2021 Commencement Update

We are looking forward to celebrating our June 2021 graduates this fall!

The school board consulted with Public Health and we can now finalize a plan that aligns with the guidelines. This year’s ceremony will look different from the traditional ceremonies we’ve held pre-COVID, but we are excited that we will be able to celebrate our graduates in-person, in a memorable and safe way. 

Commencement will take place at Guelph CVI on Wednesday October 27th between the times of 3:30 and 7:30 pm and will include scheduled times for grads to receive their diplomas and grad packages. 

In the coming days all grads will be contacted by school messenger, phone or email to communicate the plan. Grads must register in advance by completing this form by Monday, October 11th. Grads may indicate a time block that works best for them, but times will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Students/Parents/Guardians (limited to 2 Parents/Family members per graduate) will be emailed an assigned 10 minute window. Grads are asked to reply to this email with their Proof of Vaccination no later than Wednesday, October 13th.

Grads and guests are invited to park in the Yorkshire Street Parking lot. The 2 invited guests may proceed to the large event tent on the front lawn of Guelph CVI. (Paisley Street in front of the historic stair entrance to Guelph Collegiate.) 

Note: Guests will be outside, please dress accordingly. In the event of severe weather, we will move indoors where all graduates and invited guests would need to provide proof of vaccination.

Students are to enter the building through the Yorkshire Street doors (closest to the office)

Station 1 – Verification of Vaccination (this can be done in advance – please watch your email)

• Greeted by admin and vaccination status confirmed. Grads are to send proof of vaccination in advance
• If grads need accommodations for stairs, we will provide an alternative
• If vaccination cannot be verified – grad will proceed to alternate station outside to receive diploma package and picture taking opportunity

Station 2 – Check In 

• Students proceed to check in station where they receive their grad gown, diploma and awards
• Students receive an index card with their name and current education/work on it to confirm information provided in registration
• Students will then proceed to the front entrance where they will be announced and walk down the historic main stairs

Station 3 – Graduation Walk (outdoors)

• Students will walk down the historic main stairs when they are announced (using information on the index cards)
• Admin will congratulate students on the lower landing and pose for a socially-distanced photo
• Families will be able to view this from the large event tent on the front lawn

Station 4 – Photos (outdoors)

• Grads and family may proceed to Commemorative Archway on the front lawn for student/family photos 

Station 5 – Return Gowns

• Please return your gown to the table at the Yorkshire Street Parking lot

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