June 5th, 2020
Dear YCMHS Graduates of 2020 and Families:
Graduating from high school is a significant milestone for our students, their families and supporters, as well as our staff.
Our Grade 12 students have persevered through a very different experience than graduating classes before them. We certainly did not imagine when we began the year in September that we would be finishing our year learning, teaching and working remotely. Although this is how things have unfolded, it in no way diminishes the importance of the accomplishments of our graduates to this point in their lives. In fact, finishing the term remotely and adapting to the changes and challenges that you have faced in your academic, and perhaps personal lives, due to COVID-19, shows the incredible determination, strength and resiliency of our YCMHS graduates of 2020.
Our graduates deserve to be recognized, not only for the work they have done during the virtual learning period, but for their years of study and many achievements they have accomplished which has led to their high school graduation. As a school staff, graduation has always been a highlight of our school year and we certainly recognize the importance of acknowledging this significant accomplishment along with the many achievements of our graduates over the years in a meaningful way.
Although we are unable to celebrate with our graduates together in groups or have the usual activities and events in our school this year, we will be recognizing our graduates differently in ways that respect public health guidelines and physical distancing. In order to adhere to public health measures, there can be no group celebrations. Rather, our graduation recognition event will need to be celebrated individually accordingly to public health guidelines. When it is safe to do so, we will bring our graduates back together to celebrate as a group.
I want you to know that our school will be recognizing the efforts of our graduating students in a way that respects public health protocols at some point between June 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2020. Our school staff is now working through the details of how we can appropriately celebrate, recognize and honour our YCMHS graduates of 2020.
We are working to put together an event that contains some of the following elements student and guests to receive their diploma at the school (by appointment, of course)
- a staff member will be at the school to take a picture of the student and guests in their grad outfit, but feel free to take your own pictures as well.
- a memory package from the school for each student containing a USB stick with photos of graduating class, valedictorian speeches, other speeches and some awards and scholarships)
- Some other grad surprises.
Each student will be able to cross the stage at the school to receive their diploma. Each student has a 5 minute appointment. They will need to drop of their gown prior to leave the outside gym doors so please take all photos prior. Please call the school to schedule a time at 902-749-2810 or after hours or weekends call,
- Ronna at 902-748-5133 or email- ronna.jamieson@gnspes.ca or ronna.jamieson@tcrce.ca.
- Gail at 902-837-8189 or email gail.long@tcrce.ca or gail.long@gnspes.ca
As of June 5th, we know students are allowed to bring up to 10 guests (as per public health protocol) as long as they are physically distancing or part of your immediate bubble.
Our priority is making sure that the recognition event takes place in a manner that respects student and family health and safety by following appropriate COVID-19 public health principles.
Sincerely,
Donald J Berry
YCMHS Principal
IMPORTANT LINKS:
YCMHS MISSION STATEMENT
YCMHS is dedicated to the ideals of student achievement and positive personal development. We are committed to helping our students in their quest of academic excellence and international mindfulness. In return, we expect them to follow the school’s motto and strive to attain the highest during their years at YCMHS. YCMHS is committed to the idea that students have the right, and the duty, to follow a path towards scholastic success and social responsibility.
