Year 12 students across Western Australia have finished their final week at school with celebrations ranging from running into the ocean in uniform to dress-up days, before many go on to sit final exams.
At Presbyterian Ladies' College, principal Cate Begbie said there was "something very special about seeing the girls come together one last time to celebrate everything they've shared". "There were plenty of smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter as we farewelled the class of 2026," she said.
Penrhos College principal Kalea Haran said its traditions were an opportunity to "celebrate the girls we have watched grow, learn and flourish, and to send them off knowing just how many people are cheering them on".
Perth Modern posted on Facebook that students had "embraced every moment of their final weeks at school". Armadale Senior High School thanked students for their "hard work, perseverance and the many memories you have created along the way".
WA Premier Roger Cook posted a picture of his younger self, telling students to "back yourself, take a breath and remember to give yourself credit for how far you've come". Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti wished the 2026 cohort the "very best of luck" with their exams.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Year 12 exams are a significant milestone that influence university entry and career paths for thousands of students.
- The celebrations mark the end of a 13-year school journey and the beginning of a transition to further study or work.
- Community messages from schools and politicians highlight the broader support network for graduating students.
Background
Year 12 is the final year of secondary school in Australia, culminating in the ATAR exam, which determines university admission. Western Australian students finished their last week of classes in late October with traditional celebrations before sitting their final examinations.
Key Perspectives
- Cate Begbie (PLC principal): Said seeing the girls come together one last time was special, with smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter as the class of 2026 was farewelled.
- Kalea Haran (Penrhos College principal): Said the traditions were an opportunity to celebrate the girls who have grown, learned and flourished, and to send them off knowing how many people are cheering them on.
- Perth Modern School: Wrote on Facebook that students embraced every moment of their final weeks and that the school is proud of their achievements and looks forward to their next chapter.
- Armadale Senior High School: Thanked students for their hard work, perseverance and memories, and extended a heartfelt thank you to teachers, families, carers and staff.
- Roger Cook (WA Premier): Posted a picture of his younger self and advised students to back themselves, take a breath and give themselves credit for how far they have come.
- Rita Saffioti (WA Deputy Premier): Wished the 2026 cohort the very best of luck with their exams.
What to Watch
- Final exam period in coming weeks and how students perform.
- ATAR results release in December, which determine university offers.
- School valedictory events and formal celebrations still to come.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedWA year 12 students are celebrating the end of school as final exams approach.WA Today - Latest News: “WA year 12’s celebrate end of school as ATAR exams loom.”
- SupportedPrincipals and politicians sent messages as school leavers prepared for ATAR exams.WA Today - Latest News: “Presbyterian Ladies’ College principal Cate Begbie said ... “As our year 12s turn their attention to their final exams, we wish them every success,” Haran said. ... WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti ... wishing the 2026 cohort the “very best of luck” with their exams. WA Premier Roger Cook also posted a picture of his younger self, wishing year 12 students luck.”
- SupportedYear 12 students across Western Australia finished their final week at school.WA Today - Latest News: “Year 12 students across Western Australia have finished their final week at school and celebrations have been anything but low-key.”
- SupportedCelebrations included running into the ocean in school uniform and dress-up days.WA Today - Latest News: “From running into the ocean in school uniform, to dress up days and assemblies, both private and public schools across the state have welcomed students having fun and relaxing, before many go on to sit their final exams.”
- SupportedMany students will go on to sit final exams after the celebrations.WA Today - Latest News: “before many go on to sit their final exams.”
- SupportedCate Begbie said there was “something very special about seeing the girls come together one last time to celebrate everything they've shared”.WA Today - Latest News: “Presbyterian Ladies’ College principal Cate Begbie said there was “something very special about seeing the girls come together one last time to celebrate everything they’ve shared”.”
- SupportedCate Begbie said, “There were plenty of smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter as we farewelled the class of 2026.”WA Today - Latest News: ““There were plenty of smiles, a few tears and lots of laughter as we farewelled the class of 2026,” she said.”
- SupportedPenrhos principal Kalea Haran described its traditions as an opportunity to celebrate the girls and send them off knowing people were cheering them on.WA Today - Latest News: “Penrhos College principal Kalea Haran said its much-loved traditions were an opportunity for the entire school community to come together and “celebrate the girls we have watched grow, learn and flourish, and to send them off knowing just how many people are cheering them on.””
- SupportedPerth Modern posted on Facebook that students had “embraced every moment of their final weeks at school”.WA Today - Latest News: “Perth Modern posted pictures of its graduating class to Facebook, stating the students had “embraced every moment of their final weeks at school”.”
- SupportedArmadale Senior High School thanked students for their “hard work, perseverance and the many memories you have created along the way”.WA Today - Latest News: “Meanwhile, Armadale Senior High School thanked its year 12 students for “hard work, perseverance and the many memories you have created along the way””
- SupportedRoger Cook told students to “back yourself, take a breath and remember to give yourself credit for how far you've come”.WA Today - Latest News: ““I know you’ve put a lot of work into getting here, so back yourself, take a breath and remember to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come,” he said.”
- SupportedRita Saffioti wished the 2026 cohort the “very best of luck” with their exams.WA Today - Latest News: “WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti posted a photo of her own time in year 12 heading to the ball, before wishing the 2026 cohort the “very best of luck” with their exams.”