The NSW Premier has confirmed school formals and graduation ceremonies are still be on the cards for the end of the year, but some Hunter schools are waiting for further information before going ahead.
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The NSW Government announced last month that formals would be banned this year but on Monday Gladys Berejiklian said the ceremonies can be held if COVID-19 numbers remain low.
"Less strict" guidelines around holding the events in term four are expected to be released on Friday. The Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle says it will be waiting until then to decide whether to proceed with the end of year events.
"Year 12 formals in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are currently suspended," Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle director Gerard Mowbray said on Monday.
"This decision is based on the advice provided by the Premier and NSW Health in August.
"This afternoon the Premier announced that on 11 September she will release details on the holding of Covid - safe graduations and formals.
"We will await this advice and communicate with our schools accordingly, based on the information we receive. It is important that we get clarity before any direction is taken."
Ms Berejiklian said the celebrations may not be the same as previous years, but can go ahead in some capacity.
"Every school community across the state will be able to have a formal, will be able to have a year 12 graduation ceremony," Ms Berejiklian said.
"I want year 12 students and their families and their teachers and school communities to know that you will be able to have those key milestone events."
Hunter School of Performing Arts student Amelia Samson said her school has committed to holding a formal after Monday's announcement with the event set to go ahead in November.
Ms Samson said it wasn't a massive shock after hearing last week there might be a change in the decision.
She also said after what has been an incredibly tough year for school students, the announcement didn't feel like a huge win, but more of a silver lining.
"There's been so many changes this year," she said. "I don't think many were like 'this year is fixed'.
"For me the hardest thing has been how everyone seems like they've lost hope, everyone is feeling the impact. But it will be one last bonding experience.
"It will be nice to get all dressed up. It's something to look forward to and it's good to finally have some normalcy."
It's good to finally have some normalcy.
- Student Amelia Samson
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is important the events take place after HSC exams to reduce the risk of COVID-19 impacting on exams or preparations.
