THE easing of school-based restrictions has been welcomed by Trinity College senior students, many of whom were worried their big event of the year would be cancelled.
Trinity’s year 12 students were meant to be celebrating their formal this Saturday night, but will instead gather next term, on Saturday, September 26, for the highly-anticipated event.
Student Scott Beauchamp said he feels grateful the formal will go ahead when he knows not all schools were able to reschedule a suitable date.
“I missed out on the presentation ball that happened last year, so I was really looking forward to the formal, and when I thought it could be cancelled I was devastated,” he said.
“But now I’m just so grateful that it’s been able to come back.”
Fellow student Tia Girgolas said she feels the formal will be a positive experience to take from their senior year, to look back on in years to come.
“Because I have other co-curriculars like the college musical, I don’t have as much time to spend with my friends outside of school, so the formal is a good chance for me to do that,” she said.
“It will definitely feel more like a year 12 experience.”
Last week, the State Government announced restrictions on a number of important school activities would be lifted so as term three could return to normal for many South Australian students.
Provided government health advice is followed, the green light has been given for school assemblies, class photos, intrastate camps and excursions, sports days and carnivals, and performing arts activities, along with formals, socials and discos.
Parents, volunteers, departmental support and other service providers will also be able to enter school and preschool grounds again.
Head of Trinity College Nick Hately said the easing of restrictions has given greater certainty to a number of important school events, including the Footloose college musical and year 11 presentation ball, both earmarked for late term three.
“I think that kids in all schools have coped pretty well but those iconic things, like formals, are real right-of-passage things, and I think they would be pretty disappointed if they couldn’t go ahead,” he said.
“If we had to use technology and have people watch from Zoom for some things we would but I think this experience is really affirming for human connection.
“We can keep the kids’ learning continuing, but there are so many other things you learn from school about how to get on with others that is so much better if you are all in the same room.”
Education Minister John Gardner said the lifting of further school-based restrictions will also provide a critical lifeline for many businesses, such as those who are welcoming the return of intrastate school camps and excursions.
“It is great news for South Australian families that we are able to lift the restrictions on these school activities, ” he said.
“It is because of the great work of our public health officials that this has been able to happen.”