Dear Students and Parents of the Class of 2025,

We are excited about the celebrations for graduates in the coming week. With this, we want to ensure that we have safe and enjoyable activities and ask that students and families pay attention to the following details.

June 10-14

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 13

Leavers’ Chapel:

The Leavers’ Chapel service will take place in Ashbury’s historic 113-year-old chapel. The service will involve messaging and music from students and staff. The service is for students only and will begin at 5:15 p.m. sharp. Following the service, students will gather on the front steps for the Pinning Ceremony.

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 p.m. that evening. This brief ceremony and reception will take place in front of the school, or indoors depending on the weather and will conclude by 7:30 p.m. The dress code for this event is semi-formal.

Saturday, June 14

Senior School Closing Ceremony:

For the Closing Ceremony, all members of the Class of 2025 are required to gather in full number one school uniform between 8:45-9:00 a.m. 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 a.m. 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 a.m. with locations to be communicated to each grade level. The ceremony will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. 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.

Parking is limited and families are asked to rideshare, walk or bike where possible. If parking in the neighbourhood, please respect parking regulations.

Graduation Dinner and Dance:

We are fortunate to be able to host the Graduation Dinner and Dance in one of the most beautiful locations in the National Capital Region–the Haida Gwaii Salon in the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of History. 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 (other than small purses) are permitted in the venue.
• The celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. with refreshments.
• Guests are not permitted to smoke or use any cannabis or vaping products at the event or in the vicinity.  
• 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 provide alcohol to students.
• All guests should ensure that nobody drives a vehicle impaired.
• Families hosting events before, 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 the safety of 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.

Parents should speak to their children about their plans for the evening – before, during, and after the various celebrations.

Bonne fin de semaine à toutes et à tous!

Sincerely,

Mr. Norman Southward