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Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (09:42): Year 12 exams commence this week, and I want to acknowledge our principals; school leadership teams; heads of department; VCE, VCAL and VET teachers; and the 60 000 students who have had a VCE like no other.

COVID has impacted not only on teaching and learning but on the many important events that contribute to year 12 being such a special and memorable year, where lifelong friendships are often forged through the highs and lows of VCE. School musicals, sporting competitions, swimming carnivals, camps and trips, charity fundraisers, performing arts, community service, school dances and leadership opportunities were cancelled. This was disappointing for many who had looked forward to these events as circuit-breakers to long hours of study and homework.

My heart goes out to all the VCE students who have experienced many challenges, great uncertainty and significant disruption this year due to the COVID pandemic.

Well done and all the best for the future to the VCE students at Ballarat High School, Mount Rowan Secondary College, Ballarat Specialist School, Loreto College, St Patrick’s College, Ballarat Clarendon College, Ballarat Grammar School, Woodmans Hill College, Phoenix P–12 Community College, Ballarat Christian College and Damascus College. Despite the adversity and tests of their character our amazing, resilient young people have made it through almost to the end of a very tough year.

I hope that your end-of-year assessments go well and that 2021 is a brilliant year for you. Congratulations, and go well.

Click here to read more of my contributions in Parliament. To access further Hansard transcripts, head to the Parliament of Victoria website.