Stawell Secondary College year 12 student Neve O'Shannessy uncertain what considerations to VCE scores could mean | The Graduation Project 2020

But staring down a timeline which could mean Year 12 students have seen the end of formal classroom learning for their secondary schooling life does come with a toll.

Keeping spirits high and trying to stay motivated is this year's school captain Neve O'Shannessy's motto - her remote learning experience ringing true for so many.

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"All my teachers have been wonderful and the school has been so supportive during this year," she said.

"They all understand the challenges we are facing learning remotely.

"Motivation is the hardest part I find. Even though the support is there it is a different kind of support.

"The first time around was a lot harder. This time I know what to expect."

Studying a range of subjects Miss O'Shannessy was hoping to study occupational therapy at Deakin Geelong.

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"Originally before COVID I was hoping to have a gap year and do some travelling and work to save money for Uni," she said.

"If remote learning is still in place next year for university students I would really consider my options after remote learning this year.

"I think I need about an ATAR of 70. I honestly have no idea how I will go but we'll see at the end of the year."

Miss O'Shannessy said she was uncertain how the new announcement of special consideration would impact her after Education Minister James Merlino announced an "extraordinary" change to how special consideration will be given to Year 12 students.

"I'm not sure if my score will go up or down," she said.

"I know I did struggle quite a lot but other students across the state have had more interruptions than me with school closures and confirmed cases themselves or with close family members.

"Stawell is pretty lucky in some sense because we haven't had too many cases or a big outbreak.

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"But overall the pandemic and the way we have had to learn this year has been a big burden on me personally."

Miss O'Shannessy said the coronavirus pandemic had left a cloud of uncertainty to the timeline left of school.

"We don't know if we will even return to school at this stage," she said.

"It's the whole unknown that you start thinking about. We aren't even sure when or if there will be a graduation."

Miss O'Shannessy was elected school captain - a role which she hoped would allow her to be more involved in the community and represent the school.

"I thought the role would help me build up my confidence, get to know the younger students and do some public speaking," she said.

"Obviously that hasn't really panned out this year. It's disappointing that the role didn't end up being what I envisioned but at the end of the day I know what the restrictions are here for and our community is safe."

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Miss O'Shannessy said while there was always time to think about the negatives, people need to look towards the positives outcomes.

"It's good to spend some time with my brothers and parents," she said.

"Being at home a lot more has meant we are closer as a family and I know my relationship with my parents has grown stronger during this time.

"In a normal world, during the last year of school students would spend time going to friends places or going to parties but we're all at home with Mum and Dad.

"It's time I know we will be thankful for as we get older."

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