As we enter yet another lockdown, countless students from all around the state are experiencing both covid fatigue and burnout.  It is not fair on these students who have endured spontaneous lockdowns at the whim of the government for the two most important schooling years of their life.

We can go on no longer.

We cannot stand by and watch this injustice.

We must make a stand.

Victorian students must come together and strive for equality.  This is not a trivial matter, these are our futures.

Article 26 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that 'everyone has a right to education.'  We have been denied that right.  These lockdowns have prevented us from engaging in classrooms and socializing with our peers.  We have lost countless opportunities to learn in person.  Reading a PowerPoint online is not education.  Engaging in a classroom with physical objects to explore your subject is education.

You may be questioning, why should Victorian students get increased ATARs but not other states?  It is simple. We have had a disproportionate number of spontaneous lockdowns compared to other states, and the lockdowns we have endured have been a lot harsher.  This has affected our learning the most, and meant that SEAS will not be adequate in rectifying this injustice. 

The combination of lockdowns and the general pressure of year 12 have deteriorated our mental health.  We are exhausted. We can go on no longer.  Exams will only place unnecessary pressure on students.  Our mental health crisis will become an epidemic of disastrous proportions.   

By not doing exams and everyone getting an increased ATAR, students will not be stressed about getting into University anymore, and the mental health crisis may alleviate slightly.

How is this helpful if the ranking system is invalidated? Apart from the lack of stress placed on students, they will be able to pursue their dream career.   Students can apply with a short letter of why they want to do a course, and after being accepted, if they feel they can't cope with the workload they can transfer into another course.

Students will have better mental health, and universities will find that their cohorts are more interested and passionate about their courses.  There is no reason not to do this.

So, if you value education and justice, please sign this petition.