The beautiful Government House set the scene for a special day in the lives of many young people in care on December 5 when the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, hosted the annual Year 12 graduation ceremony.
This year, 165 young people living in out-of-home care completed Year 12 or the equivalent.
The Minister for Child Protection, the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, addressed about 50 students, who attended the ceremony, along with their carers, family members, case workers and residential care staff members.
Department for Child Protection Executive Director Service Delivery and Practice Sue Macdonald said it was pleasing to see so many young people completing their SACE.
“Finishing Year 12 is challenging in itself, but these young people have also completed their schooling following three years of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sue said.
“Their achievements are not only testament to their own hard work, but also the wide range of supports we put around our young people to help them meet their potential.”