It just won’t be the same.
That is the sentiment from South Delta principals and parents as they plan for a virtual grad ceremony this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancelation of traditional grad walks at both Delta Secondary and South Delta Secondary schools.
DSS principal John Pavao said certainly the reaction from students and parents has been mixed.
“We had our grad council join us in a virtual meeting with our dry grad parent meeting…to see their smiles, relief and some joy, so for them to know that we have been turning over every stone to try and recognize them and honour them…they are excited,” said Pavao. “I know the dry grad committee has been open and receptive to working with us on this.”
He said the dry grad committee is looking at supporting in other ways such as a commemorative booklet hardcopy that can be given to all the grads.
“They are also looking at doing the traditional dry grad T-shirt that is given to all the grads, but with a COVID-19 spin on it, just so that they have something tangible to take away,” he said. “My in-box has been full, but for every email of disappointment, I also receive an email thanking us for the options and for anyway that we can recognize their child.”
SDSS principal Terry Ainge added that there is a huge anticipation for Grade 12 and this situation has been difficult on the graduating class.
“This is something they have been looking forward too, their parents have been looking forward too, but there is this understanding and acknowledgment that this is part of a bigger picture,” said Ainge.
He said their dry grad committee is surveying students and looking at putting on an event in the future.
“There are challenges with that. We explored that as well, but the challenges are where people are going to be if you postpone until the fall,” Ainge added. “We thought it was really important that we did something right away because that provides some sense of closure.”
SDSS dry grad committee chair Sue Gordon, who has a daughter graduating this year, said it has challenging.
“As chair of a committee that is trying to coordinate something special for the kids it is extremely disappointing,” said Gordon. “It’s been talked about and there are a dozen rumours and suggestions on how we can make it right in the parameters of Dr. Henry’s policies, but we are struggling. There are parents who are grabbing the reins from me, which is fine, in managing their own private functions of 50 people or less and I’m thrilled, but as chair of the dry grad committee with funds from corporate sponsorships I’m responsible to answer to those and we don’t have the means to have an event this year, so I’m looking ahead into the next year.”
Gordon said through the student survey that she launched, she is looking at postponing the SDSS dry grad.
“It will look more like a reunion I think that a dry grad, so that’s what our intentions are,” she said. “It might be in May before the 2021 grads grad or July or August because they do need closure, they need a good-bye with each other. They are missing that, sharing in their successes over their years of school. It’s very difficult.”
Gordon said some parents are quite satisfied to end the year and move on.
“I think the biggest sadness is the fall and not starting post-secondary the way they are supposed to,” she said. “On-line learning is suitable for some, but not for others. The kids that are really social are sad, but they have mixed emotions because they will see those they choose to see anyways, so the missing of the party isn’t a big deal, the crossing of the stage is kind of symbolic, so that’s what they will be missing.
“I think they will all get over it, but there are so many unknowns for September, so much anxiety for what is going to happen in the future. I’m sad that they are not all going to get closure – not being able to say good-bye to teachers, walk across the stage – that’s weird.”
