Hello parents, guardians and other VIPs!
My name is Duane and I am the Chinook admin who looks over graduation. The purpose of this email is to give you some details about the grad events we will be hosting this year. If you have any questions about any of this, please let me know!
Grad Gala
Friday, May 10th
University of Lethbridge Phys Ed Building
Open to all grade 12 students and their families. The grads will sit at tables in the centre, families and the +1s will sit in the audience. Their +1s will then join the grads when the program is over for the dance and appetizers.
5:30-6:20 – Mix and Mingle (Photo opportunities with backdrops on the concourse of the University of Lethbridge)
6:20-6:40 – Guests take their seats in the bleachers while the Graduates line up in alphabetical order (in lower concourse)
6:40-6:45 -- Welcome
6:45-7:25 – Introduction of Grads (Grads will be called one by one onto the stage for a photo and proceed around the gym and then to stand behind their chair at their designated table)
7:30-8:20 – Program (Introductions, speeches and replies, grad video)
Clearing of the North bleachers will occur before the first dance (any family members sitting in these bleachers will be asked to clear the bleachers during this time grads and families can go up to the concourse or down onto the floor by the tables to visit and take pictures)
8:40- 11:00 – Dance
- First dance with the parents/guardians/special person.
- Second dance with date and/or friend.
- Third dance for ALL GRADS and +1s –This will be the chosen theme song voted on by the Graduates.
*** Appetizers will be served for Grads and their +1s after the first three songs (approximately 9:00)
Ticket sales will run from March 11th to 20th
$60 for students (every student is allowed a +1, who will also pay $60)
$10 for parents/family - limit of 8. After March 20th we will see if there are any leftover tickets and will offer a second round of sales around the middle of April. These sales will be first-come first-serve and will go until there are none left.
5 years old and under are free
All sales on School Cash Online or in person at our office
- The $10 guest tickets are for general admission to attend the event. These tickets are good for arena seating during the event and access to the dance floor after the formal portion of the evening for the first couple of family dances. These tickets do not grant access for the appetizers or access to the dance floor after the couple parent/guardian dances are over. All guests are welcome to stay if they wish past the formal portion of the evening to watch the dance from the arena seated area.
- Only our graduating students and their plus one (if not a Chinook student) will have access to the appetizers and the dance floor for the evening with the purchase of their ticket at $60.
- Tickets are advanced purchase only; no tickets will be available at the door at the University!
- $10 tickets will be taken at the door and guests will be issued a stamp for reentry should they need to leave briefly.
- $60 grad and plus one tickets will also be taken at the door and these tickets will come with a wristband that must be worn to access backstage and the appetizers.
- Tickets will be available for pick up at the school prior to the event.
- All grade 12 students are eligible to participate in the Gala which is a celebration of 13 years of school!
- As mentioned, appetizers will be served to graduates and their +1 after the program. This will be at approximately 9:00 pm. It is important that students and all guests have dinner before they attend the event.
Convocation
June 26th
Chinook High School Gym
1:00 – 3:30
- Convocation is a celebration of those students who met all the requirements set out by Alberta Education. This does mean that those students who do not meet all requirements will be ineligible to participate in the convocation celebration. If you are unsure of your student’s standing, please reach out to their advisor or to Duane Piper in the main office.
- Each grad is permitted up to 4 guests.
- This is a ticket upon entry event. Tickets are free. Tickets will be distributed to students when they pick up their cap and gown, in June.
- Graduates should be in the school by no later than 12:30 to allow for alphabetization and organization in the west hallways.
- As the event is approximately 2 ½ hours in duration, the gym can get very warm and the bleachers rather uncomfortable. As such, please carefully consider guests ability to remain comfortable with the seating, duration and temperature.
- We understand that 4 tickets are not a lot, particularly for those families who are large or split but we have a maximum occupancy for the gym that must be adhered to.
- We will be streaming the event live on our Chinook YouTube channel to allow for anyone unable to attend in person, to still view and celebrate.
- Convocation fees are now attached to your child's School Cash Online and are due on the last day of April. The fee of $55 covers the cap and gown (grads keep both) as well as the cover for their diploma.
With all this information in mind, we continue to stress to our students the importance of continuing to stay focused on finishing the school year and finishing their courses strong. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Your student’s advisor or the front office can direct you to the appropriate person to answer any questions.
Thank you for your support over the years. Your support of your student and the school makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Duane Piper
