On Friday afternoon Orange High School's relieving principal Andrew Jones will meet with a school committee to nut out what can and can't be achieved at the school's end of year 12 graduation.
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The event is usually held later than other schools in the area, which is allowing the group a little more breathing space.
"We will look at Department of Education and NSW Health guidelines and have a look at our options," said Mr Jones.
"We have a parent who coordinates our Year 12 formal, and she'll come in with ideas based on research and we'll see if they can fit the guidelines."
In past years the OHS formal - a sit-down dinner with band attended by students, parents and some teachers - has been held at Orange Function Centre, but that is not feasible with COVID restrictions.
End of year 12 events remain a work-in-progress at high schools around town as they battle to juggle the demands of organising safe but enjoyable and exciting gatherings within the confines of ever-moving goalposts.
Teachers, students and parent bodies are joining forces to find ways to try and fashion memorable events that stay within health guidelines.
Canobolas Rural Technology High School has a series of events lined up, including a Super Hero day and a breakfast, but no decision has yet been made on a formal.
The school is consulting with a venue and relevant stakeholders.
Throughout the week a videographer will capture Year 12 activities and special moments, and all Year 12 students will be given a USB presentation of their final week.
At Orange Anglican Grammar School events that allowed students to farewell teachers, peers, parents and the community - including a three-day getaway for Year 12 students - have been cancelled or altered.
OAGS usually hosts a formal valedictory dinner in town. "It's a beautiful event and hopefully we'll get to do it in November," deputy principal Scott Hazelton said.
Anson Street School Year 12s will hold a presentation of awards and a graduation ceremony in December after students complete a program of community based activities.
Six Year 12 students from Anson Street will receive their Higher School Certificate.
At Kinross Wolaroi School students will graduate in a hall in two separate groups to ensure social distancing rules are observed.
The school's deputy principal James Boyd was slated to meet with prefects on Tuesday afternoon to discuss options around a no-singing, no-dancing formal dinner.
The event may have to be pushed back until after the HSC exams.
Unable to hold its Graduation Ball, James Sheahan Catholic High School will have a formal in Mercy Hall, with a catered dinner for students and teachers, according to a letter sent to the school community on September 15.
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