Class of 2021 Commencement Information

Posted On Thursday June 17, 2021

Dear Port Perry High School Class of 2021 Students/Parents/Guardians/Caregivers: 

We would like to invite you to participate in our outdoor Port Perry High School 2021 Commencement for the Class of 2021.  We will be hosting a Drive/Walk Through Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, June 29th from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, students will book a 5-minute time slot. We will proceed rain or shine. Please see the communication that was emailed to families on June 16th for booking information.

The ceremony is for all students in the Class of 2021, including those PPHS students presently registered at DDSB@Home and students in our small class placements who are in their last year of high school. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, strict health and safety protocols will be in place based on direction from the Durham Region Health Department. 

While the format of this Commencement will be different from ceremonies of the past, the importance of this milestone in the lives of our students and families is such that it could not pass unrecognized. The Commencement will consist of several parts that will take place in-front of the school: 

  • STATION 1 (McDonald/Rosa): Chromebook Drop-Off and Sign-in.
    • Students will exit vehicles/walk-up, sign-in, validate their daily self-screening and drop off their Chromebook and other school materials.
    • Parent/guardian/caregiver drives to the Main Entrance. 
  • STATION 2: (Main Entrance)
    • Students receive scroll from Administration.
    • Parent/guardian/caregiver is invited to take a photo.
    • Please note that per the Ministry of Education guidelines “COVID-19: Guide to end of school year celebrations for 2020/2021” the use of gowns is not permitted this year however, we will be providing our grads with a graduation cap.     
  • STATION 3:  Student leaves the Main Entrance area and picks up documentation (awards, legal documents) and gift. Parents drive to their designated picture station (A, B or C ). 
  • PHOTO STATIONS:  3 separate stations (all stations are the same)
    • Students go to designated photo station.
    • Parent/guardian/caregiver may take a few photos.
    • REMINDER:  Social distancing from other grads must be maintained. 

A video of Commencement Ceremony Speeches including the Valedictorian address will be posted on YouTube.  A link will be sent to families and graduates at the end of June.

Drive Thru Details:

Details were emailed to families on how to book a time spot. For detailed booking instructions, please email PortPerryHS@ddsb.ca. Bookings will be available starting Thursday June 17 at 9 pm and will close on Sunday June 27 at 11:59 pm.

On the day of your booking:  

  • Approach the school by heading north on Ottawa, east on McDonald and turning right (south) onto Rosa (see the map below)  
  • Proceed in your car as indicated on the map.  When notified, the class member only will exit the car to begin the process outlined above.   
  • Parents/Guardians/Caregivers will wait and advance in their cars and only exit at the designated photo areas. 
  • After the photo all members of the party will re-enter the vehicle and depart from school property immediately.

Notes: 

  • Due to traffic considerations, we are only able to accommodate one car per family. 
  • While we expect the majority of people to arrive by car, we can accommodate walkers as well - please email us. 
  • All attendees must maintain physical distancing of at least 2 meters from anyone that does not live in their household throughout the celebration. 

Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to work with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please do contact us if you have any questions or concerns by email at PortPerryHS@ddsb.ca or phone at 905-985-7337. 

Our best wishes for future success to the Class of 2021!  

Regards, 

Greg Scotchburn 
Principal