INNISFAIL — Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) high schools are planning to host Grade 12 graduation ceremonies in June, says superintendent Kurt Sacher.
Yet with provincial COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings remaining in place right now, some questions remain, he says.
“Our schools are wanting to do something to acknowledge the tremendous achievement of our graduates,” said Sacher. “It’s just, as you can imagine, it’s still a little bit up in the air as we wait for clarification on changing of the health restrictions.
“Depending on the restrictions, there is just so much our schools can do. They are doing the best they can. The staff in our schools is really wanting to honour and appreciate and celebrate the achievement of these students.
“It’s really around to what degree can we engage the public and the families and their student classmates.”
Last year, ceremonies were held for Grade 12 classes, but many of the services had to be modified to meet COVID restrictions.
In particular, some ceremonies were held outdoors and others were postponed until after June graduation. Circumstances might require similar measures this year, he said.
“We are open to lots of different kinds of options,” he said. “I think one of the things schools learned from last year is that it's ideal if you can have, in some ways, have closure to the year while you have the students with you in a regular school year.
“So towards the end of June is where the majority of schools are looking. We do have the odd school looking at late August and I think there are a school or two going in the next couple of weeks with a limited way to honour the achievements.”
According to CESD, the following tentative grad ceremony dates have been set: Bowden Grandview School, June 28-29; Cremona School, June 26; Didsbury High School, June 25; Hugh Sutherland School, June 25; Innisfail High School, June 5 or June 26; Olds High School, June 25; Olds Koinonia Christian School, June 5; Penhold, June 26; Spruce View, June 26; and Sundre High School, June 30.
Haleigh Sanderson, spokesperson for RDCRS, says, “We are currently planning for the upcoming grad ceremonies for St. Joseph High School, St. Dominic Catholic High School, and École Secondaire Notre Dame High School.”
