When the St Mary's Catholic College Gateshead school formal was cancelled, rather than whinging and complaining, the Year 12 students got together and thought about what they could do.
"They came to me about having an op shop formal," Year 12 wellbeing leader Katrina Brennan said.
"COVID-19 has meant the suspension of a lot of milestone events. They've been so resilient and just accepted it. They're a beautiful group of kids.
"This is their way of having a little fun."
The cohort donned their best second hand garb on Friday to celebrate finishing school, with teachers and even the principal going all out for the occasion.
"It's tremendous," principal Larry Keating said.
"They've lost so much. But their courage of endurance during the course of the year has been wonderful."
Student Tom Walsh said the student leadership team decided to go with the op shop formal as a fun way to celebrate while also giving back to the local community by buying their outfits from charity stores.
