An Interview with the DESS JLT

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE DESS JUNIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

We caught up with the Year 6 Junior Leadership Team, fondly known as the JLT, who will be making the big leap to secondary school next term. Here they reflect on their favourite memories of DESS and share what they are most looking forward to next year.

Tell us about a fond memory you have of DESS.

Hugo: My fondest memory at DESS is achieving my dream goal of being Head Boy and representing our school. The day that I discovered I had been chosen was honestly one of the proudest moments of my life so far. Erin: When I went to Hatta in Year 5, I had a wonderful time with my friends on the slip and slide. The food was yummy and I got to try new foods such as hash browns and samosas. I feel very lucky that we got to go and experience this trip before lockdown. Rocco: My memory is when I joined DESS and when I won the DESS Factor twice. I am very grateful for that!

Bella: A fond memory I have of DESS is going to Hatta in Year 5. I’m sure that this memory will stay in my mind even when I grow up, it was very fun.

What challenges have you had this year and how have you overcome them?

Zach: I have found social distancing hard because I have been so used to playing with my friends without keeping a 2-metre distance the whole time. Talking wearing masks is tricky, especially if you talk a lot like me, and it can be difficult to hear your friends without getting too close. Daisy: This year there has been a lot of challenges because of COVID such as social distancing, wearing masks and doing a week or two online. But overall, I feel I have overcome and accomplished many challenges. Alexa: Social distancing has been tough. COVID in general has limited what we can do with friends and family so this has made my last year at DESS harder. Although it has been a challenge, we have learned from the experience.

What have you enjoyed about being on the JLT?

Daisy: Being on the JLT has been hard because of COVID and social distancing but I have learnt how to speak confidently and work as a team. I enjoyed being a part of DESS Has Talent and advising Mrs Gibson on ideas to improve the school. Mihira: I have enjoyed everything, from hosting DESS Has Talent and speaking as a newsreader for the Safe Driving Campaign. I think I have improved my independence skills by participating in many JLT activities. Altogether it has been an amazing experience. Bella: I have enjoyed all of the projects this year. I have learnt to keep pushing myself, by coming up with new ideas and getting everything done in time.

What are you looking forward to next year?

Mihira: Next year I am looking forward to learning new subjects, meeting lots of new teachers and people and using all the facilities they have at DESC. Rocco: I’m looking forward to moving to DESC. We will be treated as older students and this means we will have more independence. I’m excited to meet new friends as people come together from different schools. Zach: I am looking forward to making new friends and maybe taking on a leadership role again. Hugo: I am very much looking forward to moving to DESC. I hope to meet many more like-minded friends, learn lots of new and interesting subjects and continue to enjoy the many sports that I love.

What will you miss most about DESS?

Daisy: I will really miss my teachers, friends and being at DESS. Primary has been so fun and I will miss it so much. All the memories and achievements I have made are all thanks to DESS. Arhaan: I’m going to miss the teachers because they have all been really supportive. They make learning engaging and fun so all students are included. Lessons at DESS are exciting and amazing! Hugo: It’s going to be tough to leave and move on from DESS, which is a place I hold very close to my heart. I will miss walking through the gate each day and being welcomed by such a great team of teachers and site staff, who have guided me so well throughout my days at DESS. I will particularly miss all of my awesome teachers who have supported me and have been a great inspiration to me.