THERE was anticipation, excitement and just a tinge of sadness at Hills College on Friday as its Year 12 students left the school for the final time.
A path lined with their fellow students from prep to Year 11 congratulated, high-fived and hugged the 30 Year 12 students as they made their way to the school's front entrance.
Similar scenes took place in many schools across the region on Friday as Year 12 students said goodbye to their old school life, ready for the next chapter in their journey.
Years 10 to 12 co-ordinator Joelle Parer said the year 12 students loved the opportunity to say a final goodbye to their fellow students.
"This is the first time we have made a path for the Year 12 students to walk down and it worked really well as the whole school got to be involved, which was important," she said.
"Students drew pictures with messages of good luck, which they handed to the year 12 students as they walked past, as well as signs on which their own graduation year was written.
Before the farewell walk, the Year 12 students and their parents were treated to a breakfast at the school, organised by the cafeteria staff.
Ms Parer the Year 12 students had worked hard as a cohort throughout the year.
"Finishing high school is very significant. When you look at the amount of work that they put in, grade 12 is so intense, and then to have a farewell where they are recognised for all of their hard work, I think it's really special," she said.
"All of the students in Year 12 did so much in contributing to the school. They were always willing to help at any of the events and did so well with fundraising, which shows the spirit they had as a class."
Year 12 student Jesse Kellie said walking among the students, saying goodbye to them, was a great way to leave the school.
"It just shows how close the school is, from prep to Year 12, and it was a pretty good way to end my school life at Hills," he said.
"It is a little bit sad to leave but I'm also really happy. I'm taking a gap year next year to concentrate on playing golf and I'm looking forward to it."