Noosa District State School parents outraged by food truck formal plans

Parents from a ritzy coastal suburb have exploded at a school’s cheap plans to host its year 12 formal in the school hall with food trucks – saying it’s a “poor effort” and “they’ve got it wrong”.

A fight has erupted over formal plans in Noosa.

Parents from a ritzy coastal suburb are outraged at a school’s cheap plans to host its year 12 student’s formal in the school hall with food trucks – saying it’s not good enough and their children deserve better.

Noosa District State High School parents have shared their disappointment over the school’s Year 12 formal plans for 2024.

Oz Bayldon said he would have organised something himself if he’d known it would be this bad.

“It’s in the school hall with food trucks … this is one of the biggest memories they will have and they are going to a fancy dress school fete,” he said online.

“Hugely, hugely disappointed.

“Wish I’d known earlier and I would have organised something myself if they can’t be bothered.

“I’m ashamed to be a past student. Left out paper plates and wooden cutlery.”

It is understood the school made the decision and a group of students have ‘protested’ against it to no avail.

Various Noosa parents shared their thoughts online – also slamming the formal plans.

“Poor effort,” one mother said.

Parents of Year 12 students aren’t happy.

“Nothing like going out to an exciting venue. Even if finger foods are served to save costs.”

“I think another local school did this last year and the kids were very upset about the whole event,” another parent said.

“Completely agree. They’ll be all dressed up just to go where they go every day, and walk out to food trucks on soggy grass,” one parent added.

“After all the effort they’ve put into their schooling.

“I’m a supporter of the school, but they’ve got this wrong.”

“I too have a student in year 12 this is disgusting and so disappointing,” a mother said.

“All those years of schooling and here’s a crappy get together.”

Noosa District State High School released a statement online addressing the parents concerns.

“NDSHS is proud of our Class of 2024 and excited to showcase our students in front of our entire school community,” the social media comment read.

“We understand that there are various opinions about Senior Formals and kindly ask that any concerns be directed to the school.

“Addressing these matters through social media can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and unintended consequences for our community. Thank you for your support and understanding.”

A spokesman for the Department of Education said state schools “make their own decisions regarding guidelines and arrangements for school formals”.

“Noosa District State High School has received a very small number of complaints regarding the formal from a cohort of more than 100 families,” the spokesman said.

“The formal is organised with the support and advice of the school’s student formal committee. Parents have input on school decision-making, including the formal, though the school’s P&C committee.

“This year’s formal has been shifted to the school in response to feedback on previous venues which had restricted parking, viewing arrivals, venue styling in line with student

preferences, and photo opportunities.

“These issues are ameliorated by holding the formal at the school, as well as being significantly cheaper for families and increasing participation.”

Originally published as Noosa District State School parents outraged by food truck formal plans