October 14th, 2020

To our graduating class of 2020 and families,

High school graduation is a significant milestone in our students’ learning journey. It is a time to acknowledge your accomplishments, celebrate the hard work you have put toward earning your diploma and close off a significant chapter in your life.

During this unprecedented year, WRDSB central staff and secondary school administration have come together to develop a commencement celebration that recognizes our graduates in a safe and equitable manner.

Knowing it is not possible to move forward with in-person celebrations, we will be hosting a Board-wide virtual “Grad Night” on Friday, November 27 at 7pm.

Many of the details are still being worked on. However, what we can share is that “Grad Night” will be individualized to each secondary school and will be designed in your school colours and customized to your graduating class. Each ceremony will also be password-protected so that only you, your classmates and family members can watch, just like an in-person celebration.

We understand there are mixed feelings about a virtual commencement instead of an in-person celebration, but please know this decision was made with a great deal of thought. This is not how we wanted to celebrate with our students and families, but given the current COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings and our desire to keep students and families safe, our planned virtual commencement is our way to show our graduates and families that we can still celebrate this wonderful milestone.

We hope you and your family will join us online to celebrate your big achievement!

More information about registration for your school’s virtual “Grad Night” and pick-up of graduation packages will be shared shortly on your school’s website and social media channels.

Thank you for your continued patience!