Mingling is out. Dancing, if outside and with someone you "have an established relationship with", is in.
These are the NSW Government's guidelines for school formals and graduation ceremonies to take place in term 4.
The guidelines were sent to school principals today to assist with managing the events safely.
It comes after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced earlier in the week that year 12 formals and graduation ceremonies would go ahead in term 4 instead of term 3 - and only after HSC exams have ended.
NSW Health was tasked with preparing a COVID-19 safety plan for year 12 graduations and formals, which was to be forwarded to all NSW schools by today.
Under the guidelines announced by NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell, mingling before and after events should be avoided, private transport options considered and existing restrictions on catering adhered to.
Schools will also be asked to reduce mingling and attendance where possible, set up dancefloors outside or in well-ventilated areas, restrict tables to 10 people and ensure capacity does not exceed the one person per four square metres ratio.
Dancing with partners "from outside the school community" is allowed, if they are from the same local community and have an "established relationship", and normally socialises with the student cohort.
Students should bring their own pens to sign yearbooks and follow good hand hygiene practices.
Ms Mitchell said she was thrilled students would be able to enjoy the end of year celebrations, but urged caution.
"I urge people to follow the directions of their schools and venues and respect public health orders, particularly when planning after events," she said.
Formals and graduations can take place from November 12, the day after the last HSC written exam.
"We are encouraging schools to use strategies that discourage spontaneous crowding, including when arriving or leaving the event," she said.
"Students should restrict the number of guests they bring to graduation events, and schools are encouraged to live-stream these ceremonies for anyone not able to attend."
