High-achieving graduates from Canning Vale College has returned wo their former school last week, as staff and community leaders gathered to recognise their results and hard work.
The morning tea brought together 2025 graduates who achieved top results in their ATAR exams and other pathways, giving the college a chance to celebrate their efforts after they had completed their final assessments.
Principal Dean Gurr said the event was about acknowledging what students had achieved beyond the classroom.
“We want to acknowledge the work that you guys did last year as Year 12 students, and the outstanding results that you all achieved last year in the ATAR exams,” he said.
“Most of it is actually due to the fact that you are just that type of student that you knew what you needed to do. You had really clear goals… and you worked so hard to get what we considered to be amazing results.”
Mr Gurr said the college hoped the event would become a regular tradition.
“I think it’s important just to recognise the work that they’ve done,” he said.
“I hope they walk out of here just proud of the fact that they were students at Canning Vale College.”
Southern River MLA Terry Healy, who previously taught at the school, said the recognition was well deserved.
“I know how hard it is for kids to work hard, and these guys have and we want to make sure that they know that we recognize their hard work,” he said.
School Board chair David Goode said the results were important given the challenges students had faced in recent years.
“They’ve gone through one of the most difficult periods of time for the six years of their high school, from COVID onwards, and to come out with some of these 90 plus scores… just extraordinary results,” he said.
Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim said celebrating student success was important for the wider community.
“We should recognize first thing… it will be very inspirational for the rest of the schools, especially the students in Canning Vale College,” he said.
Among those recognised was graduate Jamie, who said it felt rewarding to return.
“I feel honoured that I was recognised today for my hard efforts and also the support that CBC gave me towards my learning,” he said.
Like many of his peers, Jamie is now adjusting to life after school.
“Most of my work right now is just uni life and also work life… I’m having a bit of trouble balancing the two,” he said.
Fellow graduate Marcus said he was proud of what he had achieved.
“I feel very proud I put in the effort… I’m pretty happy,” he said.
Graduate Jacob Lee said the recognition reflected the effort students had put in.
“I think we all worked very hard to do those exams… very proud,” he said.
Several students also spoke about the impact of their teachers, with many naming Mr Richards as someone who supported them through their studies.
Students shared a common message for those still at school, encouraging them not to feel overwhelmed by exams.
“Don’t stress too much… ATAR is not the only pathway,” Jamie said.
Marcus added: “Don’t get too stressed over exams… it’s not the end of the world.”
Anna, another graduate, said students should make the most of their time at school.
“Work hard, but also have fun… high school goes by very fast, and you will miss it at the end,” she said.
The event also gave staff a chance to hear what students are doing next, as many are now balancing university and work as they begin the next stage of their lives.
