Although having virtual graduation isn't what a Grade 12 student Ryan Dailey wanted, he says it's a “good move” by the school board to host graduations virtually in order to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dailey, who will be graduating from the Timmins High and Vocational School this year, said he was shocked when he heard that his graduation was cancelled.
“I figured it was something that was going to happen especially as the pandemic was worsening across the world,” he told Timmins Today. “I was really sad but it was something I knew was coming."
"Obviously, virtual graduation isn't something that we want to see happen but the school board needs to put people's health as a number one priority."
Lesleigh Dye, director of education for District School Board Ontario North East, said all secondary schools are hosting a graduation ceremony for Grade 12 students and their families, but it will be held either virtually or through social distancing due to the ongoing pandemic.
“I know this is heart-wrenching for our students. They want to have regular graduation. So do I,” Dye said. “It’s just not safe to do so right now.”
There are about 500 students graduating from 11 programs in the district. Dye said that it's up to schools and graduating students to decide how they want to celebrate this milestone.
Ideally, high school graduations will be held on their original event date, between June 15 and June 30.
“It was really important for DSB1 that we honour our students in June,” Dye said. “We’re asking our schools to be as creative and innovative as possible.”
With virtual graduation, it could be a live event with video messages from students, parents, teachers, valedictorians and guests, Dye said. It could also be a slideshow of graduates’ baby photos or an online event where the school principal presents diplomas and awards from the school’s stage if access to schools is permitted at that time.
“With virtual graduation, it makes it more accessible for families and friends to participate,” she said.
As for social distancing, there’ve been some creative ideas such as a drive-in ceremony at the school’s parking lot which could be broadcast on a large outdoor screen.
Schools can also choose to host a homecoming ceremony in the fall, during a winter break or next spring if the province allows large gatherings by that time, Dye said.
“From an equity point of view, if the (schools) are going to host something, we really need to ensure that all students are available to attend when it’s not June,” she said.
It’s unlikely in-person ceremonies will be allowed in June, Dye noted, but if the provincial restrictions are lifted, the board will “work hard” on making in-person ceremonies happen.
Elementary public schools also have the option of hosting a virtual celebration for their Grade 6 and Grade 8 students.
The Northeastern Catholic District School Board is currently reviewing the end-of-school-year activities including the O'Gorman High School graduation and Grade 8 Celebrations of Excellence, said the board's community relations officer Andrew Marks.
"Once decisions are reached, we will share this with our students and our families," Marks said in an email.
