Graduation Information
You Should Know
The Graduation ceremony recognizes the achievements of
graduates – those students who have completed all
graduation requirements. Only those students who have
completed all of the graduation requirements are eligible to be
part of the ceremony and walk across the stage this evening.
Caps and Gowns

During the ceremony, each graduating student wears a
black academic gown and a traditional black cap.

Caps are called “mortarboards”, and they have a tassel
attached. Wear the cap so that the flat top sits on top of
your head rather than the back of your head. Wear your
tassel to the left; during the ceremony, you will be
instructed to move it to the right. This movement
symbolizes that you have graduated!

At the very end of the graduation ceremony, the
Valedictorian will lead the graduating class in the
traditional tossing of the caps.

The fee of $45.00 covering the cost of your Graduation,
including the cap and gown, must be paid to Mrs. Gardner
in the Main Office by May 20. BY NOT PAYING THIS FEE
BY MAY 20, YOU ARE INDICATING THAT YOU ARE NOT
INTENDING TO ATTEND THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.

Please see Mrs. Gardner in the main office to request the
size of your gown. You will need to know your height.

Grad gowns will be available for pick up AT THE SCHOOL
after exams between June 18 and June 20. PLEASE
ENSURE THAT YOU PICK YOURS UP AT THE SCHOOL AND
BRING IT TO THE MAGNA CENTRE.
Community Involvement Hours
Forty required hours must be completed and reported by
May 20.
Private School Credits
Proof of credits earned at private school must be submitted
to Guidance by noon on Friday, June 20.
Student Award Forms
In order to be considered for an award, Graduates must
complete and submit the Award Form to Mrs. Gillison in the
Guidance Office by May 20. This form assists the Awards
Committee with the selection of award recipients. If you need a
form, please visit Guidance to get one or find it on the school
website.
Graduation Updates
For updates about the Graduation Ceremony, robes, and
awards, check the bulletin board outside the Staff Room
or drop into Guidance.
IN ORDER TO ATTEND GRADUATION, THE FEE OF
$45.00 MUST BE PAID BY MAY 20.

After the ceremony, take the cap and gown home with
you. Your grad gown and “mortarboard” are yours to
keep as a keepsake of this special event.
The Graduation Ceremony
Before
 You must arrive by 6:00 WITH YOUR GRAD CAP AND
GOWN.
 Find the approximate location of your seat on the posted
seating plans.
 Graduates should proceed to the floor of the arena.
 Parents and guests will sit in the arena stands.
 Please locate your seat by checking the name cards on the
seats. Sit in your assigned seat.
 Dispose of any gum and ensure that you are in your
assigned seat by 6:25.
 THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6:30.
During
 Award winners will be called to the platform. Please follow
the program and listen attentively as your name may be
called! Approach the platform from the left-hand side;
leave it from the right-hand side.
 When it is time to receive your diploma, you must take your
name card with you and hand it to the grad name reader.
At that time, you can choose to have your legal name or
preferred name read.
 Refrain from using communication devices (cell phones,
etc.) during the ceremony. Cameras are permitted.
After
 You and your invited guests are welcome to attend a
Reception on the floor of the arena.
 Take photos with your family, friends, and teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation Etiquette
Arrive on time!
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will be approximately two hours in length.
Turn off all cell phones, etc.
How many guests may I invite?
Each graduate may bring two or three guests to celebrate this
important event.
Avoid talking and chewing gum during the ceremony
What should I wear for the ceremony?
You will be wearing a gown for the ceremony, so you may choose
light-weight, semi-formal attire that is appropriate to the time of
year. Avoid excessive jewellery as it distracts from the gown. A white
shirt/blouse and dark coloured garments are recommended.
Always approach the platform from the left-hand side
and leave the platform from the right-hand side
Be attentive and always courteous
Please stay for the entire ceremony
GRADUATION:
After the ceremony, greet your teachers at the reception
Are jeans allowed?
It is recommended that jeans not be worn for three main reasons: (i)
your Graduation is a dignified celebration; therefore, semi-formal
attire is more suitable; (ii) your Graduation is a memorable milestone
in your life; therefore, your family, friends and other participants
expect you to look your best on this special evening; and, (iii) jeans are
made of denim, which is a heavy-weight fabric and can be very hot.
Ultimately, you will decide what to wear and what not to wear.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wear shoes that will be comfortable for the entire evening. Avoid
flip flops, high heels and running shoes as this is a formal evening
and you will have to go up and down stairs.
Can I bring my purse/bag?
Please leave all valuables at home, with your parents, or locked in
your vehicle. The school and/or the Magna Centre will not be
held responsible for lost or missing valuables.
What if my guests have accessibility requirements?
If your guests have special needs that need to be accommodated in
order for them to fully participate in the ceremony – such as a hearing
or vision impairment or a mobility difficulty – please inform Mr. Hilmer
in writing by May 1.
Please note: Graduates will receive their diploma
during the ceremony. Final report cards for all students
will be mailed home during the week of July 2.
A GUIDE
FORto the
Congratulations
Class
of 2013!
STUDENTS
AND
PARENTS/
GUARDIANS
Graduation Ceremony
Date:
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Time:
6:30 p.m.
Location: The Magna Centre
(Bobby Foran Arena)
800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
any member of the Williams’ Administration
or
Ms Lynn Weller
Administrative Assistant
Telephone: (905) 727-3131 ext. 157
Class of 2
Congratulations to the
Class of 2014!