Year 12 students at Mirboo North Secondary College began their final school day with an egg and bacon roll breakfast, many dressed in costume. An assembly followed, where students presented awards to each other and shared a video of photos from their years at the school. Senior School Coordinator Rose Hill said the event was about the students. Students entered in themed groups, and the day ended with a slip 'n slide and lunch at the park. Students in the VCE Vocational Major have finished, while VCE students are sitting exams, including English today.
Year 12 students at Korumburra Secondary College have finished their school days. Year 12 Coordinator Steven Scott said the final year is demanding, with both schoolwork and pressure about what comes next. He told students without a clear plan not to panic, and that they can change direction if a path proves unsuitable. Students in the VCE and VCE Vocational Major programs continued the tradition of dancing for staff and younger students. Senior School Coordinator Nicole Creaser said the routines were well rehearsed and praised the students for sharing lollies with the younger pupils.
The teenage triplets who front Perth band Birdland are eager to focus on music once their final Year 12 exams are finished. Francis, Oscar and Conrad Cvitan, aged 18, have performed at festivals, toured Australia and released a debut EP while studying. The Mt Lawley Senior High School students sit their ATAR exams this week, with Conrad and Francis starting on ancient history. The brothers say they wanted to finish their ATAR studies, which they hope will serve them whatever path they choose. Francis said Years 11 and 12 were the best high school years of his life.
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Three students at Medowie Christian School are reflecting on their final years of school as the Class of 2026 prepares to leave. Bethany says she has grown in confidence through leadership and public speaking, and is proud of helping start Salt and Light, a group where girls can share their experiences. Callum says he is proud of the person he has become, and urges others to commit fully to their goals. Annika, who moved from another country, says school taught her resilience and flexibility, and she expects to miss everyday moments with teachers and friends.
Two Irrawang High School students began their HSC exams on Tuesday 13 October with their first English paper. Liam Bennet has already been accepted into the University of Newcastle, while Emalynne Hunter-Hahn hopes to join the Australian Defence Force. Emalynne said group revision helped her prepare, and the pair described the pressure of the exams. Teachers ran holiday workshops across 12 subjects and several maths courses. Both students are looking forward to free time and the beach once exams finish.
Oakleigh Grammar has farewelled its Year 12 students with a thanksgiving service and assembly celebrating their achievements and school relationships. Principal Mark Robertson and Board Chairman Chris Damatopoulos presented Certificate of Achievement Awards to students with outstanding VCE Units 3 and 4 results. Prep students presented graduation sashes to each Year 12 student, and video messages from people who had positively influenced the cohort were shown. Robertson said the assembly highlighted the strong emotional ties between students and their school. The school has wished the students success in their final examinations and beyond.
Samaras owner Omar Nemer returned to his former school, Illawarra Sports High, to speak at the class of 2026 graduation ceremony. He told students there is no perfect path and urged them to keep moving forward, learning and enjoying the journey. Nemer described his own route from high school to university and then to running three branches of the family business. He said one small opportunity, a community event in Unanderra, led to a food truck and many new chances. He encouraged graduates to be brave, work hard, and never be afraid to say yes.
Students at Leongatha Secondary College dressed up and shared breakfast before a final assembly marking the end of their Year 12 school days. A valedictory event at Leongatha Memorial Hall will follow on Thursday, with students, family and staff attending. Principal Brad Hutchinson urged students to remember their roots, while the school gives equal importance to VCE and VCE Vocational Major students. Students will sit exams at Leongatha Recreation Reserve this year because of building works at the school.
Year 12 students across NSW have begun their Higher School Certificate written exams this week. Students from the Port Macquarie campus of Hastings Secondary College are sitting their papers at the Salvation Army Hall in Lord Street. Student leaders Lachlan Browne and Cameron Carson said they felt prepared after the first English paper. Both plan to take a gap year before further study, with Browne aiming for occupational therapy and Carson for diagnostic radiography. The campus has 73 Year 12 students this year.
Almost 75,000 New South Wales students have started their Higher School Certificate exams, including almost 2000 from the Central West region. Education Minister Prue Car urged students to rest, eat well and take breaks. Local leaders, including Cabonne Council mayor Kevin Beatty and federal member Andrew Gee, said exam results do not define a person's future. They thanked teachers, families and carers for their support.
Year 12 students across New South Wales sat the HSC English 1 paper on Tuesday, the first day of their final school exams. The paper asked how the composer of a prescribed text offers opportunities to examine assumptions about human strength and vulnerability. Students at Canley Vale high school in Sydney's west described feeling stressed before the exam but content afterwards, while others posted on Reddit that the question was hard to address fully. HSC results will be released on 16 December.
