The BUSY School proudly celebrated the graduation of 569 Year 12 students—young people who once faced the possibility of not finishing school. Each ceremony, held across The BUSY School’s nine campuses, was filled with pride, joy and plenty of happy tears as families and educators honoured the journeys that led each young person to this moment.
The BUSY School’s approach is uniquely designed to support Year 11 and 12 students who have previously disengaged from mainstream education. Through a tailored, empathetic model, teachers and staff help students feel seen and valued, often for the first time in their schooling experience. For many, this connection makes all the difference.
“I connected with my teachers; they actually understand me,” shared Tane, a student from the Ipswich campus. “That connection keeps me motivated.” Like Tane, many students had once struggled in the classroom, feeling disconnected and out of place. In the supportive environment of The BUSY School, these feelings were turned around, giving students a renewed sense of purpose.
Lily, a Cairns Campus graduate, spoke about her transformation. “I would do anything I could to get out of school. It just wasn’t somewhere I wanted to be. In my old school, we were all kind of treated below the teachers,” she explained. “At The BUSY School, it’s different. It’s not, ‘I’m the teacher, and you’re the student.’ Everyone is treated the same here, which I really like.”
Graduation held special meaning not only for students but for families, too. For many, this marked the first high school graduate in generations. Parents and guardians, who had often supported their children through tough times, watched with pride and emotion as they crossed the stage, recognising the hard work that brought them to this milestone.
Graduates are now heading into various pathways for 2025 – for some it will be the workforce, others will pursue further education or continue with their apprenticeships or traineeships full time. , Each graduate leaves The BUSY School equipped with the confidence and resilience needed to succeed.
Bill Weigall, Executive General Manager of The BUSY School, expressed immense pride in the young graduates. “Seeing these students graduate is why we do what we do. Many of them have faced profound challenges, yet here they are,moving toward their futures with confidence. That’s what makes graduation here so special.”
The number of young people re-engaging with education continues to grow. Looking to the next cohort, The BUSY School recognises that community and corporate support will be essential to sustaining this life-changing mission.
By contributing resources, mentorship or financial support, community members and businesses can empower more students to overcome barriers, unlock their potential and celebrate a future filled with promise. Together, we can ensure more young people are graduating from school and starting career paths. If you or your business would like to support The BUSY School through sponsorship, partnership or a donation, FIND OUT MORE
