Schools across the State held assemblies, picnics, concerts, muck-up days, guards of honour and sporting challenges between students and teachers in the last week of term to mark the rite of passage and wish the students all the very best.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said it was a special time for students, their schools and families.
“Thirteen years of schooling is a truly remarkable achievement. To our 69,000 young people graduating from Year 12, congratulations,” he said.
“These next few weeks will be exciting and challenging as you start preparing for the HSC and your next chapter beyond school. You’re almost there.
“Goodbye and good luck Year 12 class of 2023. Thank you for the memories. You can accomplish anything.”
The Higher School Certificate is the most popular school credential in Australia and will start on October 11 and finish on November 3, by which time students will have completed a total of 124 written exams.
One principal said her main advice to HSC students was to stay calm, prepare in advance and do not leave it until the night before to revise.
“But ultimately, you are more important than an exam score, so look after your whole self,” she said.
“The things that you have achieved and continue to achieve that show your respect for each other, the way you step up and take responsibility as an adult for your actions and your incredible resilience shine through.
“We are proud of the many pathways that our students take on their journey through and beyond school.”
