Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (17:30): I acknowledge the amazing contribution that school leadership teams have made to the schools of Camden. As HSC students begin their exams this week, it is important to reflect on the journey they have made over 13 years. As a former teacher, I know the leadership qualities that our senior students show every day: They create new initiatives in schools, provide support for struggling younger students, and allow safe places for discussion and feedback. Student leadership is an excellent way to expand important qualities of public speaking and guidance. These students often volunteer many hours of their time to school events and they represent their school throughout the community, often juggling that with their study, sport and social lives.

I have had the privilege of working with and teaching many of the students who have recently completed their time as local school leaders. They are fine people with an exciting future ahead of them. I know some of them are aspiring journalists, lawyers, social workers and, of course and most importantly, teachers. I have known them to be speakers, leaders and musicians. For 13 years, students have been told when to attend school, what to wear and what work to complete. They know the expectations. For many, the future seems scary and unclear. Many students have spoken to me of their trepidation about the months and years ahead. I say to all year 12 students sitting their exams this week: Take your time; you know your work. The exams are designed to allow you to show how much you have learned. Look after yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. This time will pass, but your mind and body will be with you forever. Drink enough water, get some fresh air and talk to people about things that are not related to the exams.

I say also: Know that these exams are a stepping stone. You are not expected to have it all sorted. As someone who has had a complete career change in my—shall we say—mid life, you do not know what lies ahead. Start by making decisions for next year and see what happens from there. Understand that there are many people who care about you and want the best for you. If there has been someone who has made a big change in your life, especially at school, please make sure you tell them. To the student leaders whom I have worked with and taught over the past 12 months, our schools and communities thank you for your service and hard work.

I acknowledge Camden High School captains Samuel, James, Caitlyn and Angelina; Elderslie High School captains Mia, Jeremiah, James, Claire, Connor, Kiara, Jackson and Anna; Elizabeth Macarthur High School captions Sanjana, Cameron, Zaine and Jack; Magdalene Catholic College captains Timothy, Lily, Stella and Marcus; Mater Dei Catholic College captains Breeana and Jack; and Mount Annan High School captains Ebony‑Rose, Nikolai, Mehakpreet, Aaron, Lara and Nicolas. To say that we are proud of those students is a massive understatement. They have served their schools with distinction and pride. We are very proud of what they have achieved.

As they go through this 2½-week cocoon that is the HSC exams, they will come out the other side and they will deserve a break. I hope they enjoy many hours of free time after this. They may even enjoy destroying their notes, which I know many year 12 students have made a habit of doing as soon as they finish their exams. I commend those students for the leadership they have shown and the way they have led their schools. On behalf of the community of Camden, I say thank you and best of luck.