Janet Mardbinda: the pride of Warruwi

The tiny community of Warruwi on remote South Goulburn Island is celebrating the achievement of Janet Mardbinda becoming the first preschool to year 12 graduate from Warruwi School.

Janet remains unfussed by all the excitement though.

“I don’t think I am anyone special to graduate from high school,” Janet said. “I just made sure I attended school every day, enjoyed my classes and didn’t get distracted by other kids.

“However, it does feel very rewarding to finally graduate after fourteen years of schooling, and if I become a role model for other kids from remote communities who want to finish high school, that makes me happy,” Janet said.

Janet listed maths, literacy and music as her favourite subjects. She also plays the guitar and composed the song she performed at her graduation. She credits her father and grandmother as her role models and says their support throughout her schooling was crucial to her graduating. Janet also praised her teachers in Warruwi and at the Open Education Centre in Darwin for making study fun.     

As for the future, Janet is looking at her options.

“I’m still thinking about my future but attending university would be exciting. I’d like to study music but I enjoyed studying radio broadcasting in high school so I’m also thinking about studying media,” Janet said.

And for high school students across Australia, Janet has some simple advice.

“Never stop trying at school. Stick with it and you can reach your goals and dreams,” she said.