Dunstan High School (DHS) senior students put on their formal attire for the highlight of the school social calendar; the annual school ball.

This year’s formal theme was ‘A Night in New York’, and the evening included music, dancing, supper prepared by the parent teacher association (PTA) and photographs.

To be eligible year 12 and 13 students have to be currently enrolled, meet school attendance requirements and academic criteria.

DHS new principal Andrew King said it was his first experience of the formal and he was impressed as student behaviour was “top notch”.

“The organising team led by Tash Hayes and Nigel Wilson worked alongside the student organising committee and the PTA to create a fantastic evening. 

“The hours of preparation were worth it as the hall was transformed and the theme of a "Night in New York" was evident. The community support was amazing to see. 

“The students make the evening, and it was great to see the cohort smile, laugh and dance away the evening.”

There was random breath testing at the event, as the evening was alcohol free.

The formal was held at the Alexandra Community Centre and the first arrivals began their evening at 7pm. 

Alexandra’s clock shone blue as the students arrived in style. PHOTO: The Central App

Many Central locals lined the street to see the students arriving, as vehicle enthusiasts dusted off the classic cars to do drop offs adding to the spectacle. PHOTO: The Central App

Preparations were key; some students opted to rent dresses and suits or borrow them, while others bought new ones with hopes of re-wearing or reselling them.

For the special occasion many girls had spent hours getting hair and makeup done, nails polished and spray tans.

From left: School friends Kenya Williams, Brooke Huddleston and Zaria Battrick enjoyed the day preparing together

Floral corsages adorned wrists and jacket lapels creating red-carpet-worthy looks. 

Zaria Battrick pins jacket label on Jack Sinnamon. PHOTO: The Central App

Younger students at DHS have the chance to scrub up soon, as the junior formal is on August 21 (7pm - 9pm) in the school gymnasium. 

Cromwell College held their formal on May 4 at Pisa Moorings Restaurant, which followed the theme ‘Under the Sea’. 

PHOTOS: The Central App