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Mum shares a rant about school formals and demands they need to be banned ASAP!

Sharing on Facebook the mum warned, “RANT ALERT! Why on earth are schools still doing formal balls???

Continuing her rant she wrote, “Seriously mums, what’s up with the year 11 presentation (or debutante) ball that so many schools hold, where parents are asked to come along with their year 11s, for a formal ball / dinner.

“They eat, dance and ‘present’ the young ladies to society. Apparently, in the ‘old days’ rich famlies used to show-off their young 15-16 year old females with the hope of finding a suitable wealthy young man to marry them off.

“I have SO MANY OBJECTIONS to the whole idea that I don’t know where to start. SO out-dated, so degrading to females, so wrong, heterosexual couples only, and while at school my daughters certainly aren’t “available” to the males in society wealthy ones or not.

“And it is so expensive (the food was reportedly scant and bad at last years event, the kids have to share taxis or limos for photo’s that parents can’t go to, they have to get the dresses and formal stuff, buy their partner a present, get shoes, the list goes on.. and the tradition is to have parties after the midnight ball ends, and you have to alert the police to patrol to prevent gate crashing).

“The whole thing is just so unnecessary.”

“Plus what I’ve heard is that most parents HATE it.. but kids are geed-up by school that this is a ‘thing of their life’ when in reality it is one way to blow a LOAD of money in one fell swoop, supporting a ‘cultural thing ‘ that I don’t even agree with.”

The internet did no react kindly

To be honest I must admit I think this mum makes a great point. It can be a real divider for kids today, especially those that can’t afford the fancy dress, makeup and car. I think it should just be something they attend in full school uniform so it is more inclusive for everyone.

Other mums certainly did not take lightly to this mother’s opinion.

Kayla said, “Um since whe is it to show off available girls? I think your the outdated one. Its actually now a celebration of them completing a certain milestone at school and celebrating.”

Lana said, “What the? Nowhere does a debutante ball that I’m aware of, it’s a formal, a chance for kids to dress up and celebrate the end of their schooling and transition into adulthood. Let people enjoy things.”

Cassandra wrote, “Ok, calm down Conan. If you don’t like it, don’t do it.”

Danielle shared, “It’s just a chance for the kids to have some fun.. my stepdaughter who finished year 12 last year went to 2 formals (one for her then boyfriend in year 11 and then again her own in year 12) and she loved the both of them.”

Margaret shared, “My daughters refused to do it it’s costs a ridiculous sum and they didn’t want to be forced to ask a guy to partner with them so they just didn’t.”

Hayley shared, “My daughter did her Deb in year 11 last year. It was a beautiful night, the kids were gorgeous and they had the time of their lives. It wasn’t compulsory but there was only a handful of students who didn’t do it. And all the kids were presented, not just the girls. Agreed, it wasn’t a cheap night but I’d do it again in a heartbeat, she will remember it forever.”

Charmaine said, “It’s fun, you learn how to dance etc. I was a ballroom dancer, I’ve taught a couple of presentation balls, these days they usually present the boy as well, not just the girl! Ballroom dancers are sometimes gay, but they still dance with women. Same sex dancing competitions are rare.”

Chelsy agreed, “It’s a fun event for the kids and parents. the old meaning of it has nothing to do with what it means today in Australia anyway, its called a formal and its a celebration of milestones. ”

Join our Facebook discussion below:

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  • This lady is a dictator! Don’t luke it, don’t send your kid but stio trying to ban everything to suit your bias agenda. Others love it, let them have fun!!

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  • Her opinion is all hers ,others love it!

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  • I think it’s morphed into something more like a milestone for the kids these days!

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  • For me these balls are completely new. And a lot of students don’t like them anyway. I don’t know if my daughter will want to go or not.

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  • There are debutante balls and formals which are totally different but I think formals are a nice tradition.

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  • gee there is a bit of feeling in there

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  • My three older sons went to school formals, yes it costs. They hire their suits and no it was not presention one. One to enjoy finishing Yr 12, it has become a dressy type ones depending on the theme. Mine was smart causal but that was 1979. A Deb ball is different from a Formal or Senior dance. A Deb most times is a white gown . which in my niece’s case became part of her wedding dress years later. Her school still had a formal dance later n the year. My oldest daughter’s one this year they are doing a “Back to 50’s ” theme, so can raid op shops for this one if needed. Though she wants a full petticoat skirt. think sewing involved in that one.

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  • Could you just not send your child? I’m glad i didnt have one because i was boyish but some kids look forward to it


    • Sure, you could do that. But even when you yourself don’t feel for it your child might like to attend. My girl is in year 9 now and talks already about the formal dress she would like to have ! I’m happy to buy a second hand dress at Vinnies for her, when she wants some more exquise she has some years to safe up money for that.

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  • IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT DON’T DO IT BUT DON’T RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE! Yes i yelled it, stop whinging and just don’t participate

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  • If you feel that strongly about it, then dont send your child, but I don’t agree with your views

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  • I went to a few formals during highschool and it was more just to socialise with your peers outside of school in a grown up environment


    • The opportunity to socialise with peers and to unwind is wonderful.

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  • That’s a very angry mum.
    I wonder if there is more to her story.
    I went to multiple formals and loved them all.
    I’m actually glad to see groups of girls go together and groups of boys go together instead of feeling the need to pair up with the opposite gender.

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  • There is a lot of criticism amongst some of them about the outfits worn too. A relative of mine chose to go in a racing car. He Dad borrowed the car. Because of its noise he got a special permit and warned the Police in advance. He took the car home and went back and picked her up at the arranged time.

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  • If you don’t want your child to participate, they don’t have to.
    It’s he parents/child choose no one else choice.

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  • You can choose whether your child attends or not but don’t spoil the fun for all the others.

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  • I love them and it’s fun for the kids

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  • I have been to them and they are a wonderful modern celebration for everybody.
    It was a coming of age milestone and celebration of achievement and was not gender based.

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  • Now they tend to be a celebration of finishing year 12.

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  • I refused to go to mine. Even so, I wouldn’t ban them, I’d just tone them down a lot.

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  • I remember the formal was the thing to look forward to. The big event to celebrate doing well at school. The formal got alot of people through the year. Knowing there was something to look forward to and not just adult life and bills. A celebration EARNED from a year of hard work. And you have a YEAR to save up so your child can have these nice things if they want them. Its still a choice if they go. Not mandatory so if they are not a dress or suit or party kind of kid they dont have to be forced to.

    Reply

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