Students disappointed as MGM High School cancels Year 13 graduation over unpaid walk-a-thon pledges

MGM High School students are raising concerns as the school will not be holding a graduation ceremony for Year 13 students this year, as some students are yet to fulfill their financial commitments related to the walk-a-thon, while the school says they will hold an awards ceremony next year.

This comes as a Year 13 student says a circular was issued to the students that the Year 13 graduation will not be happening this year as students have not paid the amount they had pledged.

In the circular to the students, the school states that this year, the school held a walk-a-thon as a fundraising drive in Term 3 to collect funds for needy students and to cater for all sporting activities of the school.

It adds that the aim was to collect at least $30,000, but it was very disappointing that the students were not collecting the money and depositing it with the school.

It notes that this is another criterion in the clearance form for re-enrolment next year, as well as for the release of results and testimonials to students at the end of the year.

The circular states that the graduation of Year 13 students will be held only if all the students have returned their textbooks and other learning resources provided by the school, and if they have paid off their walk-a-thon pledged amount.

It mentions that the pledged amount per child was $30 and that the graduation dates will be notified later.

The student says that while she understands the importance of ensuring school dues are cleared but tying such a significant milestone to this issue feels unfair to the students who have worked hard and to those unable to pay off the walk-a-thon money.

She says many students and families had planned their schedules, made sacrifices, and spent resources in anticipation of this celebration.

She says some students even cancelled their overseas trips, hoping the school would hold a graduation ceremony for them, while many students had also purchased their kalavata material.

The Year 13 student adds that denying this experience due to financial reasons may inadvertently overshadow the accomplishments of these students and diminish the sense of community and encouragement the school aims to foster.

School President Jitesh Patel, who did not want to comment on the subject, says the school will hold an awards ceremony next year.

He says those affected are invited to speak to the school management.