Hey Parents, Are You Ready?

The Highland Graduation Ceremony is Saturday, May 30th, and if you are one of those parents whose child comes home with all the information and is happy to share it with you (without any prompting), then congratulations! If that is your situation, you probably already know everything you need to know, and this newsletter is irrelevant (but still entertaining).

However, if your child is a great keeper of secrets, particularly ones related to school, please read on.

Informational Items

Grad Tickets

o   Grad fees are past due. Please note that grad tickets will not be released to your grad unless fees are paid. The fees cover the cost of the cap and gown, the grad ceremony, and various other grad activities.

o   Fees can be paid online through the MyEd BC parent portal. The instructions are attached. We also accept cash, cheque, visa, Mastercard and debit card in the office. If you wish to e-transfer, please send payment to highland@sd71.bc.ca and in the memo field please note the graduate’s name and that the money is for grad fees.

o   Tickets are available for pick up as of Monday, May 25th, once the $100 grad fee has been paid. Grads receive 6 tickets each.

o   Those that have requested extra tickets may have to come back later in the week to get the extra tickets if any are available.

Grad Rehearsal

o   Students are all expected to come to the grad rehearsal at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 29th, in the gym.

o   This is where grads will get their gowns for the ceremony and have a run-through of what to expect on grad day.

Graduation Day Schedule:   Saturday, May 30th, 2026

1:30 p.m.         All grads required onsite at the Filberg Park in Comox

2:00 p.m.         Commencement ceremony begins

4:00-4:15 p.m. Ceremony ends; students and parents mingle

4:15-4:30 p.m. Minuet and parent dances on the lower lawns

Note:  Parking can be chaotic, so I would encourage you to factor in time as you may have to walk a bit to the event.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation

How many tickets are issued to each grad? How do I obtain them?

Each grad will be issued 6 tickets on May 25th, which will gain entrance to either the Filberg Lodge site or the school gym. You may request more tickets by contacting the office, although there is no guarantee that you will receive them. You will not be given tickets if your grad fees are not paid. Any extra tickets will be distributed evenly among those who have put their names on the list for more. Please contact an administrator if the grad fee is an issue for your family.

**Please do not ask for the maximum number of tickets if you do not need them.**

I have heard that the ceremonies are going to be held outside – is this true?

Yes, weather permitting – the ceremonies will be held at the Filberg Lodge grounds. Please prepare for the weather in the event of cooler temperatures or a rain shower. It can also be quite hot in the sun, so a fan or a hat would be a good idea in the case of a hot day!

Is there a backup plan if the weather prohibits outdoor activities?

The alternative venue will be Highland’s gymnasium. Mr. Miller will decide by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29th, as to the appropriateness of the weather. The decision will be posted on the school website at that time if the venue needs to change to the gym. Remember, seating is limited in the gym due to fire regulations, and guests will not be admitted without the appropriate tickets.

What is the minuet?

We are lucky to have Maria Buckley return to volunteer her time to teach this traditional dance to the grads. Hailed as the event that unites the grad class, lessons began in late March. The minuet is not a “couples” dance and all participants must be Highland grads. Students have been encouraged to find partners who are committed to the practices and event.

Highland Administration

Minuet practice start on Monday, March 2nd at noon in the gym.  Practices will be Mondays & Wednesdays at lunch.

Highland grads have been performing this traditional minuet for decades – the Filberg Park grounds are the picture-perfect location for the graduation ceremony. Please watch the YouTube video:  Minuet Grad 2020

         

The Grad Class Attire program gives all students the opportunity to wear a lightly worn gown or suit on graduation day without the financial burden associated with purchasing a brand-new outfit or having one made for their milestone event.

Grade 12 students from all Comox Valley Schools can schedule an appointment for choosing and fitting an outfit.

The Grad Class Attire project operates out of Comox Valley Dodge at 278 North Island Highway (Old Canadian Tire building) on the following dates:

  • Saturday, November 22nd 10am-3:15pm​
  • Monday, January 19th 3:30-5:45pm​
  • Saturday, January 24th 10am-3:15pm​
  • Monday, February 23rd 3:30-5:45pm​
  • Saturday, March 14th 10am-3:15pm​
  • Monday, March 16th 3:30-5-45pm​
  • Saturday, April 18th 10am-3:15pm
  • Book Appointment: Use this Booking Link to schedule a fitting appointment.
  • When: Saturdays in 45 minute appointments
  • Where: Located on the second floor of Comox Valley Dodge at 278 N Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC.
  • Important: You must book an appointment to get access to the Grad Attire fitting space. Do not show up and ask to see the space.

Donations needed – quality clothing items and accessories are needed.

There is a huge demand for smaller sized suits, pants, shirts and accessories. Financial donations are also accepted to help offset costs to repair, or purchase required items students may need.

Donations can be dropped off at Comox Valley Dodge Monday-Saturday between 9am to 5pm

If you have any questions or would like to donate, please email Kelley Giorgianni or phone 250-338-2110

Special thanks to the team at Comox Valley Dodge for their incredible donation of the space for the fittings and home of the SD 71 Grad Attire Program. We are very grateful for this generous gesture!