March 11, 2025
Dear Erin DHS Parents & Guardians,
This year, our graduation ceremonies are planned for Wednesday, June 24th. The format of our commencement ceremonies is shifting to our newly renovated theatre. As a result of limited seating, we will be hosting three identical ceremonies for families to choose from:
Ceremony 1: The earliest block at 4:00 p.m.
Ceremony 2: The middle block at 5:30 p.m.
Ceremony 3: The late block at 7:00 p.m.
Please discuss with your student which ceremony will be best for your family. Sign ups for ceremonies will begin in late April.
We look forward to celebrating this exciting occasion with you! In the meantime, here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for commencement.
Who can participate?
Any student who expects to graduate in the 2025/2026 school year can participate. This includes EDHS students who are full time eLearners, earning graduating credits over the summer, and those completing external programs like SAL.
How and when do students sign up for a ceremony?
Students will be asked to RSVP by May 8th in a Google Form where they answer a series of questions for commencement. The sign up for their specific ceremony will be a separate event announced on the Grade 12 Google Classroom. Students may wish to coordinate their ceremony time with their friends; please discuss with family and friends before the sign up occurs.
How much does Commencement Cost? How many guests can I bring?
Free! When the Google Form is placed in the Grade 12 Classroom to RSVP, each grad will be asked how many guests they wish to bring to their ceremony. For comfortable seating and to fit within our Theatre’s maximum capacity, a limit of 3 guests per graduate has been set.
Do grads receive their real diploma at the ceremony?
No. Students will receive a celebratory scroll at the ceremony. Students will pick up their actual diploma package at Erin DHS in mid-July. An email will be sent to all students with details about pick up. (Summer Office Hours: Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 3:00pm daily. Closed Fridays.)
What about my French Immersion certificate?
Certificates will be placed in the envelope with the student’s diploma for pick up.
What about awards for those with the highest overall averages?
Awards are not given during the ceremony and will instead be placed in the diploma envelopes of the recipients for pick up, and added to the award list on the program (accessed online).
Can parents/guardians/guests take a photo of the graduate receiving their celebratory scroll?
Yes. When the grad crosses the stage, they will be able to stop for a moment so that parents/guardians and guests can take a photograph. There will also be other opportunities for photos throughout the evening.
Is there a reception after the ceremony?
There will be a short reception following each ceremony where there will be an opportunity to take more photos.
What do I wear?
Many students choose to dress semi-formally, but they can wear whatever they choose. Students will wear a graduation gown over their clothes throughout the ceremony.
What do I do if I have questions?
Please contact 519-833-9665 ext. 250 if you have any questions.
Congratulations graduates! We look forward to celebrating with everyone on June 24th.
Sincerely,
Francis Noventa
Principal
FN/cj
Cherie Jeffery