REDLANDS Year 12 students have been left devastated after Schoolies Week celebrations were called off due to COVID-19.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the cancellation of all official Schoolies events in late August, including concerts and beach parties.
She said school-leavers should still celebrate their achievements but gatherings in residences state-wide would be limited to no more than 10 people from November 21 to December 11.
Student Holly Turner said the news was a tough blow after she had been saving and planning for Schoolies for four years.
"To hear the news it has been cancelled and we weren't going to be able to experience the beach parties and the Schoolies atmosphere was really disappointing, upsetting and honestly just frustrating," she said.
"At the moment we are trying to put together a new plan to celebrate finishing school, though with the borders closed and restrictions in place, and being quite close to graduation we are finding it difficult to come up with a celebration plan."
Soon-to-be high school graduate Crispin Swartz said she and a group of friends were planning to head to the Sunshine Coast but were disappointed to miss out on traditional Schoolies celebrations.
"I think we are aware of all the memories and bonds we could have made that we didn't have a chance to do," she said.
"That's what is most upsetting
"I feel like (Schoolies) is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we missed, it's definitely something most students aspire (to) for their final year.
"It's such a unique experience to see everyone you have ever known through your schooling in one place at one time. I was really looking forward to reuniting with lost and old friends."
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said mass gatherings of young people over multiple days was 'high risk'.
"This is not something that is unique to Queensland," Dr Young said.
"I feel terribly for this year's school leavers who have already been through so much.
"But that is the reality of keeping every family safe from this horrible disease."
Crispin said schools had done their best to make Year 12 a memorable and positive experience for students but COVID-19 had wreaked havoc on their senior year.
"We haven't heard much about graduation yet but I'm sure the school will consider our best wishes and have a lot of sympathy for us and our families," she said.
Holly said other milestones like a Year 12 ski trip and sports events had been called off, while graduation and formal celebrations had been altered or scaled down.
"(It) is all really sad being year 12 is supposed to be the year of milestones," she said.
"(Schoolies) is a well-earned week of freedom and celebration of the last 13 years of our lives and all the hard work we have put in.
"It's like the last (hurrah) before we go our separate ways and take the next step in our lives."
Health Minister Steven Miles said those heading for end-of-year celebrations needed to make sure they are following the rules.
"No one is saying you can't celebrate the end of the school year," he said.
"Go away with your mates by all means but, sadly, we all have to keep COVID in mind."
