Schoolies time!

Students all over the country will come together to celebrate the completion of their last 13 years of education by taking part in schoolies celebrations.

Coastal areas have been of appeal to school leavers, which will see Young’s graduates travel both up and down the Australian coast where they will spend a week or so making memories they will keep forever.

Among the many packing their bags and hitting the road next week is Young High School student Shannon Meyer, and Hennessy Catholic College students Claire and Rose Parker, and Matt Mitchell.

Shannon, Claire and Matt will join their school mates at Batemans Bay on Tuesday where they will spend the week at the beach, shopping, paintballing, celebrating and even let mention of a bake-off.

“Words can’t even explain this excitement,” Claire said.

“Doing this photo today has got me so excited!”

Shannon is also bursting at the seams, with only two days left until she and her posse hit the road.

“I actually can’t keep still I’m so excited! Watch out Batemans Bay!” she joked.

Meanwhile Rose, who is celebrating with seven close friends in a week’s time, is heading to the Gold Coast where she will hit up the beach, go shopping and check out what the clubs have to offer.

“I’m just so excited to experience all these things with my friends,” she said. “I’m hoping to make some good memories.”

Hennessy Catholic College principal Dr Peter Webster is hopeful that his former students will celebrate in a safe and considerate manner, and hopes they consider there are many ways they can celebrate in a constructive way.

Dr Webster made mention that many of his former students are heading overseas to assist in underprivileged areas and take on social justice initiatives instead of schoolies celebrations.

Young High School principal Andrew Turvey wishes to congratulate all students on achieving this significant milestone and be proud of all they have achieved.

“When you head off for a break over the next few weeks be sure to enjoy yourself and remember to stay healthy, stay safe and remain responsible." he said.

Although schoolies are intended to be all fun and games, crime prevention officer Senior Constable Pete Guthrie urges students to be especially careful while drinking, and strongly recommends to avoid using fake IDs, saying that “you will get caught”.

“If you’re under 18, don’t attend a licensed premises.” Senior Constable Pete Guthrie said. “It is easy to pick it (fake ID) up now.

“Also, if you drink, don’t fall to the temptation of doing or buying drugs – try to be sensible.” 

Schoolies are also warned to watch their drinks carefully to avoid spiking.

A parents’ guide to schoolies week

1. Encourage schoolies to save the Red Frogs number (1300 557 123) in their phone. The Red Frog crew can be accessed 24/7 on their hotline (during schoolies week). Anyone can ring for advice or information on schoolies, request red frogs, pancake cook-ups, mediation, emergency assistance and referrals. They also help walk students home if they have lost their friends or find themselves in an unfamiliar location. Parents are welcome to phone us at any time as well. 

2. Get schoolies to download the free Red Frogs app (iPhone and Android) - this can also be used to connect with Red Frogs and keep them updated with what's going on around them during schoolies week.

3. Remind schoolies to call Triple-0 in an emergency

Ambulance officers will not address legal implications of behaviour; health and safety are their number one concern. If in doubt, call.

4. Remind schoolies to always stay with friends - never go anywhere alone, especially at night. And never leave friends by themselves in your accommodation. Call the Red Frog walk-home crew to walk you back to your hotel/house or caravan park.

5. Remind schoolies to look after their mates - don't leave them in the gutter or on the beach by themselves to sober up. Make sure they get home.

6. Give schoolies lots of 'easily prepared' food - drinking without eating puts students at a higher risk. Frozen meals and two-minute noodles are a fantastic idea. Stock up well in advance.

7. Buy some slabs of water - dehydration is a huge issue at schoolies and can lead to further health concerns, especially when combined with excessive alcohol consumption.

8. Go easy on what you buy for schoolies - if your child is over 18 and you are intending to purchase alcohol for them, a good rule of thumb would be to divide whatever amount you're thinking by four, and go for lights, not heavies. Stay away from the mixer drinks that have higher alcohol levels.

9. Stay in touch - schedule some time to call your child during schoolies week.

10. Call the hotel - confirm check-in/check-out times.