GRADUATION CEREMONIES OFFICIALLY POSTPONED

Every school district is trying to work out a plan to handle this year’s graduation for the Class of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Doug Ford confirmed during a recent update on the pandemic situation in Ontario that all schools will remain closed to the end of June. This means no traditional end-of-term graduation ceremonies with the usual huge gatherings of family and friends to celebration Grade 12 students on their achievement.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) emailed a letter to all graduating students and their parents on the district’s plan to postpone the official graduation ceremony.

“Given the circumstances and the uncertainties of this global pandemic, and in consultation with public health authorities,” stated the UCDSB letter, “the Upper Canada District School Board has no option but to postpone June 2020 graduation ceremonies at all our secondary schools and at our T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education until June 2021.”

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBE0), le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), and le Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO) are also reviewing their graduation ceremony plans for June.

All Grade 12 students who have completed their course requirements for this year will graduate. School districts will arrange to have confirmation of graduation sent to every eligible student.

The Eastern Ontario Healh Unit (EOHU) is in contact with all school districts to review and offer suggestions on any plans to set up a “drive-in” graduation service at individual schools for students to collect their diploma and official notices of any awards, bursaries, or scholarships they may receive. Grads and grad parents will be notified if a “drive-in” grad event is scheduled along with instructions on social distancing safety for such an event.