The region's senior students have been bringing to a close their 13 years of schooling this week, the year 12 pupils letting their hair down and saying their farewells.
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A reported 1680-plus year 12 students from the New England North West will now go on to the next chapter of their lives, which may include exams, work or travel.
Among the range of fun or formal activities in recent days have been assemblies, family morning teas, fundraising days and more.
Carinya Christian School's class of 2019 ended their final year by running a fun afternoon today for their kindergarten mates - a fitting day for teens who had been "really supportive" of each other and their school.
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Head of senior school Josh Davis said the older students had done much for and with younger pupils, including tutoring, reading and coding.
"I think kids are always happiest when they're not thinking about themselves and are serving other people," Mr Davis said.
He said his hopes for them were to use their talents to the best of their ability.
"The kids have got a diverse range of gifts and skills, but what we always focus on here is for them to use those faithfully to serve the Lord ... to just do their best with what they've been given," he said.
Calrossy Anglican School principal David Smith said the final activities as a year group had included a walk up Flagstaff Mountain.
"There's a bit of symbolism there: climbing the mountain to the view on the other side," he said.
The year group was notable for a "can-do, optimistic attitude" and community-mindedness.
"In the last year they've raised $70,000 for a number of different causes including drought aid, cancer, the Royal Flying Doctor Service ... That just says to me they've really embraced the ideal of being focused on other people."
McCarthy Catholic College leader of pedagogy Briony Martin said its students would be fondly remembered "for their sense of humour, devotion to social justice causes" and more.
"They are a talented group of individuals who will continue to contribute significantly to the communities they join in the future," Mrs Martin said.
"[We wish them] lives of great happiness, balance and that each individual recognises that greatness that resides within each of them."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
