By Corey Everitt
James Prinzi is St Francis Xavier College’s dux with a score of 99.45 while fellow student Claire Kain is the school’s 2024’s VCE Vocational Major dux.
Studying at the Beaconsfield campus, James said he and his family were ‘ecstatic’ by the news as he is the first child in his family to complete year 12.
“I’m happy with the ATAR I achieved, dux or not, as should all of us who put in the effort,” James said.
“However, I try not to get too entrapped by the number – it’s not reflective of the more important lessons I learnt in year 12.”
Also from the Beaconsfield campus, Claire studied a Cert II in Sport and Recreational Studies at St Peter’s College, she is ‘proud’ and ‘honoured’ by the achievement.
She is preparing to join Victoria Police and will continue her studies at TAFE with a certificate of justice.
The focus on practical teaching and developing leadership skills is what Claire appreciates most in her vocational training.
“VCE-VM was a good experience in being able to collaboratively work with others and enhancing your leadership and team working skills,” Claire said.
“One of the best parts of VCE-VM was the showcase, being able to show my work and progress to the parents of the Year 12 VM cohort and explore different pathways.”
For other students looking to do a VCE-VM pathway, Claire advised it’s best to have a ‘rough idea’ of what you want to do in the future so you can able to focus on the right placements and VET courses.
James has applied for an engineering degree at Monash University. He advised the same and said committing to the effort is important.
Study routines are by no means replicable across student to student, and honestly I am in no position to advocate studying how I studied – studying is a learnt skill over long periods of effort and consistency, and that is all I can truly communicate regarding my study routine – a steady commitment of effort,” James said.
“Ultimately, with goals in mind, focus on nothing more than meeting them, and try your best to avoid fixating on what you can’t control; you cannot control the outcome but can do your best to influence it”
