Goodbye Finley High
It was a proud moment for Year 12 students, their teachers and families as they graduated from Finley High School on Thursday.
A final assembly saw the 40 students say farewell to the school as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
There was a rotation of tears, laughter and applause from the graduating Class of 2016 during and after the whole school assembly.
Among several formal presentations, a highlight of the special assembly was a moving performance from the talented Year 12 music group.
Following in the traditions of previous years, a power point presentation which shared photos of each Year 12 student in primary school and high school had smiles on everyone’s faces.
Acting FHS principal Ellen Downey congratulated all the students for their ‘‘monumental achievement’’ of completing 13 years of schooling.
‘‘No matter what you do next year, or in the years that follow, you will always have this moment with this wonderful group of people.’’
Ms Downey also reminded the students that school is much more than learning the content of the syllabus.
‘‘It’s about life, family, friends, successes and moments to learn by. I can guarantee you, some of the friends that sit besides you today will be friends forever.
‘‘I know I represent the rest of the teaching staff when I say it is a special moment for us to see you graduate, we are proud.’’
Year 12 year advisor Kieran Davis gave a positive and heart-felt final address to his much-loved students, whom he said were a unique group.
Certificates were presented to each Year 12 student, as well as a few special awards based on student body votes.
Chelsea Dempster received the award for Application and Endeavour and Alysha Knight was presented with the Kirsty Callaghan Quiet Achiever Award.
The students will now prepare for HSC exams, which start October 13.