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Class of 2027:
Hello, Potential Grad (also fondly referred to as "PGs")! Your first, and arguably most important, task right now is to ensure that you are on track to meet all graduation requirements this school year. Cross-reference the courses on your Grad Summary (distributed October 2026) to confirm that you will meet all requirements by June 2027.
Your second task is to ensure that you are scheduled to take any outstanding, required secondary school prerequisite courses, as required, for your post-secondary plan. If your post-secondary dream program requires a specific course, it must be on your course plan (either in class or eLearning or Night School), or already completed and on your grad summary, for your application to be considered. Required courses are a must; recommended courses are a great idea and your application will be considered even if you've decided to not study the recommended course(s).
Please ensure that you are checking the Guidance subsites for information about post-secondary research, applications, funding, and more.
This subsite will get busier, with graduation information, in the spring.
GO BULLDOGS!
SWC GRADUATION CEREMONY
Monday, June 28, 2027
Grads check in at registration table from 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Doors open to guests - 6:00 p.m.
Meridian Centre, St. Catharines
6:30 p.m. (ceremony start)
Anticipated length of ceremony = 2 hours
CONCESSION STANDS OPEN!
Graduation Award Descriptions
Grade 12 Ontario Scholar
80%+ averaged over 6 Grade 12 credits
Academic Award of Excellence
95%+ averaged over 12 senior credits
Gold Medallion
85%+ averaged over 12 senior credits
Silver Medallion
80 – 84.9% averaged over 12 senior credits
Business Studies Certificate
Completion of 5 credits from any Business course. Eligible courses include: any B course (eg: BAF3M1), Sports and Entertainment Marketing (IDC4OB or IDC4UB), one credit from any Law or Computer Science, one credit from a Business-related Co-op.
French Immersion Certificate
Completion of 10 credits in the French Immersion program including FIF1D/P, FIF2D/P, FIF3O/U and FIF4O/U.
Technological Education Certificate
Completion of 6 credits from any Technology and/or Computer Science course. Eligible courses include: any T course (eg: TGP3M1), any ICS course (eg: ICS3U1), any DCO3O coded Co-op (2 credits), any Technology-related Co-op (2 credits).
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Red Seal Diploma
Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering:
4 Major credits (incl.TDJ3M1), 1 English credit, 1 Math credit, 1 “other” credit, 2 COOP credits.
Arts and Culture:
4 Major credits, 1 English credit, 1 “other” credit, 2 COOP credits.
Business:
4 Major credits, 2 Math credits, 1 English credit, 2 COOP credits.
Information and Communication Technology:
4 Major credits, 1 Math credit, 1 English credit, 1 “other” credit, 2 COOP credits.
Justice:
4 Major credits, 1 Math credit, 1 English credit, 2 COOP credits.
Non-Profit Education (French or English):
4 Major Credits, 1 English credit, 1 Math credit, 1 "other " credit, 2 COOP credits
Manufacturing:
4 Major credits (incl.TDJ3M1), 1 English credit, 1 Math credit, 1 “other” credit, 2 COOP credits.
Sports:
4 Major credits, 1 Math credit, 1 English credit, 1 “other” credit, 2 COOP credits.
PLUS Regional Horticulture SHSM Programs: DIG IT (Discovering Innovative Green Industry Techniques) & Construction
GRADUATION 2027 INFORMATION
VENUE LOCATION AND DETAILS
2026:
Meridian Centre, 1 David S. Howes Way, St. Catharines, ON
There are 2 entrances for Graduates and Guests: Rankin Gateway Pedestrian Bridge (across from Pizza Pizza on St. Paul Street) and Front Lobby Doors.
Parking at the Meridian Centre is very limited. Grads can be dropped off at the Front Lobby Doors in time for registration and then guests can proceed to the parking lots. Please open the link below for parking information.
GRADUATES:
Graduates must arrive for registration @ 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Please arrive wearing your grad gown and sash; grad caps are optional - you do not have to wear them.
Graduates do not leave the backstage area after registration.
Please leave your phones, purses and other valuables with your guests as the backstage area might not be secured during the ceremony.
There is a washroom in the backstage area = no need to leave!
GUESTS:
Doors will open for guests at 6:00 p.m.
Guests enter the North Concourse doors into the arena and may choose any seats in the available section. Accessible access/seating is available.
The Graduation Ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m
GRAD INVITATIONS
Each graduate receives one Grad invitation at the Grad Assembly.
SWC GRAD DATA EXIT PLAN (Google Doc)
In order to ensure that correct information is used at the ceremony, all graduates are required to complete the “Grad Data Exit Plan”:
When you collect your grad gown, you will confirm, with Ms. Siemiaszko, the script that you would like us to read when you cross the stage. You MUST complete your Exit Plan BEFORE you come to Guidance to pick up your gown (do it now!).
GRAD GOWNS, SASH, CAP
Grads will be able to pick up their gown in person in Guidance on June 16 & 17. The entire ensemble is yours to keep.
PICTURES
An SWC photographer will be on site to take photos of grads as they receive their diploma on stage. This service avoids long delays in the ceremony, and it helps to ensure that each student has this memorable photo. Graduates will access their picture through an email (details TBD).
SWC ALUMNI
The Grad Data Exit Plan asks students to consider leaving an email address and/or contact number. This information will be shared with the SWC Alumni Association and by SWC staff for alumni opportunities like Grad Panel, Under the Lights, etc.
FAQs
“How will I know if I am NOT graduating?”
If you are not successful in one or more of your required classes, and/or you have not completed the Ministry-required Community Involvement Hours, and/or you have not submitted the Opt-Out Form or completed 2 eLearning courses, you are no longer eligible to graduate in June. You will receive a phone call after exams and before the day of graduation and we will discuss next steps.
“What will be in the “Graduation Portfolio” that I receive after I cross the stage?”
Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, one Transcript, a composite Class of 2026 grad photo, and any applicable award information. The scroll that you will receive on stage is a prop for photo purposes only! You’ll trade it in for your portfolio as soon as you come off the stage.
“How long is the Graduation ceremony?”
Under 2 hours.
“Will my Parents/Guardians have an opportunity to take photos of me on stage?”
As mentioned above, we will have a professional photographer take your photo as you receive your diploma. These photos will be available online via a link on our website. Parents are asked to refrain from walking up the aisles to take photos during the ceremony. You are welcome to return to the stage, and the side station (with the SWC backdrop) after the graduation ceremony to take more pictures.
“Will I get my own copy of the program?”
No, but in your portfolio you will receive a "Grad Ceremony Page" with a QR code to a digital copy of the program. A “Grad Ceremony Page”, with the evening’s agenda and the list of graduates, will also be distributed at the Meridian Centre. A very limited number of photocopied programs will be available at the Meridian Centre for our guests who cannot access technology.
“Where else can I find information about Graduation?”
Check the Graduation subsite Graduation, Class of 2026. If you have any other questions about the evening, please contact Guidance.
Meridian Centre Directions to Public Parking, #1
Meridian Centre Directions to Public Parking #2
OSAP Presentation
The Financial Aid team at Niagara College will be hosting a virtual OSAP session for students and families. The session will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, @ 6:00 pm. Information and to join the session, attendees can visit our website here:
Financial Aid Webinars and Resources | Enrolment Services | Niagara College
Here is also a short link to connect to the meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24444187276230?p=OCdULX7qY2LVW6SMAf
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