​​Dear Grade 12 Students and Families,

Congratulations! Graduation is just around the corner. The road to this celebration started almost 13 years ago, and you are now on the brink of one of life’s major milestones – high school graduation!

While this time in your life is about celebrating all that you have achieved and overcome, it also opens the door to a new horizon – whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing further education, exploring new opportunities, or continuing to grow as an adult in your own unique way. As your final months with the North Vancouver School District come to an end, we hope you, along with your family and friends, experience this period safely, healthily, and positively.

At this time of year, we remind grads and families about non-school sanctioned grad events that occur across the North Shore. These events – such as Gotcha, Grad Kidnap, Grad Skip Day, Car Rallies, and other unsanctioned celebrations – are not organized or supervised by school staff and may sometimes involve inappropriate or illegal activities (e.g., underage drinking, drug use, nudity, property damage). These activities can also lead to unexpected risks, particularly when moments are captured on cell phones and shared on social media. Once photos or videos are posted online, they are extremely difficult to remove and could have devastating, long-term consequences for students applying for post-secondary education or career opportunities.

It's also important to note that not all students choose to participate in these non-sanctioned events. However, families are sometimes led to believe that these activities are school-supported or that all students are involved, which can inadvertently influence their support. We encourage open conversations at home to ensure decisions are based on accurate information and reflect what’s genuinely best for each student.

Out of concern for student safety, we urge you to be mindful of the potential unintended consequences of your behaviour and actions at such events. We want every student to finish the year strong, with high attendance, staying engaged in school activities, and proud of their accomplishments. This is a time to be confident in the way you’ve represented yourselves, your families, and your schools.

As you celebrate with friends and loved ones, please do so responsibly. The North Vancouver School District is fortunate to have exceptional Grade 12 students who serve as excellent role models and leaders in our community. We want to ensure that your graduating year remains as celebratory and safe as possible, and we thank you for your understanding, support, and co-operation.

Sincerely,

Sarah Best

District Principal, Safe and Healthy Schools

A print copy of this letter​ is available.