Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Balwyn High School class of 2021 have missed numerous important events such as 2 Carnival days, the year 12 ski trip, both year 11 and year 12 formals, and various more. As a result of the impacted school experience, our physical and emotional well-being have taken a serious toll. It has come as dreadful news that, arguably the most important event in high school, our year 12 Graduation Night is planned to be held online.

We believe that a night for us to celebrate our achievements over the past 6 years is especially critical after the incredibly tough final 2 years of high school and we implore for a better plan that would be able to adequately recognise the difficult situations we have been in. 

Hence, we would like the school leadership team to acknowledge the following concerns:

• Would it be possible to delay graduation until a later date when restrictions have eased and vaccination rates are sufficient, such as after the VCE examinations?
• If Graduation at external venues are not possible, is it possible to hold a smaller event onsite at the school, such as the David McGrail theatre with only students and teachers present?
• If neither options are possible, please inform the cohort of a detailed explanation as to the reason why. 

We appreciate the school's efforts in aligning with the government guidelines regarding COVIDsafe measures. However, we would also like to express our sincerest request to give ourselves an ending to high school that is more than just regret and misery.