More than 1,500 Prince Edward Island youth will receive their high school diplomas at graduation ceremonies this week.
Approximately 1,200 students will graduate from English programs, 230 from French immersion, and 45 from French First Language programs. Another 20 students will graduate from High School Transition programs.
“High school graduation is the culmination of 12 years of education and an exciting time for the graduates as they reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie. “We are all very proud of them and thank the teachers and family members who helped them reach this significant milestone in their lives.”
Graduation ceremonies are planned for the following dates next week:
Thursday, June 22
- Westisle Composite High School
- Three Oaks High School
- Kinkora Regional High School
- Charlottetown Rural High School
- Montague Regional High School
- Morell Regional High School
- Souris Regional School
- Ecole La Belle-Cloche
- Ecole Francois-Buote
Friday, June 23
- Bluefield High School
Sunday, June 25
- Ecole Evangeline
Monday, June 26
- Colonel Gray Senior High
- Ecole Pierre-Chiasson
- Kensington Intermediate and Senior High School
Most graduation ceremonies feature a class valedictorian who delivers a farewell speech on behalf of his or her classmates. Many scholarships and awards are presented to recognize academic excellence and student contributions to school and community. The Governor General’s Medal is presented to the student at each school with the highest academic performance and the top five students with the highest aggregate marks are also recognized.
All school communities celebrate the graduates’ success through a prom, banquet, or community celebration. Safe Grad events are organized by many schools and are well attended.
“My wish for all graduates is to enjoy the celebrations,” Minister Currie said. “But most importantly, I hope everyone will stay safe, make smart decisions and have a plan so you can look back on these graduation memories for a lifetime.”
A 2016 survey of grade 12 students indicated that 51 per cent planned to go on to university following graduation, 16 per cent planned to attend college, 11 per cent planned to work for a year or more to save money for post-secondary education, 8 per cent planned to take a gap year to gain skills and experience. At least 5 per cent planned to return to high school to take courses or upgrade their marks, 3 per cent planned to enter the workforce permanently, and 2 per cent planned to start apprenticeships.
Backgrounder
To receive a high school diploma from the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture, students in English programs will have completed at least 20 high school courses in grade 10, 11, and 12. These include:
• three English courses (including one at the grade 12 level);
• at least two courses in each of math, science, social studies; and
• at least one course in each of physical education and career exploration.
Students in French First Language schools need to have completed a minimum of 25 credits with strong requirements in French Language arts , math and science and social studies.
Students in French immersion need to have completed a minimum of 20 credits with at least six courses in French. English, social studies, science, and math are also necessary.
Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education, Early Learning and Culture
902-314-5702,
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca