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Graduation

Aquinas 2023 Graduation Information

Graduation is the receiving of a diploma or the ceremony associated with it, in which students move on from secondary school to post-secondary. For some, it marks the beginning of adulthood and a new phase of their life. For many, it marks a farewell to STA and a celebration marking their ability to meet the expectations set out by the Ministry of Education. For all, it should be a proud and exciting day which you share with your family and friends.

 

Please view the Graduation Assembly presentation at the bottom of this page.

 

Who can graduate?

Students who meet the requirements of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or Certificate of Accomplishment.

 

Date & Venue

Thursday, June 29th, 7:00 p.m. – RBC Place (London Convention Centre)

The evening consists of two parts: A liturgy followed by the Graduation Ceremony. Students should arrive by 6:15p.m. (report to the 2nd floor). Students must remember to bring their gown and cap, which they picked up at school.  Each family may invite 4 people to attend, however, there should be room for extra tickets for any family members. Please contact Heather DeSando in Guidance at [email protected] to request more tickets.

 

Graduation Fees

A graduation fee of $100 is charged to students to cover the following elements of graduating:

  • Gown & Caps (to be kept by student)
  • Printing costs (diploma, invites, programs …)
  • Diploma Folder
  • Graduation Photo sitting fee, composite and proofs
  • Graduation tickets
  • Commemorative Crucifix
  • Graduation Day in June

** If you are not attending the Grad Ceremony the fee is $40 (included: Grad photo sitting fee, composite, diploma        cover and proofs).

 

All fees can be paid using School Cash Online. Fees are due on or before Friday, March 10th. If you are unable to use this service, please e-mail STA [email protected].

(There will be a $10 additional late fee after Friday, March 10th. After June 1st, there is a $50 non-refundable fee due to pre-paid contracts)

 

Graduation Photos

Graduation photos are completed by Edge Imaging. Portrait sittings take place on February 21-March 1 at STA. Students sign up for the portrait session online at bookmygrad.ca. Please use the St. Thomas Aquinas school code STQ. Every graduate needs to have a photo sitting for the school composite regardless of whether they intend to purchase a photo package. The sitting cost is included in the STA graduation fee.

 

Grad Day

On Tuesday, June 13th, all graduates will be recognized at a school liturgy during the school day. Students will receive their STA commemorative crucifix at the mass. This will be followed by a grade 12 workshop and picnic lunch. Attendance for these events is mandatory for all graduates. 

 

Valedictorian

A valedictorian is an individual selected by their classmates to deliver a closing or farewell statement at the graduation ceremony. At STA, it is a role which is voted upon by the graduating class to represent their sentiments at the conclusion of the ceremony. Grade 12 students can nominate another student who meets the valedictorian criteria by completing the nomination form (guidance office). Nominations need to be submitted by May 12th.

Please see the valedictorian criteria on the form to determine who is eligible and how to nominate a graduating student. 

 

Diplomas

Students will receive their diploma at the graduation ceremony. Students who are unable to attend the ceremony can pick up their diploma at the STA main office any day following the graduation ceremony.

The name that appears on the diploma must be the student's legal name. Nicknames or commonly used names are not allowed. Students have a choice of whether to include legal middle names and/or initials. The school will make provision for students to identify which names they prefer on their diploma and to ensure the correct spelling of their name.

 

Gown Orders

Students are responsible for indicating the size of gown they require for graduation. This is done when they pay their fee through School Cash Online. At this point they will be asked to input the required size based on their height. Special orders can be made through the office. Students can pick up their gowns on June 19 or later in the Guidance Office. Students must bring their gown and cap to the graduation evening.

 

If you have any further questions regarding grad, please contact the Vice Principal Jason Steffler at [email protected].