UPDATE: This story was updated following the New Westminster school board meeting May 12.
What will graduation look like for New Westminster Secondary School students this year?
That’s the question that’s being pondered by the school district right now, and students are being asked to offer their input and ideas.
Students in the Class of 2020 are being invited to fill out a survey by Thursday, May 14 to give their feedback on how remote learning is working for them and what they’d like to see happen to recognize graduation – since COVID-19 health restrictions continue to preclude large gatherings.
“We are committed to providing the important recognition for this milestone for our graduates and their families,” said Karim Hachlaf, superintendent of schools, in a report presented to the school board’s operations policy and planning committee May 12. “We have already begun to engage with a local company to support a virtual ceremony, which will consider various options ranging from online recorded speeches (e.g. valedictorian, principal), photos with grad gown and diploma and ‘walking the stage.’”
Hachlaf noted at the meeting on Tuesday night that the district is working collaboratively with the grad council to come up with a "hybrid" model for the grad ceremonies - with some virtual components, such as recorded speeches, alongside opportunities for smaller groups of students to actually be physically present in the Massey Theatre and have their chance to walk the stage. He said any physical, in-person plans will follow health and safety guidelines and will be coordinated with the Fraser Health Authority.
Trustee Anita Ansari said it's important to recognize graduation for NWSS students.
"In all of this, I really feel for our Class of 2020," she said. "It's a little bit crushing that they couldn't say goodbye on their own terms."
NWSS still has applications open from students who would be interested in serving as this year’s valedictorian to deliver a final farewell address.
The valedictorian is “a well-rounded individual who demonstrates positive leadership, is of good student standing, and reflects the values of the community,” according to a post on the NWSS website. An online application form is available at the NWSS website.
Any students who’d like to respond to the graduation survey can find a link at www.nwss.ca or through the @NWSSHyacks Twitter feed.
