Speeches
Monday, 15 December 2025
Reception to acknowledge the Year 12 Schooling Achievements of Young People under Guardianship
Rod and I welcome you to Government House to celebrate your completion of Year 12 this year.
Government House is a special place where generations of South Australians have come to be recognised for their significant achievements.
Today, it is your turn and you all deserve to be celebrated as you receive your certificate of achievement.
You represent schools across South Australia, public and private, city and country, from Eyre Peninsula, to Adelaide, to the mid-north and the Riverland.
Some of your schools[1] were among those Rod and I visited this year in the course of our school visits program, talking to students and about civics and citizenship.
We are happy to return your hospitality today.
As you know all too well, Year 12 is a demanding year and you deserve congratulations on completing it.
It is testament to your persistence, resilience and commitment to learning.
Alongside your certificate of achievement, these skills and dispositions will be enormous assets as you embark on your next chapter.
You may already have a pathway in mind: further study or employment.
Or perhaps you haven’t worked it out yet – and that’s OK.
Having an open mind, trying new things, talking to people in different roles and industries can help you work out the next step.
I was in a similar position when I finished high school.
I knew I wanted to go to university and I started first year Economics and Law.
However, I soon realised that Law wasn’t for me, so I had to change tack and let that goal go.
While at university, I also had a part-time job in a restaurant and I learnt a lot there too – about building independence, working hard and getting along with people.
I have had some career highs, but I’ve also encountered disappointments and setbacks along the way.
The challenge is to keep going and do your best; plan for the future, but be ready to change course if things don’t go the way you hope.
And that is what I encourage you to do as you take the next step beyond school and into adulthood.
Whatever path you take, I encourage you to keep learning.
Education is powerful.
It launches careers, lifts people out of disadvantage and opens minds.
It helps us to grow as engaged and active members of our community who can make change happen.
All children and young people have the right to share in the benefits of education.
By completing Year 12, you are unlocking these benefits for yourself.
Congratulations and well done!
You have had some unwavering supporters cheering you on over the years and I thank everyone who provided support throughout your schooling.
Now I encourage you to set your course for the future, set your sights high, and believe in yourself.
You have so much to offer – I look forward to seeing what you do next.
Well done!
[1] Reynella East College, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Charles Campbell Secondary College, Mark Oliphant College, Ocean View P-12 College, Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Seaview College, Valley View Secondary School, Victor Harbor High School, Willunga Waldorf School.