Dozens of students at Sydney's Catholic high schools have been banned from bringing partners to Year 12 formals under a new policy that has caused “considerable uproar”.
Under the rules, which apply to 147 managed schools under the city's Catholic archdiocese, parents will also be prohibited from drinking alcohol at end-of-year celebrations.
The policy, released earlier this year, will apply to Year 12 graduation dinners, formal events and other events, as well as end-of-school ceremonies for sixth-grade students.
“As a school system we have a duty of care to our staff and students at any school event,” a Sydney Catholic school spokesperson told news.com.au.
“The ban on alcohol at school events is consistent with our Code of Conduct. The focus of these events is on the celebration of our students, their school life, friendships and accomplishments. We do not believe alcohol is a necessary part of any school event or celebration.”
As for not including “outside” participants in end-of-school ceremonies, many of the archdiocese’s co-ed schools have not allowed it in the first place, and historically have only allowed students “from their own community,” the spokesperson said.
Given that this is the first time the policy has been “uniformly articulated” across schools, there will be some leniency with regard to dates.
“Implementation will be considered for 2025 based on feedback received from our school leaders and communities,” the spokesperson said.
He said the ban on external partners was not related to the situation at the school, St Ursula’s College in Kingsgrove, last year.
The institution hit the national headlines when it barred a Class 12 student from admission. take your female partner along He formally withdrew his decision, but later retracted it following strong public criticism.
“The content of this policy is not a direct response to media matters relating to previous years' school formals, but rather a response to calls for a systemic position on significant events in those matters,” the spokesperson said.
“Sydney Catholic Schools has articulated a consistent position that prioritises health, safety and risk mitigation at any school-organised event and ensures that the celebration of our students and their education is at the centre of any school-organised event.”
As far as the liquor ban is concerned, the mother of a Class 12 student, who did not wish to be named, said, Sydney Morning Herald Naturally, there was a huge uproar amongst the parents about being treated like children.
“What troubles me most is the mixed messages this sends to our children,” he said. “On the one hand they're saying, 'Great, students, you've finished your formal schooling; go out into the big world we've prepared you for as adults'.”
“But this new policy essentially says they have no trust in you, your parents or your teachers to behave well, because it could tarnish their valuable reputation.”
Alcohol is prohibited at all public school-related events in New South Wales where students attend, even for students over the age of 18.
