Commencement 2021

Wondering what's happening with Commencement 2021 at Northern? We've done our best to answer all of your questions below:

What items will students receive from the school and when? Every grad has the opportunity to purchase a $25 grad package, which will include a cap/gown/tassel/V-stole with school colours to keep, a Northern school pennant, and a hard-cover commencement memory book. Graduation books will be distributed in the fall to ensure we can include photos and awards in the permanent record of the ceremony. Click here to purchase the grad package through School Cash Online. Any family facing financial concerns is asked to reach out to Adam directly.

When can students pick up their Grad Packages? Pickups will take place on Tuesday through Friday (Jun 22-25) between 9am and 3pm. Students will register in groups of 15 students every half hour, using the booking system that is used for parent-teacher interviews. Click here to sign up.

Will grad photos happen? 
Yes in two ways:
  1. Professional grad photo sessions by Edge Imaging will take place at an off-site studio (255 Yorkland Blvd, North York, ON M2J 1S3) from July 5-16, 2021. Please reschedule any previous appointment (see email sent by Edge Imaging) so your sitting fee carries over. If you haven't yet, sign up here. If you have any further questions- please email our photo contact at Edge: Holly Wiseman 
  2. School grad photos will be taken when students arrive at their appointed time on June 22-25 for grad package pickup. Students will receive a cap and gown to put on over their clothes. We will take a headshot for the commencement memory book and for a composite to be hung in the school. There will also be Northern themed backdrops students and families can use to take fun keepsake photos of their own. ​

What should students wear for their school grad photo (on package pickup day)? The photos will be head and shoulders to show your gown/v-stole. Many chose to wear a shirt and tie underneath but it is at your discretion. The gown is black, and V-stole is blue/red/yellow.  White or black are good choices for a top to keep the photos looking formal. These photos go in the commencement book and on the school wall in the composite photo. 

​When will Commencement happen? A one-hour commencement video, including photos and videos of students, teachers and the school, speeches, and grads will be aired on Monday, June 28 at 7 pm. It will have a private link to a YouTube channel that families can access and share with relatives. Click here for the invitation. The link to the video will be sent to all Grade 12 families on June 28.

Why will the video be shown on that date? This date is the soonest that commencement can happen (after credit recovery and marking is completed for Quad 4). If we were in person, the actual commencement ceremony was planned to be at U of T's Convocation Hall on June 28.

Will there be any live aspect to the video? No, TDSB has determined that all videos will be fully pre-recorded to ensure security, reliability, and equity.

What about grad hoodies? The deadline for the second order of grad hoodies has passed. They will be shipped directly to students' homes in July.

What about lawn signs? Not all of our students have a lawn, and we wanted our grads to have something to keep. So, last year and this year, we are ordering Northern pennants to go in the grad package.

Can we use the field for an outdoor grad or other activities to end the year? Northern does not have freedom to use school grounds and facilities in any way that contradicts TPH or Ministry guidelines for social gatherings. Though the Ministry has allowed outdoor graduations, with a graduating class of 400, it is not possible to do in-person within current restrictions. 

​When will grads get their diplomas, yearbooks, and commencement books? These items will not be ready for pickup before the school year ends. Northern is considering several options for pick up (Thanksgiving weekend) and will determine those dates and any other activities that would be possible to host within TPH guidelines closer to the date. The desire is to make it as meaningful an experience as possible.

Graduation Celebration Checklist

Welcome to a place to be inspired to make your graduation celebration memorable! Use what suits your family, and send us ideas of your own to add to the list as well - we welcome your contributions and suggestions to nss.school.council@gmail.com!

Where to order... ​
Special touches
  • When shopping for food or supplies ask for Graduation Specials as many vendors are offering them (for example see Baskin Robbins in the list above). 
  • Download some playlists - NSS Music has a multi-genre curated playlist called "Knight Tracks". Playlists are out on Spotify and Apple Music every Monday. Visit @nssmusic on Instagram.
  • Make your own graduation cap
  • Use red, yellow, and blue decorations like balloons, streamers, plates, napkins etc. available from local party supply stores (see list above)
  • Include sparklers, noisemakers, etc.​
  • Get tips on How to host a virtual Graduation party - tips from Martha Stewart

Meal ideas
  • Wine and cheese
  • Invite another grad family to view together outside with refreshments 

Dessert ideas
  • Red, yellow, blue cupcakes
  • Make your own ice cream sundaes
  • Order a custom cake or cupcakes (links in the top section above)

Memories and Messages
  • Photo display, photo book of your graduate through the years
  • Nostalgia notes: "What was happening in 2003?" 
  • Kudoboard - Set up a unique card - select a design, add content like text, photos, videos, etc. and then invite others to contribute (or keep it between you and the recipient). When ready, deliver it to your recipient (online, as a print, or in slideshow form).

Gift Ideas