Monday May 18, 2020 ~ VICTORIA, BC
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
In recent days there has been a swirl of interest, debate and disappointment about what looked like the complete cancellation of Grade 12 graduation ceremonies due to the physical distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic in BC.
Ministry of Education Statement (May 18):
Today Monday May 18, the BC Ministry of Education has issued this statement to West Shore Voice News, in light of our coverage of this issue:
“Each public or independent school will be celebrating the success of their Grade 12 learners in a way that aligns with the culture and tradition of their local community. We’ve been hearing lots of interesting ideas on how schools will do this from around B.C.”
“We know that schools and school districts are approaching graduation this year through innovative and creative ideas that still respect physical distancing and public health measures, such as virtual online ceremonies.”
SD62 grads want more than a video:
A petition supported by a group of Grade 12 students in SD62 has been asking for that school district on the west shore to do something ‘more meaningful’ than a video in lieu of the large-style graduation ceremony format that would normally be held indoors in an auditorium.
SD62 is within Premier John Horgan’s riding of Langford-Juan de Fuca, with schools in Langford, Colwood and Sooke.
==== RELATED ARTICLES by WEST SHORE VOICE NEWS:
Back to school in June: part-time, physically distanced and voluntary (May 16, 2020)
Grade 12s possibly hopeful for grad events as Dr Henry encourages students and teachers to reconnect in June (May 15, 2020)
Looks like ‘COVID video grad’ is in place for SD62 (May 13, 2020)
SD62 Grade 12 students and parents hoping for in-person graduation event (May 12, 2020)
Grade 12 graduation in 2020 will be COVID-style in SD62 (April 29, 2020)