THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board has officially notified students that the traditional high school graduation ceremonies must be postponed due to COVID-19 guidelines.
This follows a similar announcement earlier this month by the Lakehead District School Board.
In a letter to students issued Tuesday, the Catholic board said there's still a possibility the convocation ceremony that's usually held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, and the prom, can be rescheduled if physical distancing guidelines permit.
In the meantime, it said, the board is committed to seeking "creative solutions" to recognize graduates by the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
St. Ignatius High School has tentatively set June 24 for virtual graduation activities, with St. Patrick HS to follow on June 25.
The board said details about the activities will be released through each school as plans evolve.
It said the plans will be made in consultation with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to ensure proper safety precautions are followed.
The virtual graduation activities will also include a prayer service in conjunction with the Thunder Bay diocese.
The board said supporters of its Awards Trust Fund have committed to making donations, and that graduates will benefit just as previous graduating classes have benefited, from awards and bursaries.
On May 8, Lakehead Public Schools announced the indefinite postponement of graduation ceremonies and dances, but said it was still committed to providing "some form of these special ceremonies and celebrations."
The public board also said that scholarships, awards and bursaries would be determined in June.
A spokesperson said Tuesday that secondary schools continue to actively plan special graduation activities while observing all health unit protocols.
He said schools will be in contact with graduates and their families in the coming weeks.
The Ontario government announced Tuesday that all schools in the province will stay closed for the rest of the current school year.
Schools were closed on March 14.
