A graduation cap and diploma. File photo courtesy of  © Can Stock Photo / iDesign.A graduation cap and diploma. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / iDesign.
Chatham

Schools closing the books on another tough year

School boards in Lambton-Kent say, even though there won't be traditional graduation ceremonies again this year, there will be virtual and drive-by graduations and some smaller, fun events to close out the school year for students.

Lambton-Kent District School Board Director of Education John Howitt said graduation ceremonies for Grade 12 students receiving their certificates and diplomas and students in Grades 6 and 8 who normally move on to other schools will be virtual with most schools also planning a drive-by ceremony, if the weather cooperates. Howitt added the other students (predominantly elementary) will get together for a fun event when they return their school tech devices and pickup personal belongings.

"Many of the homerooms will be coming together to have a soccer-baseball game or share a freeze [popsicle] or some sort of activity up to 90 minutes," said Howitt.

Howitt added those socially distanced activities would take place either June 24, 25, or 28 and will be scheduled to ensure there's enough space in the school yard to hold those activities safely.

Howitt previously said traditional graduations would not be held because they involve hundreds of people and are not consistent with COVID-19 guidelines.

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board has similar plans with graduation ceremonies to be held online and some drive-up presentations and photos. Director of Education Deb Crawford said traditional graduations are out of the question this year because of the pandemic.

"We won't be bringing all the grads in and all of their families, we can't see that as being a safe option at this time," said Crawford.

Crawford added year-end activities are also being planned and students and parents will be notified in a few days.

Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby is giving the school boards a lot of credit for keeping COVID-19 at bay in the schools. Colby said their level of cooperation has been unmatched.

"Our colleagues in education have put the welfare of students and their safety and that of the community above all all the way through," Colby said. "We're just so privileged to be able work with such great people at all off the boards and it's been very fruitful in terms of the favourable numbers we've been able to achieve."

Chatham-Kent Public Health has reported seven small COVID-19 outbreaks at different schools in the past 15 months. All  have been resolved.

Read More Local Stories