TVDSB to hold virtual grad ceremonies as most students aim for in-class learning this fall
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is moving ahead with virtual graduation ceremonies, but isn't ruling out future outdoor events.
The board says all schools will hold virtual events for graduating Grade 8 and Grade 12 students, but it is still exploring possible in-person recognitions.
In a statement, TVDSB Education Director Mark Fisher said, "We understand how important it is for students, families and staff to have an opportunity to reconnect in person to mark the end of the school year."
On Wednesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced schooling would remain virtual for the rest of the year, but hoped to see, “in-person, outdoor graduation events” so students could “reconnect outside before the end of the year.”
In the first stage of the provincial reopening rules, which are expected to take effect by June 14, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed.
Fisher responded Thursday, “With just weeks until the end of the school year, we are still waiting for details from the province about how in-person activities could take place while respecting existing public health guidelines."
For now, the board says student trustees will reach out to other students to gather ideas for potential in-person activities, public health measures permitting.
“Teachers, students and families have already put tremendous effort and time into organizing and preparing virtual ceremonies and those events will move ahead as planned,” said Fisher. “We need to celebrate this important milestone."
With students unable to celebrate together, CTV News London will be feature graduation photos on-air and online.
Viewers can send photos and some background information to londonnews@ctv.ca for consideration.
Majority of student want in-class learning
While some families are planning their own COVID-19-safe graduation get-togethers, they can't take the place of celebrating with friends, and that lack is reflected in those choosing in-class learning for the fall.
The board says more than 95 per cent of students have chosen to go back to the classroom for 2021-2022, versus 88 per cent this past year.
"We want students to get back in school to be learning with and from their friends, to be participating in extra-curricular, doing cross-country playing football," Fisher says. "Doing all of those things, you know music that makes school such a great place to be. And we’re really looking forward to try slowly and safely re-instituting all those important facets of an education."
- With files from CTV News London's Nick Paparella
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.