School's out: Friday was a bittersweet day for Rooty Hill High school year 12 students with their final classes. Picture: Michael Szabat
IT was the end of one chapter and beginning for another for Rooty Hill High School year 12 students on Friday.
Around 130 students were guests of honour at a graduation ceremony as they farewelled 13 years of schooling.
Some students are the first in their families to complete year 12.
Kate Short was the group's year adviser from year 8 until earlier this year when she was promoted as a head teacher.
She spoke at the ceremony of their time together.
"It's a sad day but exciting," Ms Short told the Star.
"I've watched them grow and mature so it's a proud moment for me.
"My advice to them would be to work towards goals and never stop aiming high."
The studying isn't over with 6000 students across western Sydney hitting the books for HSC exams, which start on October 15 and end on November 8.
Students receive their results on December 19.