For 23 years the Year 12 students at Barrenjoey High School have been up with the sparrows to climb to their local lighthouse to greet the sunrise.

The Barrenjoey High tradition to mark 13 years of schooling has since started in other schools as students rise before dawn for ‘senior sunrise’ in their final week of school.

On Monday, about 140 students plus parents and teachers met at 5am at Palm Beach, walking up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse in time for sunrise.

ABC Radio Breakfast host Craig Reucassel spoke to school captain Noah Smith at the lighthouse.

"It was a bit of an early start, but I would say it's definitely worth it," Noah said.

“The whole year is here ... we got up here just before the sun came peeking up ... and all 300 people up here are enjoying staring at a very bright sun.”

Deputy Principal Jeff Brown said the school had been doing the sunrise walk with Year 12 students since 2001 and with Year 7 students since 2017. As they graduate from school, the Year 12 students are given the then-and-now photos, which also go into the school yearbook.

“It's so funny to see how little everyone was then and how much we've all grown since then,” Noah said.

Graduation time

All around the State this week NSW public schools farewelled their Year 12 students with assemblies, dress-up days, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, scavenger hunts and sports games between students and teachers.

The students now have two weeks before their HSC exams start on 15 October with the first of two compulsory English papers.

Education Secretary Murat Dizdar wished all the Year 12 students well.

“It’s such a great achievement to graduate from Year 12 and 13 years of education,” Mr Dizdar said.

“We’re proud of you for your effort and commitment – and to the wonderful teachers, support staff and leadership team and family in your support crew.

“Make sure you take time to relax and look after your wellbeing in the next few weeks, so you are clear-headed for your final exams.”

Condobolin High worked out it was 2665 school days ago that Year 12 started school as they farewelled students at a formal assembly on Wednesday.

Four students were presented with first in course awards while Allana Wighton was presented with the AECG Award for her dedication in completing Year 12 and attaining the HSC credential.

The Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation last week hosted a Milestone Celebration for the Condobolin High Aboriginal Year 12 students, with Elders and community members wishing the teenagers all the best for their future.

Tears and cheers filled the campus of St Marys Senior High School as close to 500 Year 12 students marked their final day of school on Thursday.

Following a rehearsal for their off-site graduation, students were surprised by the Year 11 class with a guard of honour, congratulating them on completing 13 years of schooling with claps and cheers.

St Marys Senior High has the largest HSC class of any NSW public school.