Middle School Report

YEAR 10 FORMAL 2023 by Mr George Lyras

The Year 10 Formal, a Reservoir High School cultural institution for the past 30 years, had its origins in the era when Reservoir Secondary College comprised three campuses (Yr 7-10 Junior campuses at Kingsbury and Preston East and Yr 11-12 Senior campus on the current site of Reservoir High School). The Year 10 Formal celebrated the conclusion of the Year 10 students’ time on the Junior campuses before they made the transition to the Senior campus. Every year for the past 30 years, Year 10 students have expressed a keen desire to maintain this cultural icon, an event notable not just for the high number of students who attend, but also the consistently high number of staff who choose to attend (they are not compelled to attend, they actually want to be there- in many cases coming along even when they don’t teach Year 10 classes at all), a testament to the value they place on events like this, which not only provide lifelong memories for those who attend, but also build critical-and, most importantly, authentic- relationships between staff, students and their families.

 It was truly humbling to receive emails from families before the Formal, offering to help in whatever way they could to ensure the event went ahead and then after the Formal, acknowledging its importance to, and positive impact on, their children. On the night, it was great to see students from different friendship groups forge a tentative, bond with those they may not have previously interacted over the years. This welcome, newfound familiarity will surely stand them in good stead when navigating the challenges of VCE as an even more cohesive group of learners and classmates.

After banishing the COVID blues with last year’s amazing Elvis-inspired extravaganza, the Year 10 Formal maintained its momentum in 2023 with a night that will linger long in the memory of those fortunate enough to attend (and, as always, elicit anguish in those who passed up the opportunity to be there)- not even a power blackout halfway through the night could put a dampener on everyone’s enjoyment.

Mr Lyras and Mr Vass (the “Glimmer Twins” of RHS- Google it, younger folk!) have been responsible for the inspired opening musical numbers have characterised this event for the better part of three decades ( past ones have featured the Joker, Blues Brothers, Negan, Queen, Elvis and even the Soccer World Cup) and the 2023 edition was the most elaborate and ambitious yet: a tribute to the legendary rock band KISS, featuring Mr Vass donning the cool, exotic black outfit and demonic facial makeup of Gene Simmons, newcomer (and actual muso) Mr Brewer decked out as legendary guitarist Ace “The Spaceman” Frehley and Mr Lyras the lead singer Paul “Star Child” Stanley, as well as a trio of glamorous backup singers ( Ms Scott, Ms Baines and Ms Di Marco) who doubled as nurses assisting the ageing rockers to and from the stage. Inspired by this year’s guest appearance by the perennially retiring rock legends at the AFL Grand Final, our brilliant ensemble took the gobsmacked audience through a rollicking medley of the band’s greatest hits (Shout It Out Loud, Sure Know Something, New York Groove, I Was Made For Lovin’ You and Rock And Roll All Nite).

The remainder of the night was a joyous celebration of the end of the Year 10 academic year, featuring fine food, loads of photos and carefree dancing, virtually all students and staff staying on till the end despite the electrical supply issues.

As organisers, Mr Vass and I would like to congratulate all staff and students for the exemplary way they conducted themselves on this memorable evening (as well as their sartorial elegance!)…and extend an invitation to those who did not attend to come along next year to find out what all the fuss is about… and maybe even be part of whatever our opening routine might be!

To view more of the Year 10  Formal photos go to: 

Mr George Lyras