At my son’s year 12 graduation dinner back in 2017, I was seated with him, my ex-husband and a group of parents I’d never met. It was a long, awkward evening of making polite conversation, avoiding eye contact with my ex, and glancing repeatedly at my watch wishing both hands would accelerate.

I recalled that evening when I read of the new rules for Sydney’s Catholic archdiocese, banning students from bringing dates to their year 12 formals and – more alarmingly – banning alcohol for parents at all school functions. These include graduation dinners, year 12 formals and end-of-school celebrations for year 6.

An A in 3-unit sobriety.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

I’m not a big drinker but if there was ever a need for........

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