Students get the formal go-ahead to finish the year in style

Planning for the Finley High School Year 12 formal is back on track with the announcement the end of school gatherings will be allowed.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week lifted her ban on school formals, put in place when the COVID-19 pandemic was worsening in July.Finley High School captain Niamh Mason said the students were one week in to planning for the big event when the ban was put in place.‘‘Everything has changed this year; it’s been a roller coaster, but it’s good to have something to look forward to for after our HSC exams,’’ she said.‘‘We can have a proper celebration together for finishing high school and completing the exams.‘‘Fortunately, the committee will be able to pick up from where it left off.‘‘The committee has done such a great job.‘‘It will be good to have some form of normality to end the year.’’All NSW schools have been sent COVID-19 safety plan guidance for Year 12 graduations and school formals.It provides advice to students and staff on hygiene and safety protocols, physical distancing requirements, how to record contact details of staff and attendees and how to ensure the well-being of relevant staff involved.