Graduation ceremonies: Narre Warren South P-12, Kilberry Valley Primary School ban parents
Frustrated parents have lashed out at two south eastern suburbs schools that banned families from attending their children’s graduation ceremonies.
South East
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Frustrated parents have lashed out at schools who have chosen to lock out families from attending their children’s graduation ceremonies as Covid continues to cause disruptions.
The decision was made by individual schools in Melbourne’s south east including Narre Warren South P-12 and Kilberry Valley Primary School in Hampton Park.
Shantel Hodgkinson said she was informed about the “outrageous” choice in a letter sent home with her daughter who attends Narre Warren South P-12.
She said she rang the school multiple times to question the decision but felt dismissed.
“The school couldn’t give us a valid reason,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“We had every right to be there, it was an event that we didn’t need to miss.”
The Year 6 ceremony was held on Monday with parents watching it through a live stream link that Ms Hodgkinson called “atrocious”.
“It kept cutting in and out,” she said.
“It was so disappointing and it’s a moment we can’t get back as parents.”
Ms Hodgkinson’s mother Lyn said she was in tears when she found out she couldn’t see her granddaughter graduate in person.
“It was a monumental milestone after the kids had been stuck at home doing remote learning with no social interaction,” she said.
“The choice was irrational, unjustified and unauthorised.”
It’s believed the decision was based on the uncertainty around Covid safe settings when ceremonies were planned several months ago.
Kilberry Valley Primary School mum Shellie said she was told to take photos of her son before his Year 6 graduation ceremony next Wednesday as it would be her only chance.
“They will be the only photos we will have of them,” she said.
“We have to drop them off at the school and pick them up afterwards.”
She said it was a frustrating option after multiple lockdowns.
“These kids have been through so much in the last two years,” she said.
“To be secluded like this isn’t what is wanted.”
Jade Buchanan said she was annoyed but believed the regulation was reasonable.
“I understand why the schools are doing it,” she said.
“They are protecting the kids because if two or more people get Covid at the kids’ graduation then there goes Christmas.”
A Department of Education spokesperson declined to answer direct questions about why parents couldn’t attend but said decisions on events and celebrations were a matter for individual schools and must be in line with public health advice.
In Victoria, adult visitors who attend an event on school premises must show evidence of their vaccination status, however this is not required for students.
