Community
3 November, 2026
Fledgling school’s first year 12 graduation
THERE’S a first time for everything and graduations are no exception.
That’s the reality for the class of 2026 at Indie School Cairns.
This tiny class of seven students will be the first to complete their senior year at the fledgling program under the guidance of their core teacher Rashmi ‘Mimi’ Palazhi, principal Jac Patterson and other staff.
Mrs Palazhi said it was a bittersweet moment.
“It has been especially rewarding because I spent two years with these students, building strong connections, not only with them, but also with their families,” she said.
“I will find it very hard to hold back tears of both pride and sadness.”
Assistant principal Catherine Arnold said she was feeling “incredibly proud” to be part of the inaugural graduation ceremony.
The celebrations with family, friends and the school community is at the Sheridan Hotel on 19 November.
The graduates are:
• Lara Cooper, who was one of the first students to join Indie school in early 2025. Since then, she has persisted in the pursuit of her goals despite challenges, including legal blindness. One day, she hopes to become a mediator.
• Brahm Durham joined Indie in late 2025. When not playing at the ping-pong table or relaxing inside, he has been hard at work in class. Whether English, maths or HPE, he has found his way to make it work.
• Ian Stephens has been non-stop since he joined Indie School. Between staying active outdoors and boxing with the punching bag, he has been studying and doing work experience in the trades.
• Delta ‘Marie’ Cameron joined the school early in 2025, making her among the first students at Indie School Cairns. Over the past year she has been working hard, socialising with friends and going to TAFE for retail cosmetics with the intent of working in the very same industry after her graduation.
• Mel Lofty. After moving to Australia from PNG, she joined Indie School in February of 2025. Since then, she has applied herself in class, met new people, made unbreakable friendships and had irreplaceable experiences.
• Tyrese Saunders joined Indie in mid-2025 and has since done work experience with the Navy, studied hard for school, and much more. After graduation he intends to go into the workforce.
• Tana Jose joined Indie in February of 2025. Since then, he has met several amazing people, been presented with new opportunities and had unforgettable experiences. Once graduated he wants to take a gap year to work, before going to university to study anthropology, one day pursuing forensics.
Indie School Cairns is an independent alternative high school for years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students in Cairns and surrounds. It opened at Parramatta Park in 2025.
Editor’s note: Indie School year 12 student Tana Jose spent a week‘s work experience at Cairns Local News.
