Optimism that students in the London region would be able to gather in-person for an end-of-school year celebration is dwindling after the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) announced it's moving forward with virtual graduation ceremonies.
The board issued a statement late Thursday stating it will proceed with online events for students completing Grades 8 and 12.
“Teachers, students and families have already put tremendous effort and time into organizing and preparing virtual ceremonies and those events will move ahead as planned,” said TVDSB Education Director Mark Fisher. “We need to celebrate this important milestone."
Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford said he would "make sure" all students in all grades got to partake in an in-person outdoor graduation ceremony this month, so kids could reconnect before the summer break. The provincial government later clarified the idea was a suggestion and not a requirement for school boards.
Thames Valley has not entirely ruled out in-person outdoor celebrations, stating it is exploring the possibility.
"With just weeks until the end of the school year, we are still waiting for details from the province about how in-person activities could take place while respecting existing public health guidelines,” said Fisher.
In the meantime, student trustees will be contacting students across the district to gather ideas for safe in-person activities.
The third wave of COVID-19 cases has kept Ontario students out of the classroom since mid-April. Schools will remain closed until September.
