Congratulations Grade 12 Graduates, Class of 2021!
To the Graduating Class of 2021: She:Kon, Greetings, Good Day!
You did it! You achieved academic success during your last year of secondary school and you are moving to the next stage of your lives. Congratulations!
Your accomplishments are significant given the realities of the 2020-2021 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic crept into your lives once again-and you faced it with strength and determination. Some of you may have experienced periods of wonder, question, and at times, perhaps uncertainty, as to whether graduation was even going to happen. For others, graduating this June came relatively easily with few setbacks. In either case, you achieved success, whether you had support from those around you, or you feel like you made it against the odds.
As a member of the Class of 2021, your graduating year is a mix of unique meaning and reflection. It is hard to believe that this school year, like the previous one, will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when school stopped in the traditional sense and online learning became the norm.
I recognize that, for you, graduation is a term of reference, rather than an event. Ceremonies and celebrations look different than in years gone by. I encourage you to remember your achievements and not let the absence of a physical graduation cloud your memories.
Your high school graduation is a significant milestone for you and the people in your lives. For you, it is a mark of achievement with, perhaps, some trepidation about what lies ahead. For your parents/guardians and loved ones, it is a time of pride, while also feeling anxious about what the future holds for you.
From me to all of you, congratulations on this significant life accomplishment. I acknowledge your teachers, the support staff and the principals and vice-principals who supported you along the way. Lastly, I offer a special thank you to your families for their support, care and love of you.
Graduates, feel proud of the fact that no one can take your high school diploma away from you. You earned it every step of the way.
I started this letter by stating, "You did it!" and end it by adding, "Now keep going!"
Che-Miigwech, thank you.
Sincerely,
Sean Monteith
Director of Education