Dear Students and Parents of the Class of 2022,

We are delighted to be able to re-capture the celebrations for graduates in the coming week which were significantly altered over the past two years. With this we want to ensure that we have safe and enjoyable activities over the next week and ask that students and families pay attention to the following details.

June 13-19

Students are asked to go home following exams or school activities next week. We ask that day students do not congregate on campus after school hours or events. All school rules remain in effect for school closing events and we look forward to a positive end to the school year.  

Friday, June 17

The Leaver’s Chapel service will take place in Ashbury’s historic 110-year-old chapel. The service will involve messaging and music from students and staff. The service is for students only and will begin at 5:00 pm sharp for Alexander and Connaught Houses and at 5:30 pm for Woollcombe and New Houses. We ask students to gather promptly at 4:45 pm in the CLC to prepare for the Leaver’s Chapel service. Following the second Chapel service students will gather on the front steps for the pinning ceremony.

The  Pinning Ceremony is hosted by the College and the Ashbury Alumni Association, and is an opportunity for alumni to welcome graduates to the alumni community with families present at 6:00 pm that evening. This brief ceremony and reception will take place in front of the school, or in an adjacent tent depending on the weather and will conclude by 7:30 pm. The dress code for this event is business casual.

Saturday, June 18

• Closing Ceremony: Class of 2022 to meet in Anderson Gym by 9:00 am

All members of the Class of 2022 are required to gather in full school uniform between 8:45 – 9:00 am in the Anderson Gym to line up alphabetically and to receive a lapel flower to be worn for the ceremony. The ceremony begins at 9:30 am for all students in Grades 9-12. Grade 9-11 students will meet with their TAG teachers to prepare for the procession at 9:00 am with locations to be communicated to each grade level. The service will conclude at approximately 11:30 am and official photographs will be taken of each graduate and award winner. Parents and guests are asked to remain seated for the ceremony. Any requests for guests beyond immediate family should be communicated to info@ashbury.ca.

• Graduation Dinner, Dance & Celebrations Expectations for Students and Guests

We are fortunate to be able to host the event in one of the most beautiful locations in National Capital Region – the Haida Gwaii Salon in the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of History. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable event please be reminded of the following guidelines.    

• The venue has strict policies regarding security. The museum has general security checks required for all guests – no bags are permitted in the venue.
• COVID screening is required prior to entering the main venue and we ask anyone with symptoms to please remain at home. Please click here to access the screening form.
• The celebration begins at 6:00 pm with refreshments.
• Guests are not permitted to smoke or use any cannabis or vaping products at the event.  
• Students arriving impaired will be asked to go home escorted by families or with an adult.    
• The venue requires, as this is a school graduation event and the majority of our students are not of the age of majority, that parents or other guests do not to provide alcohol to students.
• All guests should ensure that nobody drives a vehicle impaired.
• Families hosting events prior to, or following graduation celebrations are reminded of their responsibilities and liabilities in social hosting, particularly when hosting minors and the use of alcohol. We want to ensure safety for all concerned.

The Graduation dinner and dance ends at midnight and students and guests are encouraged to enjoy this special evening together. There are no school-sanctioned events scheduled and students are asked not to be on campus or the immediate school area after graduation events either late that evening or on Sunday unless returning directly to boarding.  

Parents should speak to their children about their plans for the evening – before, during and after the various celebrations we prioritize safety and an enjoyable time for all.   

Sincerely,

Mr. Norman Southward