By JESSE GRAHAM
STUDENTS across the Yarra Valley have celebrated the end of their stint in high school, as the rite-of-passage event, known as Muck Up Day, comes around for another year.
The event saw students from Healesville High School dressing up as everything from Star Wars characters to Bananas in Pyjamas and spending one final day in the high school’s stadium.
After a whole-school assembly, in which the students gave humorous awards to their teachers and were farewelled by staff and other year levels, the year 12 students were greeted with an indoor playground for the afternoon.
Jumping castles and inflatable equipment greeted the year 12 students, who will be completing their VCE exams until the end of November, along with music, popcorn, fairy floss and snow cones.
Principal George Perini said he was sad to see the students go on their final day, which is named Celebration Day at the school.
“We are going to miss them a lot – this group in particular have been a really energetic, delightful group to have at the school,” he said.
He said the students had a close link with their teachers at the school over their time there, which helped to create a positive environment for them to learn.
“I think (the connection) is essential,” he said. “We need to have safe and secure students, for them to feel comfortable so they can learn – you need to have that at a school.
“We hope they’re ready to step into the big wide world.”
Staff member Kerry Davies said she was also sad to see the students go, as they arrived at the school the same year that she had.
She wished the students good luck with their exams, and encouraged them to study hard in the lead up to their final tests.
