CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr DREYFUS (Isaacs) (10:00): I rise today to acknowledge the 2026 year 12 students in my electorate of Isaacs as they work towards the completion of their secondary education. Year 12 reflects years of study, persistence and personal growth, supported by teachers, families and friends. Year 12 is demanding.

Students are completing assessments, preparing for exams, working part time and thinking about what might come next. During this period, it's important to look after your health and wellbeing, make time to rest, stay connected with people who support you and ask for help when you need it. Recently, a number of year 12 students told me how they were managing their studies.

Their reflections were a reminder that every student's journey is different. They told me there's a lot of pressure to do well. They told me they're exhausted and at times don't know how to manage the workload but are figuring it out.

Others said that, while they understood the importance of the moment, they were determined to stay focused without losing sight of friendships, experiences and achievements that had brought them this far. I say to the year 12 students: the knowledge, judgement and resilience you've developed throughout your schooling will remain important long after your final examination.

As you prepare to finish school and begin the next stage of your lives, can I offer a few thoughts that might be useful in the years ahead? Beyond your classroom and well into the future, you will face many challenges but, equally, you will experience extraordinarily inspirational and positive moments. Always ask questions and make sure that you continue to learn.

Think critically and keep building your knowledge. Listen carefully to the advice trusted people offer you and learn from it. Enrol to vote, because your vote has the power to make real change; when you vote, you decide what matters most to you and your community.

With everything you do, give back to your community. Build strong relationships with family and friends, and look after the environment. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself; when you do, you'll learn more about yourself and achieve things you may have never thought possible.

Always do your best, and take care of yourself and others. Lastly, if you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. To all year 12 students, I say: your families, teachers, friends and communities are all cheering you on.

We wish you well for your exams and for the next chapter of your lives.