To help lessen the costs associated with the night, the school’s student services co-ordinator Abi Paterson and colleague Sophie Mathers have organised a ‘dress bank’ and are seeking donations.
More than 120 years 11 and 12 female students are enrolled at the school and Ms Paterson said while it was unknown how many gowns were needed, its ‘dress bank’ currently had about 40 gowns.
‘At this stage students are still deciding whether they can attend the ball,’ Ms Paterson said.
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READ NOW‘Factors to consider are whether their parents believe it is culturally appropriate, cost of the ball ticket, cost to purchase a dress and any additional costs.’
Ms Mathers said the school’s boys had been lucky enough to benefit from a formal menswear company which closed down and donated all their stock to the school.
Since posting a request for dresses on social media the school had several people come forward to donate.
‘It is amazing the difference a smart suit and dress makes to looks and confidence ” there is a real race to be Beau and Belle of the Ball,’ Ms Mathers said.
Student Thalara Yarran said it was important for young girls to be able to attend their school ball and to miss out would be a shame.
‘Every girl wants to go to their school ball to celebrate their last years of high school,’ she said.
‘It would be disappointing for some students to miss out because they didn’t have a dress.’
In past years the school’s Chaplain has paid for the cost of the ticket for a couple of students and staff have loaned dresses.
The Balga Senior High School Ball will be held on Thursday August 21.
Donations can be made directly to Balga SHS at 2 Markham Way Balga or by phoning 9247 0222.