It’s been an unusual 2020. For Year 12 students, this time of year usually heralds certain rites of passage, like celebrating the finishing of exams, or planning the school formal. But coronavirus has radically changed how this all unfolds.

For Richmond River High School student Ursula Bennett, 2020 meant big changes. With a focus on study from home, no regional sporting activities – and her usual activities like being on the school’s Student Representative Council on hold - she had to adapt.

Future plans

“I always planned a gap year in Europe or Asia after school,” Ursula said. “But that’s not an option at the moment. I’m probably going to go direct to university now.”

Ursula has just finished her final HSC exam and celebrated by going on a quiet beach camping holiday with her mum. There was no great fanfare or schoolies week for her, as she wonders what the future will hold for her in this very different world, with high rates of unemployment and limited opportunities.

Long lasting impact

“Everyone at school was always talking about ‘after Covid’,” Ursula said. “But it’s a long time away still. I think that what has happened will have a long lasting impact and we won’t go back to normal.”

Ursula reflected on the past year and how it was to study under coronavirus social restrictions.

“Earlier in the year when coronavirus shut things down, most people stayed at home, but at the time I had no internet at home - so I still went to school for a while,” she said. 

Surreal

“There were only 20 students at school over those days and it felt surreal - and all the course work was available online, so I sat in library all day and worked through it. 

“It was good at school - I got a lot done. Then we got internet at home and I stayed home and found it difficult to stay motivated. I didn’t keep up with my work as much and fell behind a bit.

“I also didn’t talk to many other people. When I was studying maths by myself, there was no one to ask questions to. I had to email my teacher with questions, but it wasn’t the same.”

When school went back to allowing students on campus, Ursula said it felt cool to see everyone back again, but things were not the same as before.

Changes

Changes included the school providing hand sanitiser - and having school cleaners in classes after each lesson. There were also no major school assemblies.

Despite her nerves in the lead up to her final HSC exams, Ursula got through it with the support of her family. 

“I’m not a genius, but I do alright,” Ursula said.  

University

She has been applying to different universities to study medicine. Her exam marks will come through in early December and she’ll hear about whether she has been accepted into a university in January next year.

Class of 2020 formal

While some high schools are not officially holding school formal this year, Ursula is glad that the Class of 2020 at Richmond River High School will be having some sort of celebration – but not what would have happened in past years.

“The teachers tried hard to give our year something that would meet the allowed restrictions and we are going to have a formal this Friday (November 13) at the Lismore Workers Club,” Ursula said. 

“Normally, we would get to invite parents and guests, and have arrivals out the front on a fancy car.

“But, this year, the Worker’s Club policies are for no gatherings outside the club and we can only have our class mates at the formal. 

“We are allowed to sit at tables of four people and we have to stay at that table through the night. The photographer will take pictures of our table – and we will probably have some dances with a socially distanced dance.”

With no fancy arrivals and family to see them, Ursula still intends to dress up and celebrate.

“I have a dress to wear - I got one my friend bought me,” she said. “I wasn’t going to fuss about it, but I’m glad - otherwise it doesn’t feel real that school is really all over.”