Welcome to HWDSB’s commencement web page. Here, you can find all of the answers you are searching for regarding commencement at your child(ren)’s school(s).
Here is a high-level overview of what commencement is:
Commencement is a celebration of student achievement. What that means is, it will include all students, including those who have been, and are currently, underserved by the education system.
Similar to a graduation ceremony, students will have the opportunity to get together with their friends and family to celebrate their achievements together. The main difference between a commencement ceremony and a graduation ceremony is that a commencement ceremony is more inclusive. For example, there are some students in HWDSB that may not be graduating with their class for a variety of reasons. There is no reason they shouldn’t be able to celebrate what they have achieved with their peers throughout their time in elementary/secondary school regardless.
Elementary Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement is equity-based and not marks-based. At commencement, students of all levels of achievement will be able to cross the stage with their peers. For a variety of reasons, students may not have completed all the requirements for an move on to secondary school. With this change, these students will be able to join their peers and celebrate their achievements.
Will my child(ren) not graduate?
They will still graduate as per normal if they have completed all of the prerequisites to do so. HWDSB will continue to report graduation metrics to the Ministry. The only change is that students who are not graduating will be included in the celebration.
Why did HWDSB make the switch from graduation to commencement?
HWDSB continues to make every effort to ensure welcoming, inclusive communities in our schools and Board. One of the areas of improvement for us was to include all levels of student achievement in the celebration of achievement after completing their grade eight studies. This new commencement platform will help ensure equity among students who are celebrating their achievements.
Will there still be awards?
Awards will be reflective of the HWDSB commitment to learning, equity, engagement and innovation, focus on the HWDSB priorities of Positive Culture and Well-Being, Student Learning and Achievement, Effective Communications, School Renewal and/or Partnerships. Awards will be inclusive of all pathways, cover a wide array of achievements (not strictly academic), celebrate a wide variety of aspects of student experiences and talent, and not be gender-based.
Why is this necessary?
This is necessary because we are continuing to strive towards equitable and inclusive spaces. Some students haven’t completed the requirements to move on to secondary school. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t celebrate their achievements with their peers.
Will schools still be holding graduation ceremonies for those who want to attend?
Commencement ceremonies will take the place of graduation ceremonies.
Will there still be a valedictorian?
Yes. There will still be a valedictorian.
Is HWDSB still going to support with lawn signs?
HWDSB is going to continue to support families by making graphics available for lawn signs.
Why can HWDSB not hold both ceremonies?
HWDSB has made the equity-based decision to proceed with commencement ceremonies. Graduation ceremonies will not be held because the students’ accomplishments will be acknowledged at the commencement ceremony.
What happens if my child/family can’t make it to the ceremony?
Commencement ceremony dates will be selected and communicated to families with as much time as possible. The selection committee will take significant faith days, holidays and other school events into account when selecting a date. We understand that finding a date that works for (up to) hundreds of families may be a challenge. While the commencement ceremony will proceed on the scheduled date(s), students that are unable to attend are encouraged to pick up their paperwork/awards/diploma, etc. in the school office after the day of the event.
Will this affect the grade 8 dance?
HWDSB doesn’t sanction nor organize dances. If your school is holding a dance, it is developed and hosted at the school level. Please contact your child(ren)’s school if you have questions.
Will the national anthem still be played?
Yes. The national anthem will still be played. HWDSB representatives will also read out the land acknowledgement.
Will there still be awards?
Yes. There will still be awards. The awards will not be gender based and will celebrate a wide array of pathways. They will not be strictly academic.
What is the guidance around decorations?
Families may wish to purchase/use decorations that use the term ‘graduation’. This will be permitted at Board events.
Secondary Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
Commencement is equity-based and not marks-based. At commencement, students of all levels of achievement will be able to cross the stage with their peers. For a variety of reasons, students may not have completed all the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). With this change, these students will be able to join their peers and celebrate their achievements.
Will my child(ren) not graduate?
If your child(ren) have completed all of the requirements in place by the Ministry of Education to obtain an OSSD, they will still graduate as per normal. HWDSB will continue to report graduation metrics to the Ministry. The only change is that students who are not graduating will be included in the celebration.
Why did HWDSB make the switch from graduation to commencement?
HWDSB continues to make every effort to ensure welcoming, inclusive communities in our schools and Board. One of the areas of improvement for us was to include all levels of student achievement in the celebration of achievement after the end of their secondary school tenure/after four years of secondary school. This new commencement platform will help ensure equity among students who are celebrating their achievements.
Will there still be awards?
Awards will be reflective of the HWDSB commitment to learning, equity, engagement and innovation, focus on the HWDSB priorities of Positive Culture and Well-Being, Student Learning and Achievement, Effective Communications, School Renewal and/or Partnerships. Awards will be inclusive of all pathways, cover a wide array of achievements (not strictly academic), celebrate a wide variety of aspects of student experiences and talent, and not be gender-based.
Why is this necessary?
This is necessary because we are continuing to strive towards equitable and inclusive spaces. For some students, graduation is not a possible outcome of their time in secondary school. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t celebrate their achievements with their peers.
Will schools still be holding graduation ceremonies for those who want to attend?
Commencement ceremonies will take the place of graduation ceremonies.
Will there still be a valedictorian?
Yes. There will still be a valedictorian.
Is HWDSB still going to support with lawn signs?
HWDSB is going to continue to support families by making graphics available for lawn signs.
Why can HWDSB not hold both ceremonies?
HWDSB has made the equity-based decision to proceed with commencement ceremonies. Graduation ceremonies will not be held because the students’ accomplishments will be acknowledged at the commencement ceremony.
What happens if my child/family can’t make it to the ceremony?
Commencement ceremony dates will be selected and communicated to families with as much time as possible. The selection committee will take significant faith days, holidays and other school events into account when selecting a date. We understand that finding a date that works for (up to) hundreds of families may be a challenge. While the commencement ceremony will proceed on the scheduled date(s), students that are unable to attend are encouraged to pick up their paperwork/awards/diploma, etc. in the school office after the day of the event.
Will this affect prom?
HWDSB doesn’t sanction nor organize proms. If your school is holding a prom, it is developed and hosted at the school level. Please contact your child(ren)’s school if you have questions.
When will commencement take place?
Commencement will take place in the window between June 1 and June 8, 2023.
Will the national anthem still be played?
Yes. The national anthem will still be played. HWDSB representatives will also read out the land acknowledgement.
Will there still be awards?
Yes. There will still be awards. The awards will not be gender based and will celebrate a wide array of pathways. They will not be strictly academic.
What is the guidance around decorations?
Families may wish to purchase/use decorations that use the term ‘graduation’. This will be permitted at Board events.
Updated on Thursday, April 27, 2023.