REGINA – The Regina Public School board has sent a controversial letter home with students explaining they will no longer host graduation banquets.
The school board says some families can’t afford to attend, but students are disappointed by the decision.
“I think it would be a better lesson to teach kids instead of saying, ‘Some can’t afford it, so no one gets it,’ to say, ‘Let’s find some way to fund raise,'” said one Winston Knoll grade 12 student.
The graduation banquet is an important celebration, but its cost led to limited participation.
“The cost of the graduation banquet tickets was probably between $50 and $60,” said Rick Steciuk, Regina Public Schools student achievement super-intendent.
“And the reality is, many of our families were not able to afford to attend the event.”
The school board says the size of the banquets, sometimes over one thousand with students’ guests, have become too difficult to manage.
“Even when it came down to collecting money for the event, it took a big amount of resource time on our schools,” Steciuk said.
The decision to not have a graduation dinner isn’t sitting well with many students.
“It sucks. It just sucks in general. I thought it would be nice to have a banquet, our friends and family all come, watch us graduate,” said another Winston Knoll grade 12 student.
The reality is, many of our families were not able to afford to attend the event.
The school board said they did receive feedback from students and parents and what students want is some sort of celebratory event where they can wear a grad dress or tuxedo. That will likely mean a “semi-prom” in the future. There will be a dance and possibly a reception, but it will just be for graduates.
“I think it’s kind of disappointing because they’re talking about the parents not being able to come,” said another student.
The school board wants the focus to be on – and for families to attend the annual cap and gown ceremonies.
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