The Education Directorate has announced changes to end of year school events to allow more parents and families to attend graduation ceremonies.
The Directorate said the COVID-19 related restrictions had been changed following guidance from the Chief Health Officer.
“Social events like formals and graduation ceremonies are part of a rite of passage for students and families,” the Directorate said.
“In line with the broader community easing of restrictions, up to 200 parents and family members will now be allowed to attend graduation ceremonies on school sites,” it said.
“While schools will make their own decisions on how events will best operate for their school community, ACT public school graduation ceremonies will generally take place on school grounds, with up to two adults attending per student where possible.”
The Directorate said schools with large groups of graduating students may need to split sessions or limit family attendance to one adult per student.
“Some schools may elect to hold ceremonies at larger offsite seated venues, which are now able to have up to 50 per cent of their capacity to a maximum of 1,000 people provided a COVID Safe Plan is in place,” it said.
“Live streaming, filming, and photography will also be considered by schools to support parent and family engagement in graduations.”
It said most ACT public school formals would need to be held on site and schools unable to cater for their student cohort would be expected to consider another school site as the first alternative.
The Directorate said schools would still need to take additional COVID-19 precautions including upholding physical distancing and promoting good hygiene measures.
