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.
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.
The last swimming carnival, where they would have cheered home their sports house for the final time, or the annual athletics carnival, would have been held.
Special annual concerts and drama productions would have been in rehearsals, providing school leavers with one last chance to shine before their teachers and peers.
Then there would have been the end of school activity days, muck up days, presentations, valedictory dinners and much-anticipated Year 12 formals.
OTHER NEWS:
- 'Punch in the guts': Rebels cancellation stings WImmera's youngsters
- 'Say goodbye to the kids': man allegedly threatened to kill ex-partner
- Disability providers no longer forced to foot the bill for PPE
- Applying for JobKeeper to become easier after September
- How to help your children understand facemasks
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 would have been highlights for young people in a year when they 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, these special rites of passage are being shelved due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions.
Sports are off, dances are off, trips are off.
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.
Let's make sure the class of 2020 can do the same.
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.
And if you're celebrating some milestones along the way, we'd love to hear about those to.
Photos and stories can be sent to newsdesk@mailtimes.com.au
