Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Twenty-eight students are graduating from Jasper Junior Senior High School this year and three from École Desrochers.
Adding to all they've learned over 12 years is their strength in adapting to the changes in delivery of education over the last three months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leslie Currie, a classroom and learning support teacher at the high school said in a tribute to the students: “For the past 12 years [students] have been on a trajectory to graduate; learning and following rules, understanding expectations and working hard to fulfill requirements within a classroom setting.
"In the last three months or so [they] have had to make a dramatic pivot in order to achieve those expectations.”
The system of delivery has been different through Jasper schools since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, but education carries on.
In all five of the zones that make up the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, Jasper included, teachers have been teaching and supporting students through online learning, paper packages, and telephone support.
All core classes have continued in an online format with both live instruction and flexible schedule classroom learning.
Dr. Kelly Harding, assistant superintendent of board relations, communications, curriculum, instruction and assessment for GYPSD said online education has been highly successful - especially considering the parameters and sudden switch to this new format.
“Teachers are continuing to learn and expand their knowledge in teaching online,” she said in an email.
“Parents have also reached out to thank their school leaders and teachers for their care and work in the new format.”
The support provided includes resources for mental health, with tips for parents and caregivers to share with their children and teenagers about dealing with the pandemic. Nutrition packages are also available for pick up at schools, after filling out forms or by phoning or emailing the school.
Currie described Jasper’s graduating class as “leaders for our younger students”.
“[They] have had to reevaluate what finishing high school looks and feels like and have had to mourn the loss of a traditional graduation,” she said.
“We are so proud of the maturity, growth, and grit [they] have demonstrated. As a grad supervisor, I am honored to have been a part of it. Congratulations 2020 graduates.”
Although a traditional group ceremony isn't happening this year due to the pandemic, graduates will be honored in a different, adaptative way.
At an individual ceremony, each graduate, accompanied by their family, will be presented with a certificate by school principal, Mark Crozier in front of the school.
The scheduled ceremonies will take place over June 18 and 19 and each presentation will take ten to 15 minutes, complete with time for photos of the event.
There is no dress code; whether graduates choose to go formal or casual, each ceremony is a celebration of their milestone achievements.
At École Desrochers, a short diploma ceremony will be held on June 24 in front of the school and there will be time for photos with their families.
It is recommended that friends and other family members reach out to students individually, to congratulate them, in light of the COVID-19 protocols.
Pick up the Fitzhugh this Thursday for our Grad Special! See photos of the graduating students with valedictorian and head teachers’ speeches, plus messages of congratulations from the community.
