Celebrate end-of-year schools events in style
As the school term draws to a close, schools are finding ingenious ways to hold end-of-year school events, COVID-19 fears notwithstanding. As expected, most schools are holding such events with restrictions in place to abide by physical distancing guidelines and for the general safety of attendees.
These special events that are considered part of every Australian’s rite of passage include the school formal and the farewell.
Different strokes
The different Australian states and territories are taking their unique approaches to end-of-year school events. Victoria currently forbids any type of crowd-gathering events. NSW, Queensland and Tasmania have formulated their own approaches.
In NSW, for example, parents and carers are allowed to attend end-of-year presentation days at public schools. However, everyone must strictly adhere to new COVID-safe graduation rites guidelines in line with NSW Health advice.
NSW school holidays, such as school formals are also subject to strict rules. For example, there should only be 10 people per table. Although dancing is allowed, singing is forbidden.
Meanwhile, in Brisbane, government restrictions and venue limitations have forced some schools to resort to the ballot system. This system effectively limits the number of attendees so not everyone will be there. The same limit of 10 people per table applies, but dancing is not allowed.
Ingenious ways to celebrate the end-of-year
Wherever you are in Australia, as with any milestone, end-of-year school celebrations can still be observed in style. It might not be done with the entire school in attendance, but you can have your own end-of-year school event with your friends.
1. Have a movie night out in the open
While there’s a consensus that physical distancing must always be observed, there’s no rule forbidding movie night out in the open. You can do this as a school in a stadium or football field. You can even have a drive-through movie night while making sure everyone follows physical distancing guidelines.
But since catering and buffets are not yet allowed in most places, everyone must bring their own snacks.
2. Distribute customised wristbands
To commemorate the event, have custom silicone wristbands made for the celebration. Distribute these to the lucky attendees. You can keep ones for those who are unable to attend so they can collect their memento on a later date from the school.
Alternatively, you can order custom inkjet Tyvek bands that attendees can use as tickets to whatever end-of-year school event you have planned.
3. Organise a neighbourhood school year walk of fame
Communities can honour this year’s graduates whilst observing COVID-19 safety guidelines. All parents or families need to do is to put up their own homemade signs showing the achievements they are celebrating for their high school leavers.
4. Hold a graduation picnic
You can schedule a graduation picnic to be held in a park or any appropriate open and spacious venue. Families would be required to bring their own food and picnic supplies as sharing, unfortunately, might not be allowed. As always, even whilst mingling, social distancing and other COVID-safe health guidelines must be observed for everyone’s safety.
An unforgettable year
Everyone has been dealing with the many challenges brought on by the global pandemic. However, people still need to make time for socials as these are also essential for emotional and mental health.
This is especially true for young people who have been having difficulty dealing with the many stresses caused by COVID-19 restrictions since March this year.
And although this is an unorthodox generation, there are still some ways and means available to hold end-of-year celebrations.