
ellipses, this was a great post. I have learnt who are, and just a word of warning for next time --- it doesn't matter how close the second dancer is in your "tango", I suggest you never tell him the questions again
It may very well have been a naive and innocent act, but it's repercussions have been of gigantic proportions.