The annual tradition of grad has come to the southeast. And while the banners appeared on many lawns or light posts in different areas of the province, no real graduation ceremonies are to happen this year.
The Mercury reached out to Lynn Little, South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) director of education, to talk about what we can expect to see in the next few weeks.
Little pointed out that the recent decisions they had to make were as heartbreaking to them as to students and their families.
“The board and the staff, both as an entity and as individuals ... are also disappointed and sad that we are unable to make provisions for traditional graduation ceremonies where students can be recognized and honoured in person. However, unfortunately, with realities of COVID-19 being a highly transmissible disease, the state of emergency and the guidelines that we were provided, any events where a gathering of people would occur was just not possible,” said Little.
SECPSD delayed a final direction until as late as possible, as they were hoping that the provincial COVID-19 situation and subsequent recommendations and directions would ease.
Unfortunately, that has not happened.
"We recognize that this is a very disheartening and discouraging time when it should be a time for celebration,” said Little.
While the province is only in Phase 2 of re-opening, schools and communities in SECPSD have been given the option to choose to hold a virtual graduation ceremony this spring, and/or to opt to postpone the celebration until a later date when restrictions are lifted.
Little noted that they've been hearing from disappointed parents and communities, however, at this time there was no way to have a face to face graduation, and most people understand.
“Communities had some questions, but generally people do understand the restrictions and the challenges. And we would just like to invite all to join us in working together with the schools to do our best with the guidelines, within the guidelines, and to make graduation as special and memorable as possible,” said Little.
If schools are choosing to plan for a virtual graduation ceremony, they must adhere to the current provincial safety protocols, practising physical distancing and discouraging anything that might result in or encourage a larger gathering.
To ensure that there are no gatherings, there will not be access to schools inside or out to allow for photo or video re-creation of the ceremony. The schools will remain closed. It’s left up to students and families to ensure that they are following the guidelines, and even if they stop by their schools, no big gatherings occur.
SECPSD could not permit the shaking of hands and receipt of diplomas from principals. The schools will decide how to distribute the diplomas to graduates afterwards, depending on the size of the graduating class and their practices.
“It’s a determination best in the hands of the school. Whatever they decide to do, they will be adhering to the guidelines and they will adhere to safe distribution.”
There are no particular regulations or scenarios for virtual graduations.
“Each one will look a little bit different. Each community school will bring in its own flavour and own traditions to the event,” said Little. “Many schools are working to ensure that the items that they have had in the past are included in the virtual format.”
Schools are still planning to have valedictorian speeches, toasts, introductions and greetings of the grads all happening online.
“The staff is really intent on doing all they can to facilitate a really awesome graduation ceremony … Some are using a platform that is already available, some are looking at some video production. So there is a variety of different pieces that are being considered at each school.”
Not all schools have made a decision. Little said that as of the last week of May, about half a dozen schools chose to postpone their graduations until later. Some haven’t decided, but many proceeded to preparations for virtual graduations and community recognitions.
“There is a number of things that schools … and communities are doing in support of the graduates, and probably many see these pieces that are up and around,” said Little.
The most common initiatives include electronic boards, digital or regular signs with grads’ pictures and names. Some communities had banners on the streets or highways. The Mercury and other local newspapers publish pictures of students to recognize their achievements. Local businesses also came up with a variety of supportive displays. Social media is being used to celebrate this milestone in local youths’ lives. But schools went further than that.
“One school is looking at setting a special table at the 2021 graduation banquet to recognize this year’s grads,” said Little.
The guidelines letter sent to parents last week stated that the board “cannot authorize a parade, car rally or drive-in theatre event, (as they) must conduct the ceremony virtually without contact.” Little explained that initially, that decision came from the chief medical officer, so SECPSD delivered that information to parents. However, later there was an update that still strongly recommends that wherever and whenever possible, people should substitute any in-person activities with virtual graduation options, but it was eased a little.
“That is still the ultimate recommendation. But if communities are looking at recognizing (students) by doing a car parade or driving events, there is a list of (recommendations at the Government of Saskatchewan website). They are very stringent as one can expect during this time,” said Little.
“We regret that we are unable to provide a different direction but ultimately we must adhere to the guidelines that are put in place for all of us to ensure safety,” said Little in a letter to parents.
She assured that all SECPSD staff will follow all precautionary measures and all the guidelines as they’ve been doing for almost three months.
After all, the graduation ceremony in any format is a celebration of students, and Little wished the grads all the best in their lives.
“We want to absolutely congratulate all the graduates and their families on their accomplishments. It’s unfortunate that we are where we are at in so many ways right now, but in terms of their accomplishments, that can never be taken away from them. All the best to them in the future. We wish them luck and look forward to the great things that they’ll do for us,” said Little.
