Commencement

Graduation Information You Need to Know

Important Dates
Awards & Scholarship Applications
Graduation Picture Dates
Ordering Caps & Gowns
Profile Cards
Valedictorian Selection
Community Service Hours
Guidance Resources

Important Dates

Commencement Timeline

📅 September Information

Provide Guidance with your personal email to ensure you receive all important communications. Sign up using the QR code.
Subscribe to this page for updates.

📅 October Dates

15 – University Application Seminar
📍 Block B – Library | ⏰ 10:50 AM
Sign up in Guidance before October 14th to learn about the application process and timelines. Guidance will support students through the entire process, including applying and accepting offers.16 – College Application Seminar
📍 Block B – Library | ⏰ 10:50 AM
Sign up in Guidance before October 14th for application details and timelines. Guidance will assist with applying and accepting offers.

📅 November Dates

5 – Career Fair
Meet representatives from Colleges, Universities, Employment Services, and Apprenticeship organizations. Students can ask pathway-related questions and sign up for workshops.

📅 January Dates

12–16 – Graduation Photos
12 - Scholarship Info Session
📍 Library | ⏰ 10:45 AM
Sign up in Guidance to attend.

📅 February Dates

9–13 – Graduation Photos
13 – Scholarship Applications ⏰ due by 3:00 PM

📅 March Dates

1 - Grad Gowns (online $17) ⏰ April 10
1 – TVEF Scholarships Open (online)
23 - Yearbooks (online) ⏰ June 5
31 – TVEF Scholarships Close

📅 April Dates

10 - Grad Gowns - last day to order ⏰ before 3:00 PM

Yearbook Quotes Due
Order Grad Gowns
Profile Card Forms sent to student personal emails

📅 May Dates

Valedictorian Voting Opens
Valedictorian Voting Closes (12 PM)
Profile Cards Due (by 3 PM)
Commencement Invitations emailed to students

📅 June Dates

5 - Yearbooks - last day to order ⏰before 3:00 PM

11 - Commencement Ceremony 📍 7 PM – 10 PM

🎂 Turning 18 in July or August?

Report to the office to complete a form with your personal contact information so you don’t miss important emails.

📅 July Information

Grade 12 students will receive a phone call and email with details about diploma pick-up.
✅ Make sure your contact information is up to date and check your email regularly.

Commencement Date and Time

📍 East Elgin Community Complex
📅 June 11, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM

Your official invitation will be sent to your email toward the end of May. It will include detailed instructions about:

Arrival times
Gown pick-up process
Guest information

Action Items for Graduates:

Ensure we have your personal email address on file.
Submit your volunteer hours, as this is a graduation requirement.

Awards and Scholarship Applications

📅 Opens in January 12
📅 Closes in February 13 ⏰3:00 PM
Funding Your Post-Secondary EducationPlanning for post-secondary education can feel overwhelming, but your school's Guidance team is here to help. They can assist by:

Identifying available awards, bursaries, and scholarships
Guiding you through the application process

EESS Student Awards/Scholarship Application
A link will be sent to your personal email. For more Thames Valley awards, bursaries, scholarships, and other resources, click {HERE}TVEF Scholarships
⏰Opens March 1
⏰Closes March 31

Graduation Pictures

📸 First Session:

📅 January 12–16

✅ Sign up online: www.bookmygrad.ca
✅Use school code: EEO - East Elgin Secondary School
✅Have your student number ready

👔 Dress Code: Wear a shirt and tie or a collared/v-neck shirt.

Photography by: Edge Imaging
📞 1-866-707-3343

Second Session for students who miss January Grad Photos

📸 Second Session:

📅 February 9–13

✅ Sign up online: www.bookmygrad.ca
✅Use school code: EEO - East Elgin Secondary School
✅Have your student number ready

👔 Dress Code: Wear a shirt and tie or a collared/v-neck shirt.

Photography by: Edge Imaging
📞 1-866-707-3343

Graduation Cap and Gown

📅 Opens in April

📅 Closes in May at 3:00 PM

💳 School Cash Orders
All orders must be placed under the student’s name to avoid lost gowns.

💬 Need Help with Costs?
Please reach out to school administration for support.

🎓 Gown Requirement
If you plan to attend Commencement, you must wear a gown.

📦 Gown Policy
Gowns are non-refundable and yours to keep after the ceremony.

Profile Cards

📅 Opens in April

📅 Closes in May ⏰ 3:00 PM

📧 Check Your Personal Email
Look for instructions on completing your profile card.

👤 Student Responsibility
This task must be completed by students only—no exceptions.

🎤 Why It Matters
The information you provide will be read aloud as you cross the stage at Commencement!

Valedictorian Nomination

📅 Voting opens and closes in May

📬 Check Your Email to Vote for Your Valedictorian! 🎓

🗳️ Voting Details:

Open to Grade 12 students in their graduating year
Nominee must be a current Grade 12 student
You may vote only ONCE
Final decision is subject to the Principal’s discretion

✅ Look for the voting link in your email and make your voice heard!

Did you Complete Your Community Hours?

View Volunteer Forms

Every student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Community Volunteer Suggestions:
Mennonite Thrift Store
519-765-1356
Junior Optimist Club
519-280-0592
Aylmer & District Horticulture Society
519-773-7220
Jabez Therapy Horse Ranch
519-854-7855

For more opportunities/information please visit our Community Service Hour bulletin board outside the Guidance Office.

To view community involvement hours that are eligible activities and ineligible activities

Please hand in to Guidance.

Emails

📧 Check your mail. Make sure to check your email regularly.

Guidance Resources

View and access helpful resources on:

College Resources
University Resources
Scholarship Information
Graduation Requirements
Volunteer Hour Form
Mental Health and Wellness