The COVID-19 pandemic has again forced Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards to cancel typical high school graduation ceremonies, making 2021 the second year the city’s Grade 12 students won’t be experiencing them.
In a message shared with Grade 12 students and their families through their school’s messaging system, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) said it is not planning “traditional graduations that involve large public gatherings.”
The message stated there would be no formal banquets or dances, and any potential ceremonies would take place in the CBE’s schools.
The CBE said details will be worked out over the coming months, and any activities that are planned will follow health and safety guidelines from Alberta Health Services.
“It is disappointing that once again, we are unable to provide a more typical graduation experience.”
In a statement sent to Global News via email, the Calgary Catholic School District said in-person graduation ceremonies wouldn’t be taking place this year.
“Much like last year, our schools are planning meaningful recognition ceremonies,” chief superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas said, adding that they are “very proud” of the students who are on track to graduate in June.
“Graduation is a time to make memories that last a lifetime.”
Ultimately, Szumlas said safety has to come first.
“Listening to the daily briefings in relation to COVID-19 and where we’re at, we want to make sure that our students, our staff and everyone are safe,” he told Global News.
“We know that graduations are happening in June, which is still a few months away, but we need to start planning and figuring out what that looks like. I know a lot of planning last year went into creating virtual memory, so each and every high school had digital files of speeches that were all put together and packaged, so another terrific memory that each student received to keep for a lifetime.”
Szumlas said “very intimate” recognition ceremonies will be held for graduates at each high school.
“As parents, as educators, we all have choices to make each and every day, and I choose to put on a positive mindset. I have great faith and confidence in the staff, the parents and the students of Calgary Catholic, and they’re going to do an amazing job celebrating graduation 2021, and it all starts with that positive mindset.”
With files from Caley Ramsay, Global News.