Graduation Ceremony Guideline.pdf

Graduation Ceremony Guideline 1. Introduction There's no greater recognition of a graduate's achievements than a high school graduation ceremony, or commencement. High school graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have earned a diploma by successfully completing the required course of study, satisfying set standards, and passing any required assessments. EPS believes that these students deserve the privilege of a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives. Accordingly, EPS has decided to organize a properly designed graduation ceremony to recognize the significance of the achievements accomplished by EPS students and that reflect the dignity of the occasion. To this effect, this "graduation ceremony guidelines" is prepared. 2. Graduation ceremony 2.1. General The graduation ceremony will provide a program of both reflective and celebratory moments all focused on the graduating class and its accomplishments. Graduates and their guests are expected to take this ceremony seriously and respect each senior's moment as he / she receives a diploma. In order to provide a proper decorum and everyone's enjoyment of the program in its entirety, the following guidelines must be observed and will be enforced. These guidelines and standards of conduct are to be communicated to graduating students and their parents or guardians. Note: Participation in the graduation ceremony is a PRIVILEGE. It is not a RIGHT. 2.2. Eligibility to participate in the ceremony 

High school students who have completed "Preparatory Level Education" at EPS.

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All other school obligations such as fees, fines, items to be returned, etc must be paid and cleared prior to school check-out.

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Attend all graduation ceremony practices in their entirety. Attendance is mandatory at practices unless waived by the principal. Work schedules must be arranged to permit full attendance at each practice.

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All school rules apply to Graduation practices and exercises. Students and parents alike must assume responsibility to be in compliance with all the rules and regulations set forth in the EPS regulation book.

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A student who is externally suspended or expelled (but allowed to sit for the national exam) will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

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In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the principal may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules. Prior to denial of the privilege, the student, and where practicable his/her parent/guardian, shall be made aware of the grounds for such denial and shall be given an opportunity to respond. If a privilege is to be denied, the student and parent/guardian shall receive written notice of the denied privilege and the means whereby he/she may appeal the decision.

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Strict deadlines shall be met in order to properly run the program.

2.3. Graduation exercises / practices 

This exercise is MANDATORY. A potential graduate will be denied of the graduation ceremony participation if he / she fails to attend this exercise.

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Graduates must practice their lineup (alphabetical order) , how to walk across the stage, how to collect their diplomas, how to behave during the ceremony, etc.

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The school dress code (school uniform) applies at all practices.

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Practices / rehearsals shall be conducted on Saturdays.

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Graduation gowns will be handed out during the final practice day after students fulfilled all requirements.

3. Ceremony 3.1. Invitation letter: 

Graduating students do not need an invitation letter.

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The school shall issue invitation letters to invited guests.

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Invitation letters will also be issued to all parents / guardians of the graduates in order to attend the graduation ceremony.

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In instances where seating-capacity of the graduation ceremony facility is limited, schools may limit the number of attendees per graduates.

3.2. Ceremony Etiquette While recognizing the importance of the graduation ceremonies, it is the intent of the school to maintain high standards of conduct for students and guests attending the event. Students and guests in attendance are requested to be respectful of the formality of the occasion and refrain from celebrations that are disruptive. In order to ensure that all graduates' names are clearly heard by the audience, it is requested that applause and other forms of student recognitions be withheld until after all graduates have received their diplomas. In keeping with the formality of the occasion and the milestone that the ceremony reflects, students and guests are requested to dress appropriately for the occasion. While formal dress is not required (parents / guardians), modest dress in keeping with the significance of the occasion is requested. Examples of casual attire considered inappropriate for this occasion include: t-shirt, cut-off tops, body revealing cloths, sneakers / sport shoes, etc. While on school grounds, students and visitors shall observe the rules, regulations and conduct codes that are applicable to the normal operational procedures for school events. The school principal and designees have the authority to request removal of anyone who is disruptive or fails to follow established procedures. The school shall not direct invocations, prayers, or benedictions at graduation ceremonies. 3.2.1. Guests' Guidelines

The following are general guidelines provided to guests / visitors.   

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As graduation is a more formal and somber, it is better to replace whooping and hollering with applause. The handing out of diplomas is a quick and orderly process. Make sure that when you show pride in your graduate (child), you aren't drowning out the recognition of another. Life's milestones deserve everyone's full attention. Turn off your cell phones and resist the urge to text until the entire ceremony is over. Remain in your seat until the last students receive their diplomas so that they feel properly acknowledged. No guest / visitor is allowed in the area where the graduates are lined up for processional. Do not block or stand in the aisles or ramps to take pictures. Only EPS approved photographers are permitted on the floor. No helium balloons, air-horns and laser pointers are allowed.

3.2.2. Graduates' Guidelines The following are general guidelines provided to graduates.         

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Wearing the traditional graduation cap and gown is mandatory. Make sure gown has been pressed before graduation ceremony. The graduation cap is worn flat on the head, parallel to the floor. The front point of the cap should be centered on the forehead. The graduation gown should fall midway between the knee and ankle. No alterations of cap or gown whatsoever will be allowed. There will not be extra gowns or caps on hand. Therefore, make sure that you bring yours to the ceremony. Graduates should remove their graduation caps during the school song and the National Anthem. Tassels are usually worn on the right side and shifted to the left in unison with the class when seniors are declared graduates after receiving their diplomas. Men generally wear dark trousers and dress shirts and ties under their graduation gowns. Wear good dress shoe. Any facial hair must be clean and / or well groomed and not distracting or conspicuous. Women generally wear lightweight dresses or blouses and skirts that do not hang below their graduation gowns. The wearing of heels is strongly discouraged because of the difficulty in walking on a ramp and/or steps. Flowers and jewelry should not be worn on the academic gown. Graduates should bring only their program into the seating area. It is highly recommended that no purses be brought to the ceremony. There will not be any provisions made for storing purses or other valuables belongings such as cameras, mobile phones, etc. during the ceremony. So do not bring them. The following items are NOT acceptable regardless of color, style, newness or cost: jeans, sneakers, combat boots, shorts, t-shirts, etc. Any graduate who has a question about appropriate dress should contact the school management. The administration will conduct a visual check of all graduates for inappropriate attire prior to the beginning of the graduation ceremony. Graduates who arrive inappropriately attired will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony. All school regulations regarding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc will be enforced in order to ensure the safety of graduates and their guests. Any graduate whose behavior detracts from the dignity of the ceremony will be removed by the school officials or designated authority. While participating in the graduation ceremony, students should fully understand that they are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified manner and represent their school, themselves and their parents responsibly and appropriately

3.3. Venue  

The venue for the graduation ceremony shall be the respective school campuses or rented facilities. The venue shall be indicated on the invitation letter.

3.4. Punctuality    

Events are scheduled to begin at a certain time. However, the time the event ends depends on the prompt arrival of all concerned. Graduating students are expected to report one hour before the scheduled ceremony beginning time. Students who are not on time may cause a delay or be removed from the procession. This is particularly true of the ceremony. It is the student's responsibility to make all the necessary arrangements to attend on time the practices and the ceremony.

3.5. Seating Arrangement  

Floor seating arrangement will be available only for invited dignitaries, graduating seniors, school staffs, and other invited guests (parents / guardians). Seating areas will be arranged as per the category of the invitees. * Dignitaries * Company and school Management * Teachers (Preparatory Level only) * Graduating students (alphabetical order) * Parents / Guardians

3.6. Photography     

The school will arrange for an official photographer. The designated photographer will photograph each graduate individually upon receiving his / her diploma and congratulations from the dignitaries / Principal. The school will inform the graduates when photos are ready for ordering. Graduates / parents can place an order for any picture or number of copies directly from the designated photographer. Parents will not be permitted on the stages during the ceremony for pictures. After the ceremony, parents and guests are invited to meet their graduate on the field (outside), where pictures may be taken.

3.7. Activities 3.7.1. Event Facilitators / Organizers   

School management Grade 11 students and/ or other grade students Music club (Details shall be prepared)

3.7.2. Entrance Procedure 

Invited guests (parents / guardians) will take their designated places.

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Dignitaries accompanied by Company & School management will take their designated places. * It has to be a "Must Attend" event by all school management (directors, deputy directors, dept heads, administrators, etc)

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Teaching staffs will take their designated places (appropriate attire, dress code, is mandatory). * It has to be a "Must Attend" event for all preparatory level school teachers.

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Graduating seniors will march through the hall and take their designated places.

3.7.3. Ceremony Introductions 

Introductory speech - by the facilitator * Welcoming speech * Introducing dignitaries and other guests * Introducing the program

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The National Anthem shall be played * All shall rise and graduating students shall take off their caps.

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The School song shall be played (music club students)

3.7.4. Speeches 

School management speech (10 min) School director

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Keynote speeches (one person) (15 - 20 min) Guest speakers to be invited by the school or students (preferably from parents) Speech topic shall be decided by the speaker or suggested by the school / company

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Valedictorian speech (15 min) To honor superior academic achievement, graduation ceremonies shall include recognition of valedictorian(s) and salutatorian(s). The valedictorian, the highest-ranking academic student in the graduation class, usually speaks. Valedictorian(s) and salutatorian(s) shall be selected based on established criteria and procedures that use multiple measures of academic performance. However, the graduating class can elect its Valedictorian as it pleases. All presentations and speeches presented by students must have prior approval of the school principal. NOTE: Invocations and/or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies. Ceremonies or programs involving prayer for graduates shall not be sponsored or approved by the school.

3.7.5. Diploma Distribution  

Graduates' names shall be called upon by the facilitator in alphabetical order in the same way that students are seated (lined up). Diplomas shall be handed out to graduates by the invited guest (key note speaker) or Company CEO or its representative.

3.7.6. Official declaration 

After receiving their diplomas, seniors are declared "Graduates" (by the Principal of the school) and the tassels of the cap shall be shifted to the left in unison.

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CELEBRATION !!!

3.7.7. Exit Procedure 

The exit procedure shall be in the following order: * Graduating students * Dignitaries accompanied by Company & School management * Teaching staffs * Invited guests (parents / guardians) Note: The whole graduation ceremony program (without the cocktail) shall be completed within Two hours

4. Cocktail reception  Without alcohol Note: The cocktail program shall be completed within One hour.

End of Ceremony