The year 2020 will be remembered for many things, but for hundreds of Year 12 students in the Bundaberg Region it’s the year they graduated.
The class of 2020 graduates are pioneers in more ways than one as they were the first to go to Prep, the first to transition to Year 7 at high school and now the first in more than 100 years to endure a pandemic.
Isis High School principal Chris Gill said he admired the resilience of the Year 12 cohort.
“They have coped well with the event being moved from the traditional location of the Cultural Centre to the Sports Stadium and understand the need to restrict the event to students and teachers,” he said.
“This is an end point for students on their journey into adulthood. This was a very challenging year and we really didn’t know we would be having an event like this just a few months ago.”
Bundaberg Christian College principal Paul Thompson congratulated the Year 12 cohort as they celebrated the hard work and dedication of the last 12 years of their schooling.
“Today’s graduation was a very special and momentous occasion for our Year 12 students and their families,” Mr Thompson said.
“Graduating is a moment in time where students finish one chapter and start another, it was a privilege to be part of this.
“I am personally very proud of our Year 12 students and all they have achieved.
“What a year to be graduating! Well done students, and well done parents on this very special moment.”
Farewell class of 2020
Education Minister Grace Grace farewelled and congratulated the graduating class of 2020 who have experienced a year like no other.
“To say that I’m proud of our Year 12 students is an understatement,” Ms Grace said.
“They have shown so much courage, resilience and patience during what’s been a very difficult time with COVID-19.
“We know it hasn’t been easy but this cohort is no stranger to a challenge.
“These students are the first full cohort to graduate since the introduction of Prep in 2007, the first Year 7s at high school and the first seniors to complete a new QCE system.
“The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) now becomes the standard pathway to further study, replacing the Overall Position (OP), for these students.
“I wish the class of 2020 all the best for the next chapter, whether that involves university, vocational education, training or joining the workforce.
“The world is your oyster!”
Ms Grace praised those who helped Year 12 students to reach their potential.
“Thank you to all parents, carers, families and friends for your continued support of our Year 12 students,” she said.
“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Queensland’s teachers and staff.
“In a year full of new challenges, these graduates have relied on their teachers and school leaders like never before. You have not let them down.”
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