“Because it’s an international program, we’re sort of restricted to that exam schedule rather than VCE,” she says. “If we all have to go into isolation, how is that going to work?”

For Alex Martin, 17, from Our Lady of Mercy College in Heidelberg, heading back to school is bittersweet. For her, missing out on social milestones has been the hardest part of 2021.

“I guess everyone had really high hopes because last year was obviously, we were in lockdown and everyone’s like, ‘well at least we’re not in year 12’,” she says.

“I’ve kind of just gone numb to it, but I feel like once we come out I’m gonna realise all we’ve missed; all these fun things like muck-up day and schoolies.

“But I’m excited to go back and have somewhat of an end because I would be upset if my last day of year 12 was just me shutting the computer and saying, ‘that’s done’.”

Monash University educational psychologist Christine Grove said milestones such as 18th birthdays, valedictory dinners, end-of-year music recitals and schoolies trips were important “protective and motivational” events for young people’s mental health, and the absence of those should not be underestimated.

“They are actually motivational and inspiring for them,” Dr Grove said.

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Modelling from Melbourne-based not-for-profit mental health organisation Orygen showed the long-term mental health impacts from 2020 and 2021 on students would spike in years to come. But Dr Grove said she had seen among her own clients the resilience of final year students during the pandemic.

“These young people can bounce back and learn and grow from the pandemic,” she said. “It’s a vital part of navigating life’s ups and downs and this resilience is important to navigate throughout their whole lives.”

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