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Congratulations SJASD Grads

July 09, 2025
​Last month, approximately 646 students received their diplomas from all five SJASD high schools. Students and their loved ones, along with staff and dignitaries, gathered for convocation ceremonies marking this momentous occasion. See a snapshot of festivities below.

Thank you as always to staff and volunteers for supporting these milestone ceremonies. 

John Taylor Collegiate

John Taylor Collegiate students participated in the 61st Graduate Ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at the Club Regent Event Centre. Over 110 grads heard from SJASD Board Vice Chair Sandy Lethbridge, who presented a number of student awards. The JT Grad Choir sang “Painted on Canvas." Aaron Whittaker provided the Valedictorian address and Principal Adam Lister also delivered the Principal's Address. Director of Inclusion Support Services and Accessibility Potoula Locken also attended to recognize grads and distribute awards. Vice Principals Nadia Cantafio and Lori Edwards provided opening and closing remarks respectively. Graduates and their families headed over to the Victoria Inn later that day for a graduation dinner and dance.

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Westwood Collegiate

Also on Wednesday, June 25, over 130 Westwood Collegiate grads gathered at the Centennial Concert Hall with their families to participate in a morning graduation ceremony. Attendees enjoyed choral and band performances. Superintendent and CEO Jenness Moffatt brought greetings from Senior Administration, while Principal Kevin Dueck addressed the audience. Trustee Sheryl Smukowich attended on behalf of the School Board and distributed student awards. Of note, this was the last graduation ceremony for Principal Dueck, Vice Principal Barry Wiess and long-time band teacher Greg Edwards, who all retired at the end of the school year. Graduates and their families enjoyed their Grad Dinner and Dance the following day at the Victoria Inn.

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Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate

Over 270 graduates descended on the RBC Convention Centre for Convocation 2025 on Thursday, June 26. Attendees heard from Trustee Tara Smith, while Sandra Melo—Director of Curriculum, Assessment, Professional Learning, and Community Support—distributed student awards on behalf of Senior Administration. Principal George Valentim also addressed the gathering and attendees enjoyed vocal performances. Later that day, students and their families headed to the York ballroom for a grad dinner and dance.

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St. James Collegiate Institute

St. James Collegiate Institute held their graduate ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at the Victoria Inn. Over 100 grads filed into the conference room. The Convocation kicked off with a traditional Honour Song, performed by SJASD Knowledge Keeper North Star. Trustee Angela Dunn brought greetings from the School Board. Principal Kyle Lizotte addressed those gathered, and Ira provided the valedictorian address. After the SJCI choir performed “A Million Dreams" by Pasek and Paul. Assistant Superintendent Jordana Buckwold distributed awards on behalf of Senior Administration. Finally, attendees watched “The Passing of the Torch" between outgoing and incoming Student Council presidents—a long-time school tradition. Students and their families enjoyed a Grad Reception that evening in the South Centennial Room.
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Jameswood Alternative School

Approximately 23 Jameswood graduates gathered to celebrate their graduation at the school on Tuesday, June 24. Trustee Craig Glennie brought greetings from the School Board, while Principal Walt Lipinski addressed attendees. The long-time educator retired at the end of June after an extraordinary 44 years in public education. Senior Administrators attended to show support for Jameswood graduates, include Superintendent and CEO Jenness Moffatt, Assistant Superintendent Jordana Buckwold, and Director of Curriculum, Assessment, Professional Learning, and Community Support Sandra Melo. Students were recognized for outstanding achievements in Creative and Critical Thinking, Aspirations, Character, Citizenship, and Universal Accomplishments. The Darryl Johnson Memorial Award was also awarded to a deserving student. After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a catered lunch.

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