Logan students the smartest in the state: OP1 scores emerge as hard work pays off

The future starts today for two very excited Logan students who received OP1s, the highest score in the state.

John Paul College year 12 graduates received two OP1s this year.

The wait is over for more than 37,000 year 12 graduates who received their final results today.

Formal certificates arrive in the mail from next week but graduates can view their Certificate of Education results and Overall Position, or OP score, online today.

In Logan, John Paul College principal Karen Spiller congratulated her year 12 students and said the school had two OP 1 results, the top score in the state.

The school’s dux Minuka Mendis received an OP1 and so did the school’s Proxime Accessit Tiffany Wang.

Ms Mendis overcame stress at exam time in her pursuit of an OP1.

John Paul College dux Minuka Mendis received an OP1

The dazzling academic put a lot of pressure on herself to do her absolute best but she also realised it was not always impossible to be perfect.

“There are times that you will fail to reach your short-term goals but that does not mean you should give up on your long-term goals,” she said.

Time management was also a major obstacle for the Year 12 student who was part of concert choir, chamber orchestra, Sinfonia Strings, basketball team, netball team and debating team.

She also held the position of Senior School Vice Captain.

“There were many late nights and after school tutorials but with a lot of courage and persistence, I was able to keep pushing till the end,” she said.

“After going through this year, I am more aware of my limits and know that it is important to take a break sometimes.”

She said there were no words to describe how thankful she was to all her teachers and said they were always prepared to answer endless questions and to stay back for after school tutorials.

“Before nearly every exam, they would happily agree to personally meet up with me to answer my last-minute queries. Throughout the year, there were times where I couldn’t reach my goals and they were always there to help me find a way to reach my aspirations.

“I have to give special mention to my Head of Year, Dawn Boland, for her endless support. If I ever was stressed or overwhelmed, her office door was wide open.”

Next year, she hopes to study a double degree in architecture and engineering at the Queensland University of Technology.

She also hopes to one day start her own engineering firm and make a difference in the world by designing new and innovative buildings that take advantage of the environment.

John Paul College’s Tiffany Wang also received an OP1.

John Paul College’s Tiffany Wang received an OP1.

When she arrived in Australia she struggled with communication because she was shy and had difficulty expressing herself in English.

But over the years, she has gained confidence and more open.

In year 12, she was kept busy with assessments and a study workload but looked for help from teachers and I tried her best to achieve her goals.

She said she did not want to let her family or teachers down.

“The teachers are really supportive at John Paul College and helped me with everything,” Ms Wang said.

“After graduating, I would like to study law at university because I want to uphold justice and speak up for those in need. “In 10 years’ time, I think I will be a good lawyer helping people to maintain the rights they deserve. “Hopefully, my family, friends, and people who have helped me, will be even more proud of me then.”

John Paul College principal Mrs Spiller said her year 12 students received the highest ever Queensland Core skills Test scaled mean score and highest ever percentage of OP 1-5.

John Paul College principal Karen Spiller was thrilled with her school’s results.

“We are extremely proud that many of our results exceeded Queensland outcomes,” she said.

“Of the school’s OP eligible students, 31.5 per cent achieved an OP 1-5, which compares favourably with the state average of 22.49 per cent.

“All of the college’s OP eligible and equivalent OP eligible students received a Queensland Certificate of Education – excellent when compared with the state average of 93 per cent.”

Mrs Spiller also paid tribute to 13 students who completed a Certificate III, Certificate IV and a Diploma of Business as part of their Senior Education and Training program.

An additional 23 students completed a Diploma of Business with Barrington College.

She said John Paul College’s VET program continued to provide excellent outcomes for her students with a total of 103 Certificates I, II, III or IV awarded to seniors this year.

“These results reflect the significant program of academic strengthening under way at JPC,” she said.

This year is the last students will receive an OP score as the state aligns with the rest of the country to adopt the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, which is called ATAR.

The graduates were Queensland’s foundation Prep students in 2007.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the class of 2019 sent the old system out with a bang, with 18,429 students receiving an OP result.

Education Minister Grace Grace with Beenleigh state High school principal Matt O’Hanlon at the school’s Paddock to Plate lunch this year. PHOTO: JUDITH KERR

She said 59.6 per cent of graduates received VET Certificate or qualification.

Ms Grace also reminded those who did not get the score they wanted not to be disheartened as there were always bridging courses.

“From next year, eligible students will receive an ATAR which will ensure results are as inclusive and fair for students as possible.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman commended the 22,503 Year 12 students who achieved a VET Certificate I, II, III or IV qualification.

QCAA Chief Executive Officer Chris Rider said Certificates of Academic Commendation would be sent to 856 graduates who received Very High Achievement in at least 24 semesters of Authority subjects, which is the equivalent of six VHAs.

The commendation is the first category to be awarded in the annual Queensland Certificate of Education Achievement Awards.

Winners in a further six categories, including Queensland’s highest achieving student, will be announced in February.