Liana Henderson-Drife (2022)
Commencing at Ballarat Grammar in Year 7, Liana’s many significant achievements in Senior School alone include School Vice-Captain, Guardian, Debating Captain, multiple Academic Colours and Debating Colours, Dux of Year 10 and Year 11, and the English and Humanities prizes in Year 12. In Year 11 she participated in The University of Melbourne’s Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. Liana’s involvement in community service included Days for Girls and Shrine of Remembrance Young Ambassador in Year 10.
Tell us about your experience at Grammar.
Grammar gave me a community where the best in every individual is brought out, and I will always be grateful for that. The House system is what sets Grammar apart and what kept me grounded. My favourite part of every school day was starting it with Muster. The Macpherson girls and my House Mentors were a constant source of support and positivity. Having this group to fall back on and grow with deeply contributed to why I love Grammar so much, and it is the friendships I have taken with me that I value most.
In what ways did the school contribute to your growth and development?
It’s so important to have the right people asking you the right questions at the right times. One of the best things about Grammar is that there is a real culture of critically reflecting on what you believe and why in a way that enables you to develop a strong sense of what you stand for.
Are there any teachers who had a significant impact?
Grammar was a place where I always felt I had people around me who believed in me and genuinely wanted me to succeed. From Adam Heath seeing potential in me at my first interview, to my Mentors Sue Garner and Chris Robson, as well as my close friends and many other teachers. In particular, John Lee had a significant impact, encouraging me to challenge myself and trust my judgement.
Tell us about any key milestones or achievements since school.
In my first semester of Law, I signed up for two competitions organised by the ANU Law Students Society (Mooting and Negotiations). While both posed a steep learning curve, pushing myself to do well in them has made me feel confident in my decision to study Law. I’m proud of how well I’ve settled into ANU and college. While I miss my family and friends from home, I love that I feel like I belong in both places.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
