Congratulations Class of 2021! We are proud of you and excited to celebrate your accomplishments!
In this unusual year, you’ve demonstrated your innovation, caring and social responsibility. Your achievements and contributions have made an impact on our school and beyond. As you get ready to start a new chapter, it’s time to say ‘21 and Done!
We will be hosting a video commencement ceremony for all graduates, including those who attended OCV this year, and their families.
You are invited to join our virtual commencement on:
Thursday, June 24, 2021
4:00 p.m.
Click this link to watch our CW Graduation live.
Virtual commencement details will be shared by email.
Here are some more ways to join in our celebrations...
Pick Up Your Grad Gift Box
Students will be receiving special gift boxes and a grad cap in June, which you’ll be able to pick up at the school. Stay tuned for more information!
Take a Selfie
A “Congratulations Class of 2021” sign will be installed in front of the school in June. Depending on the lifting of the Ontario Stay-at-Home order, you can use this sign to take photos of you in your grad cap – but please remember to stay safe and follow appropriate physical distancing rules.
Celebrate on Social Media
Share a photo of yourself with your grad cap and tag your social media posts with #21andDone and #OCDSB. The District will promote and re-post these posts on district social media.
Receive Your Diploma
We will be able to distribute diplomas, certificates and awards once all final marks have been collected at the end of June. More details will be shared later in Quadmester 4.
Dear Grads and families,
June is finally here!
We have been working very hard on Commencement plans. With the surprise announcement from the Ministry with regards to outdoor in-person ceremonies, we will need time to consider the operational and health requirements to ensure the continued safety of our community as we move optimistically into the summer. As of this time, we cannot communicate a Commencement date or any additional information since the Board is now in a new planning phase. We will share more information as it becomes available.
We can go ahead with the following plans:
Grad Gowns - IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
There has been some discrepancy in messaging regarding gowns. Please note the following:
Rental cost: $50 Cash or cheque that will be refunded on gown return.
Pick up date: June 17/18 ONLY. Times will be sent closer to the date.
Return date: No later than July 9
Grad Swag and Yearbooks
Celebratory items will be distributed to students on June 17/18 at the same time as gown rental (if desired). There are a limited number of yearbooks still available for sale. If you wish to be put on the list, please email [email protected] and she will advise if there is one for you.
Valedictorian and CPR (Commitment, Pride, Respect) awards
Community Initiatives
Parents from the CW community have created a Facebook page Parents of CW Grads 2021 so that all parents can communicate and collaborate on initiatives to celebrate their grads. A group of parents is working on getting lawn signs made to celebrate their grad of 2021. If this is something you would like to do for your graduating child, please fill in this Google Form before June 4th.
Jenna Lemay is working on a slideshow and would appreciate receiving pictures from all graduating students by adding their photos to this linked Google drive.
Reminder - Important Dates
June 4 Deadline to complete Grads 2021 form and include a headshot for Commencement ceremony
June 11 Voting closes for Valedictorian and CPR speakers. Winners notified
June 17/18 Gowns, Yearbook, Grad swag and hats to be picked up at CW. Details to follow
Grad Gown distribution update:
CW will be distributing Grad Gowns according to the following schedule:
Thursday, June 17th 3-8p.m.
Friday, June 18th 10-4 p.m.
July 5-9 Return gowns and pick up Diplomas, awards and certificates.
June 24 special event!
At CW, we have more exciting news for you! With the recent Provincial announcement and in collaboration with the OCDSB and OPH, we will be able to offer an in-person component to your Graduation celebrations. Although it won't be a formal commencement ceremony, you will have an opportunity to "walk across the stage".
On June 24 between the hours of 9am - 2pm, you will have the opportunity to book a timeslot to walk across an outdoor stage and receive your diploma in person for a CW staff member. Please remember that you will have the full virtual commencement at 4:00.
Details are as follows:
Booking
- Online booking will be available on Monday, June 14 at 9:00 am. You can book online at Commencement booking. The event code is 8tg5t
- Appointments are booked in 20 minute blocks
- There are 10 spaces in every time block. You can book as an individual or you can organize a group of your classmates to go together. Please note that we will not book a group of students - each student must book separately.
Guests
- Each graduate is allowed two guests. This will be closely monitored by staff and any additional guests will be requested to leave as we do not want to risk an OPH shutdown
- Guests will be placed into a covid lineup to respect social distancing.
- Masks are mandatory at all times.
Cap and Gowns
- Grads are reminded to pick up Cap and Gowns on June 17/18. The deposit is $50 cash or cheque
- We will not be handing out cap and gowns on June 24.
- Gowns can be returned at the end of the in-person component and the deposit will be returned. Alternatively, gowns can be returned to the main office between July 5-9.
Stage Time
- Graduates will be announced as they walk the stage
- A staff member will place the diploma package and any special awards (trophies, etc) on a table for graduates to pick up. There will be no hand to hand contact.
- Grads can briefly remove their masks to take a photo but they must be put back on as they leave the stage.
- Families can quickly take a photo
- Students and families will be asked to leave the site at the end of their timeslot. Again, we ask for your assistance so we do not risk an OPH shutdown.
Entry and Exit
- Grads and families are asked to not enter the CW property until 10 minutes before the designated appointment time.
- Follow the signs - entry will be around the back of the north side of the building and exit will be on the south side.
We are looking forward to celebrating your achievements and commencement together.
Please continue to monitor your emails for important Commencement information.
Thank you,
Jennifer Coleman
Principal, Cairine Wilson SS.