Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

All of us in this place, I'm sure, have the privilege at this time of year of attending a number of school graduations, and over the past couple of weeks I've had that privilege, attending some of the graduation ceremonies and award ceremonies in my electorate, particularly for our high-school students. These ceremonies are momentous occasions where the students get to reflect, and they have a sense of anticipation for what comes next but also a sense of celebration for finishing 13 years of schooling. To all of the school leavers and graduates across the electorate of Forde, congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone in your educational journey.

One of the great things we get to do at some of these awards nights is recognise terrific students right across the schools. I'd like to congratulate some of these students that had the privilege of winning the various awards I sponsor across a variety of my local schools: Orlando Chen from Beenleigh State High School, Oliver Neil from Calvary Christian College, Vinya Eda from Chisholm Catholic College, Madeline Delaney from Coomera Anglican College and Yvette Aspden from Loganlea State High School.

Over at Marsden State High School—the largest school in Queensland, with more than 4,000 enrolled students—I presented two awards: one to a grade 9 student, Carine Makiriro, and one to a year 12 student, Caleb Breitkreutz. The Parklands Christian College award went to Gabriella Neil, and Park Ridge State High School's award went to Jacob Brindle. All of these students are a tremendous testament to their communities and the wonderful work they do.

At Rivermount College, Alex Burd won the award. And there were awards to Joseph Webster at Shailer Park State High School, Jaryn Oliphant at St Stephen's College, Bodhi Sheppard at Windaroo Valley State High School and Ebony Nielson and Kieran Epiha at Upper Coomera State College.

Also, we have the primary awards coming up over the next few weeks. I'll congratulate all of those award winners in advance, but I won't name them at this point in time because that would spoil the surprise. I also take the opportunity to thank all of the teachers, administrators and staff of the schools for the terrific job they do each and every year to make our schools such a wonderful place for our students to attend. Congratulations to all of the parents as well for your support to your students to get them where they've got to today. Thank you for your efforts.

Completing high school education would not be possible without the terrific team of supporters you have in your parents, your families and all of your teachers. Well done to everybody. Congratulations, and all the best for your future journey.