Year 12 ‘bogans’ give up muck-up to help out local charities

NORTHERN Rivers’ Year 12 teens are shunning the traditional ‘muck up’ day for more altruistic celebrations such as raising funds for charity.

SCHOOL’S OUT: Mullumbimby High’s Year 12 students celebrating their last official week at school through a series of dress-up days. Yesterday the theme was Aussie Bogans. Picture: Megan Kinninment

AFTER 13 years, this is the last week as school students, but Northern Rivers' Year 12 teens are shunning the traditional 'muck up' day for more altruistic celebrations such as raising funds for charity.

With their HSC exams looming, this is the last week of formal lessons for students with celebrations a welcome relief to the pre-HSC nerves, Mullumbimby High School captain, Callum Stephen said.

"This is our last week and I think that it is just starting to dawn on us," he said.

Dressed in head-to-toe 'bogan' costumes yesterday, the Mullumbimby High students have been dressing up each day to a different theme and will this morning be donning a 'mythical' look as they carry out their traditional charity collection asking passing motorists for donations to be given to charity.

"We just want to give back to the community that has nurtured us," Callum said.

Whatever funds they raise will be donated to three charities chosen by the students: The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, Rural Fire Service and the Cancer Council for breast cancer research.

Acting principal at the high school, Cameron Johnson said the notion of a 'muck up' day for students involving destructive acts had long been buried.

"We've been chipping away at it for years to change this from mucking up to a more celebratory feeling," he said.

"The kids here have a strong sense of community and our celebrations this week involve both staff and students."

As well as the charity collection this morning, the students have held 'flash mob' dances; and have daily sporting contests with staff.

Students will be collecting from 7am this morning near St Johns Primary School and outside Santos.