Parents told to Zoom into children’s Year 12 graduation
Hundreds of students and parents of a Brisbane high school have been left devastated after they were told family won’t be welcome at this year’s Year 12 graduation.
North Lakes Times
Don't miss out on the headlines from North Lakes Times. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Parents of Year 12 students at a high school north of Brisbane have been left devastated after they were banned from attending their children’s graduation ceremony.
Year 12 students at North Lakes State College will not be able to bring any family members with them to the ceremony, which is due to take place November 20, with loved ones being asked to view the event online via digital meeting program Zoom.
However more than 1700 students and parents are urging the school to reconsider, saying the move was “disgraceful”.
A Change.org petition by Year 12 student Emily Lennon, which has been signed by 1708 people since yesterday, is calling on the school to change the rules, which were implemented due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Currently, our Year 12 graduation ceremony has been limited to students only, forcing our parents and other family members to watch over Zoom,” Emily’s petition read.
“This wouldn’t be an issue if it was the same for every school in the area, except many schools have outsourced venues or held graduation on school ovals allowing their families to attend.
More local news:
Major expansion for Bunnings in Brisbane’s north
Private school grad ‘couldn’t recall’ stealing stock from Sephora
Catholic Church ordered to pay $100k after golf cart crashes into six-year-old student
“By signing this petition you are lobbing for the reconsideration of North Lakes State Colleges graduation to be either held on the school which is 200m from the original venue or create a COVID safe plan allowing for parents to enter school grounds.
“After the trialling year the grade 12 have had we just want to celebrate the commencement of our schooling with our families.”
The school informed parents of the decision via a letter yesterday.
“After careful consideration of COVID-19 operating guidelines, the graduation will be shared with parents and families via a livestream service,” it read.
The event will be held on the school’s P-9 campus, where it is traditionally is held however will be closed to all guests other than students and staff.
A further letter to parents sent today explained the reasons for the closed-off event.
“The College seeks to provide the most inclusive and participatory graduation ceremony possible, given current COVID restrictions,” it said.
“Due to the size of the Year 12 student cohort of over 250 students and an estimated 500 guests attending, a gathering of this size on College premises would not meet safe operating guidelines, in keeping with the Chief Health Officer’s requirements.
“In developing our graduation plan, the College had considered a wide variety of possible options.
“Live streaming maximises participation by parents and allows us to maintain the well-established and honoured North Lakes State College Year 12 graduation traditions for our students.
“We appreciate the feedback received from some members of the school community and will continue to consider this feedback moving forward.”
One parent, who asked not to be named said the move was “disgraceful”.
“I think it’s just absolutely disgraceful of the school to just lock the families out like this,” they said.
“There is no valid reason and it wasn’t up for discussion or negotiation.
“These poor kids have been through so much this year already, it’s a miracle that so many are able to graduate despite the disruptions.
“Why deny them the chance to celebrate their achievements with family there to cheer them on? They deserve this more than anything.”
The school has been contacted for comment.
Has your school been impacted by COVID-19 rules? Email kara.sonter@news.com.au