June 17th, 2021

Class of 2021 Grads! 

We are very excited to celebrate with you on Monday, June 21st. In order for this day to run smoothly, we ask that you read through the following information.

At this time, all grads who are attending should have signed up for a time slot. If you have not, please be sure to fill out the sign-up form as we CANNOT have walk-ups. Everyone must attend in their assigned time slot to make sure we follow public health guidelines. All students and family members who are attending must wear masks. Masks will only be allowed to be removed for photos with immediate family members from the same household.

Once you arrive you will enter the PHS driveway student entrance. There will be signage and teachers to direct your vehicle. Vehicles will pull into line until they reach the pathway to the front of the school. Please be prepared to wait.

This event will include:

  • a professional photographer to take a more formal photo (these images will be shared with you)
  • a photo opportunity with our Admin team receiving a “diploma” (you will receive your actual diploma once you officially graduate)
  • two photo areas to take pictures with family members
  • a pickup for your Grad tokens (including information on how to access the Class of 2021 Grad video that was selected as your choice for Grad gift)

Here are the answers to some of the questions that were posed by Grads that should help you to prepare for this special day:

Q: How many guests can we bring as our immediate family?

A: This will vary from Grad to Grad but we would like to try to keep the limit to one car load per grad. You will have a short window for group photos and we will be limiting the number of people out of their vehicles.

Q: Can I take pictures with my close friend?

A: We will be limiting the number of people out front, so if your friend and you are out at the same time you can – as long as you follow all public health measures. You must both be masked and socially distanced (6ft between you). We, unfortunately, cannot let you wait for your friends in order to keep the event flowing.

Q: How many people will attend at one time?

A: We will be staggering the grads and families out of their cars. This will depend on the number of guests. Please be patient with the wait as we will try to keep it as safe and efficient as possible while allowing everyone their special moment to celebrate this milestone.

Q: What should I wear?

A: There will be a professional photographer at the event to take a photo of you, as well as the opportunity to take some “fun” photos. You can wear whatever you choose! If you purchased a cap and gown and would like to wear that you can. You can dress up or go casual as long as you are wearing something that is school-appropriate!

Q: How early do I need to arrive?

A: Try to arrive during the first 15 minutes of your time slot. You will wait in the parking lot in the order that you show up and we will invite grads and guests to the front yard in a limited number at a time. No need to come before your time slot as we will still be working through the previous slot.

Q: Will there be teachers there to say Goodbye?

A: Yes, many of our staff have volunteered to help run the day as well as come to say goodbye to the graduates! The staff has also signed up for shifts based on their schedules and numbers that we will be allowed. We will not be sharing when staff will be there as we don’t want anyone to be disappointed if they are unavailable for some reason.

Q: What if I am driving by myself?

A: You will still pull into the parking lot and follow the line. Once you check-in at the front table you will be directed where to park

Q: What if I am walking?

A: If you are walking please come check-in at the table that will be set up at the front of the walkway (off of the staff parking lot) and we will fit you in the line

Q: Can I still buy a cap and gown?

A: Cap and Gowns were ordered in April. If you missed the original order you can contact Mrs. Wallace (maria_wallace@wrdsb.ca) in the main office to see if there are any more available – this will be first come, first served. There will be the opportunity for you to order one in the fall prior to the fall commencement event.

Q: Will announcements typically made during the graduation ceremony (ie. Scholarship announcements), be made here?

A: No, this will still take place at the fall ceremony (whatever that looks like). There will be no announcements at this event.

Q: Will there be a Commencement in the fall?

A: There will be a commencement ceremony in the fall. At this point, we do not know if it will be in person or virtual. More information will be posted on the PHS website in September.

***Please note that in the event of inclement weather the rain date will be Wednesday, June 23 and students will attend during the same time they previously signed up for. If it is raining please check the PHS website by noon on Monday to see if the event has been postponed.

If you have any other questions please contact Mrs. Campbell (jennifer_campbell@wrdsb.ca) or Ms. Hansen (sara_hansen@wrdsb.ca).