NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today announced year 12 formals and graduation ceremonies will go ahead in some capacity later this year.
Ms Berejiklian said students across NSW would get the to celebrate the end of their schooling at COVID-19 safe graduation ceremonies and formals to take place during term 4.
NSW Health has been tasked with preparing a COVID-19 safety plan for year 12 graduations and formals, which will be forwarded to all NSW schools by September 11.
It comes after a huge backlash from school leavers and parents after the state government banned school formals and graduation ceremonies. The ban was part of a raft of new guidelines for schools announced last month for the remainder of term 3 in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases, including a number of school clusters.
Under the guidelines, parents would not be allowed to attend year 12 graduation ceremonies, which traditionally occur in term 3 before students break for study leave ahead of HSC exams.
The ban resulted in a petition on Change.org, which has attracted more than 53,000 signatures.
Parents and year 12 students in St George and Sutherland Shire were among those who signed the petition calling on the state government to reverse the ban.
Ms Berejiklian said today year 12 students had shown incredible resilience during the pandemic and deserved to celebrate an important life milestone, but not until after the final HSC exam takes place.
"We will always rely on the health advice, which recommends COVID Safe formals and graduation ceremonies take place from November 12, after the final HSC exam," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Students are currently preparing for the HSC and deserve to have events to look forward to after their exams."
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she made it clear last week that she wanted to find a way to allow students to celebrate the end of their schooling and she was "thrilled that this is now a reality".
"Schools will be able to use the guidance provided by [NSW] Health to develop a COVID-19 safe plan for their celebrations," she said.
"I know that students will be excited to have their formals as something they can look forward to after their exams."
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was important that events do not take place until after HSC exams to reduce the risk of an outbreak affecting exams or preparations.
