Students of Sapphire Coast Anglican College (SCAC) lined the paths of the school to cheer and farewell their graduating Year 12 students on Wednesday, October 20.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Our whole school community was out there farewelling them and letting them know how proud we are of their achievements in such a difficult two years," SCAC careers advisor Debbie Meers said.
Year 12 senior captains India Harley and Ella Kunzil-Doig said they couldn't believe they're finishing school.
"Officially finishing feels surreal, freeing, sad and exciting, equally underwhelming and overwhelming," the girls said.
"It has been a tough time for all of us and we are so grateful for everyone who helped us along the way, with a laugh."
Vice-principal Jay Trevaskis said the staff were thankful to have been able to celebrate with their Year 12 students and recognise their school achievements.
"We are so impressed with how they have navigated the challenges and uncertainties of the last two years," Mr Trevaskis said.
Ms Meers said the students greatly benefited from being able to return to two weeks of normal classes, in preparation for their final exams.
"We've had two weeks of normal classes where they really re-anchored their knowledge in preparation for the exams in a face to face environment," she said.
To mark their last day at school, the students decided to host a dollar coin donation mufti day for the whole school, which would help raise funds for the Year 12 sponsor child.
"They raised today $550 for the sponsor child to continue on the Year 12 tradition of maintaining that sponsorship through compassion," Ms Meers said.
The students chose to come dressed as hardworking tradies for their 'muck up' themed costumes, the annual tradition of final day frivolity.
The students used the opportunity to fine their teachers - jokingly - to finish raising as much money towards their sponsor child.
"Teachers had to pay for parking and they fined us when we got answers wrong in the questionnaires on how well the teachers knew their students," Ms Meers said.
The Year 12 students' morning started with a breakfast shared between staff and the group of HSC students, followed by the questionnaire and then a reflection period.
"We talked about our best memory, our funniest experiences, our most embarrassing moments at school and then what we'll miss," she said.
Finally the entire school community came together at recess and lined the paths to say farewell to the students as they exited the school.