160 Nelson Road

Saskatoon, SK S7S 1P5

Phone: 306-683-7950
Fax: 306-657-3946
E-mail: centennialschool@spsd.sk.ca
. . . Home of the Chargers

May 10th, 2018

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our schools know all too well, what an incredible accomplishment it is for a student to receive a high school
diploma. This journey of growth and learning should be celebrated with family members and friends.

One part of this celebration is the cap-and-gown graduation ceremony, which the school provides for all families
to recognize the academic and personal achievement of our graduates. Following this, many schools have
traditionally hosted a banquet organized by our schools’ staff members, who volunteer a great deal of time to
planning and executing a worthy event. However, with the growing expectations and costs that accompany the
banquet, Saskatoon Public Schools’ collegiates have unanimously decided to discontinue organizing graduation
banquets. This decision will be in effect for the 2018-19 school year.

A number of reasons have contributed to this decision. Firstly, a graduation banquet is intended to be a
celebration for all graduates and their families. However, the increasing cost of attending has made this event
prohibitive for some families. The associated costs are more than just the banquet tickets; grad pictures, after-
grad tickets and the rental of tuxedos or purchase of a formal outfit add to the expense. The total cost of the
grad experience has created a financial hardship for some families in every school and has left some students
unable to participate. This is contrary to our goal to offer a collective celebration of all graduates.

Secondly, organizing the event has become increasingly complex. Some high schools have banquets in excess of
1,000 people, which takes a team of staff volunteers to coordinate the event that families have come to expect.
Entertainment, power point presentations of graduates, speeches/toasts and grand marches contribute to the
level of complexity and work. The volunteer time of our staff can be better spent on the numerous clubs, sports
and music/band events that have a year-long impact on the life of the school and the lives of our students.

Thirdly, the vast majority of people who attend the banquet do so in the spirit of fellowship and celebration.
Unfortunately, not everyone chooses to participate in a safe and respectable manner. This leaves staff members
who are supervising the event in the difficult position of dealing with the situation. It has become challenging
to host an event that is safe and celebratory for all in attendance.

Lastly, some families are increasingly looking for a more intimate celebration with loved ones. Rather than
attend an event with hundreds of people, these families have organized their own celebration that allows them
to be more inclusive of all their family members and close friends to share in the occasion.

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We understand that grad banquets are a tradition that many students and families have looked forward to
sharing. However, given our schools’ commitment to provide equitable and safe opportunities that are in the
best interest of all students, we believe this is the most appropriate way going forward. Collegiates will continue
to host cap-and-gown ceremonies, as there are minimal costs associated with hosting this event.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sincerely,

Cody Hanke
Principal

cc. Dean Newton, Superintendent of Education