Last month, approximately 720 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 62nd Graduate Ceremony on Wednesday, June 24 at the Club Regent Event Centre.
Approximately 127 grads heard from SJASD Board Trustee Cheryl Smukowich, who presented a number of student awards.
The JT Grad Choir sang “Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. Charley Petruskavich provided the Valedictorian address and Principal Adam Lister also delivered the Principal's Address.
Assistant Superintendent Jaime Siska also attended to recognize grads and distribute awards.
Vice Principals Nadia Cantafio and Jason Braun provided opening and/or closing remarks.
The following day, graduates and their families attended the Victoria Inn for a graduation dinner and dance.
Westwood Collegiate
On Monday, June 29, approximately 140 Westwood Collegiate grads gathered at the Centennial Concert Hall with their families to participate in a morning graduation ceremony.
Attendees enjoyed a choral performance of “Landslide" by Stevie Nicks. The Westwood band also performed the Convocation processional and recessional.
Assistant Superintendent Jaime Siska brought greetings from Senior Administration, while Principal Tammy Baydock addressed the audience.
Trustee Fiona Shiells also spoke on behalf of the School Board and distributed student awards. Mia Hoilett delivered the valedictorian address.
Vice Principal Scott Dempter provided closing remarks. Graduates and their families enjoyed their Grad Dinner and Dance later that day at the Victoria Inn.
Collège Sturgeon Heights CollegiateApproximately 314 graduates descended on the RBC Convention Centre for Convocation 2026 on Monday, June 29.
Attendees heard from Board Trustee Sandra Lethbridge, while Assistant Superintendent Jordana Buckwold brought greetings on behalf of Senior Administration.
Principal George Valentim also addressed the gathering, and attendees enjoyed a vocal performance of “Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield.
Chloe Hiebert provided the valedictorian address. Later that day, students and their families headed to the York ballroom for a grad dinner and dance.
St. James Collegiate Institute
St. James Collegiate Institute held their graduate ceremony on Wednesday, June 24 at the Victoria Inn.
Approximately 117 grads filed into the conference room. The Convocation kicked off with a traditional Honour Song, performed by the Indinawemaaganidog Drum Group.
Chair Tara Smith brought greetings from the School Board. Principal Roné Boyko addressed those gathered, and Matthew Gonda provided the valedictorian address.
After Superintendent and CEO Jenness Moffatt brought greetings from the Superintendent's Department, the SJCI choir performed “Celebrate This Life" by Sherry Blevins.
Attendees watched “The Passing of the Torch" between outgoing and incoming Student Council presidents—a long-time school tradition, and Vice Principal Jon Sorokowski provided closing remarks. The Grad Choir closed proceedings with a rendition of “When I Grow Up" by Tim Minchin. Students and their families enjoyed a Grad Dinner that evening in the South Centennial Room.
Jameswood Alternative School
Approximately 22 Jameswood graduates gathered to celebrate their graduation at the school on Tuesday, June 23.
Trustee Holly Hunter brought greetings from the School Board, parent A. Demler brought a message from parents, and teacher M. McCorquodale-Bauer addressed attendees. Senior Administrators also attended to celebrate Jameswood graduates.
Students were recognized for outstanding achievements in Creative and Critical Thinking, Aspirations, Character, Citizenship, and Universal Accomplishments.
Taylor Gilchrist provided the valedictorian address, and Principal Cheri Banks offered closing remarks.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a catered lunch.
