Term 3 of the school year is now well underway. That may not mean much to many people, but if you are in Year 12 it is a very special time.
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This is the final term for the senior secondary school students and that usually means a host of special moments.
Past Year 12 students would have already ticked off several memorable moments by this point in their final school year.
There is the last swimming carnival, where they lead the charge for all students as they cheer home their sports house for the final time. The annual athletics carnival may also have already been held or would definitely be imminent.
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Special annual concerts and drama productions would have been held or well and truly underway, providing these school leavers with one last chance to shine before their teachers and peers.
Then there are the end of school activity days, muck up days, presentations, valedictory dinners and much-anticipated Year 12 formals.
In past years many young graduates would have eagerly planned schoolies trips - often overseas in some tropical location such as Fiji or Bali - as well as gap year trips to exciting destinations for the year ahead.
These activities are the highlights for young people in a year when they have felt the pressure of study and an ever-growing focus on results that could make or break their dreams and ambitions for the future.
But in 2020, many of these special rites of passage have been shelved due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the many associated restrictions.
Even their daily school interactions with friends have been restricted. In fact, for several months they could not even attend school, which further hindered those final year bonds, memories and celebrations with classmates.
Sure, some may say there are far more concerning matters at hand - the health and financial well being of society at large - but we should not dismiss the great disappointment that will be experienced by these young people who have long looked forward to their final school year.
Most of us can look back on our final year of school with fond memories, special friendships and great hope for the future. Right now our Year 12 students are looking into the unknown with more uncertainty than ever about what the future holds.
While we can't change the current situation, we can help them celebrate their milestones in different ways.
The first thing we want to do is put together a collection of photos of the Year 12 students of 2020. Photos with mates, teachers and peers are most welcome. First and last day school pictures are another fun option. We would also love to hear those stories about the special achievements of Year 12 students and how they have embraced their final year of school with resilience in a new and memorable way.
Photos and stories can be sent to jackie.meyers@austcommunitymedia.com.au
