"Choppergate" cost one politician her job, now it has cost a group of year 12 students their muck-up day.
Christian College in Geelong grabbed news headlines last year when students from the graduating class flew into school on a helicopter on their muck-up day.
![Last year a group of students chartered a helicopter to land at a Geelong school.](/web/20160909090950im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/j/g/q/z/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.grcgq8.png/1473384083365.jpg)
The chopper prank was a homage to Bronwyn Bishop, who had hired a $5000 private helicopter to fly from Melbourne to a Liberal fund-raiser in Geelong – and had to relinquish the Speaker's chair as a result of the ensuing furore.
At the time, Christian College principal, Glen McKeeman confirmed that a "helicopter chartered by some students landed on the oval at the senior campus during celebration activities".
![Being told they'll have to finish year 12 'with dignity' - without the traditional muck-up day festivities - has angered ...](/web/20160909090950im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/h/9/8/r/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.grcgq8.png/1473384083365.jpg)
"The college has taken appropriate action with the students involved," he said.
It appears the school has now decided to put an end to the final year shenanigans and cancelled muck up day 2016 altogether.
But the students aren't taking it lying down.
A Change.org petition launched by a former student and backed by 199 signatures reprimands the school for ceasing "Celebration Day".
![Muck-up day is a traditional rite of passage in many Victorian schools.](/web/20160909090950im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/h/p/l/6/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.grcgq8.png/1473384083365.jpg)
"Previously students have been able to experience a day of enjoyment and fun, by dressing up and engaging in community events, including jumping castles, bull riding, laser tag, and slip 'n' slides," the petition's author, David Farrell, wrote.
"However, this year students received notice that none of these events will be occurring, instead, they will have the traditional clock tower signing, and a final ceremony, both occurring on the same day.
"The students are not allowed to dress up, they have been told that they are to finish year 12 'with dignity'."
In a statement released to Fairfax Media, Mr McKeeman said he wanted to provide students with a "dignified and respectful celebration to their educational journey".
This would include a final chapel service and breakfast provided by staff.
"Whilst some students have expressed disappointed with these arrangements, the college has also received many positive endorsements from both students and parents in support of these arrangements," he said.
Fiona Campbell, communications officer at the Victorian Student Representative Council, said final year celebrations offered VCE students a "light at the end of the tunnel", and they deserved to be part of the school's decision making process.
"We would advocate for a consultative decision making process when it is something that affects the whole school community.
"These events gives students a sense of collegiality and a chance to celebrate in a respectful and affectionate way.
"A lot of students love school and want to be able to celebrate it with their peers. I think there's value in it, they just need to be respectful of the place."
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