Joanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to commend the work of the schools in my electorate which culminates the 13 years of education in year 12 completion. I acknowledge the work of leaders, teachers, students and parents in preparing students for school completion. I want to give a shout out to all the year 12s in Lalor who are preparing for exams or completing assessment tasks. I want to tell them clearly that exams and assessment tasks are an opportunity to show what you know and are not a test of what you do not know. I wish you all good luck.

I would particularly like to mention three schools: Manor Lakes Prep-12 College, Tarneit Senior College and Suzanne Cory High School. These schools will all see their first cohort complete year 12 this year. What a fine job they are doing as new schools. They will join the other schools in exam preparation, organisation of valedictory and graduation celebrations and year 12 celebration days. Completion of year 12 with a VCE, VCAL or a joint certificate is an achievement well worth celebrating. I want to give special wishes to those entering the exam period and to their families who often at this time of year feel enormous pressure. To the parents I say: be patient, be encouraging and keep them fed and watered. Good luck to all.