School’s out: Tributes flow for Years 12s after year of ‘challenges and disruptions’

Queensland’s 56,000 school leavers have been congratulated on making it through a very tough final year of schooling. LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE NOW

School’s out for Queensland’s next generation of doctors, lawyers and superstars as they put pens down for the final time.

After two years of disrupted schooling, year 12 students could breathe a collective sigh of relief as they completed their final exams this week.

St Margaret’s school captain Zara Campbell, 17, said she has conflicting emotions about the end of school, but was over the moon about finishing her last exam on Monday.

“It’s sad because I love the community so much, but of course I am excited to start this new chapter,” she said.

Ms Campbell is hoping to study medicine or business and law next year. Estella Caro, 17, said saying goodbye was “bittersweet” but now was a time to celebrate.

“This summer will be one to remember,” she said.

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Grade 12 students from St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, Paige Bastian, 17, Estella Caro, 17 and Zara Campbell, 17, are happy to have made it to the end of their school years. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Thursday, that Schoolies on the Gold Coast will go ahead after health advice that a Covid outbreak had been contained.

Ms Palaszczuk today paid tribute to the 53,000 young Queenslanders finishing their schooling years.

“Our Year 12s are inspirational young Queenslanders and have completed their final two years of schooling under the shadow of Covid,” she said.

“The Class of ’21 have had to learn to adapt and, most impressive of all, simply get on with it, no matter what was thrown at them.

“They don’t get nearly enough credit for their resilience so I am saying it now: congratulations. You made it!

“Queensland’s future is in good hands.”

Education Minister Grace Grace also thanked teachers and staff for all their hard work this year.

“The teaching workforce and entire school community have done a wonderful job supporting this cohort throughout their education journey, especially during the impacts of the pandemic,” Ms Grace said.

“For those heading to schoolies have fun – but not too much! And please, get vaccinated.”

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Opposition education spokesman Christian Rowan said this year’s Year 12s faced a set of “unique challenges and disruptions”.

“Today not only marks the end of a significant chapter for this incredible cohort, but excitingly, it also marks the start of a world of new opportunities, including in higher education, training and employment,” he said.

“I wish all students a very happy, and safe, summer break, and a reminder that if you are yet to do so, now is a great time to get vaccinated.”