1. Congratulates the Class of 2015
EDHS
Congratulates the
Class of 2015

2. GRAD MEETING
APRIL 7th, 2015

3. AGENDA Material Distribution OSAP Information
Community Service Hours Reminder
Bursary/Merit Awards Information
Graduation Ceremony

4. OSAP Information Go to osap.gov.on.ca to create account
New applications usually available May 1st
Do not use the 2014 application
Must have detailed tax information for self and for parents/guardians
Use the “Aid Estimator” to estimate how much you will get and what information you will need
30% Off Ontario Tuition Program  you must apply for OSAP to be eligible (parents’ combined income < $160,000)

5. Community Hours 40 Hours Form is required for an OSSD
University and Colleges are anxious to receive notification of completed hours
The next transaction electronically sent to OUAC and OCAS is ~ April 22nd
Offers of admission are conditional on receiving your OSSD
Do not jeopardize admissibility to your program of studies, especially those that are competitive

6. Community Hours (continued)
Graduation Honour Cords awarded this year:
Silver = hours
Gold = hours
Red = 500+ hours
Updated Hours must be submitted by May 1st to be eligible for cords
If you have not handed in hours (or Grad Fee) you will not receive your invitation today.
Also, remember ……………………………… NO HOURS = NO PROM!!

7. Local Bursary and Merit Awards
There are three categories of awards:
1) Merit Awards – based mostly on specific criteria (academic achievement, pursuing specific programs/institutions, volunteerism, etc.)
2) Bursary Awards – based mostly on financial need (critical that application be completed in full)
3) Separate Application – very specific criteria with additional application and supporting documents required
Be sure to carefully read information sheet descriptions of all awards to determine eligibility

8. EDHS Bursary & Merit Awards Application
Print neatly
All information required must be complete
Program of study important
Total Income crucial for Bursary selection
Information viewed only by members of bursary selection committee
Reverse side  please complete the extra-curricular activities and extenuating circumstances, if any

9. Description of Awards: Merit (blue) & Bursary (green)
Read all criteria carefully
Merit are achievement based, Bursary are financial-need based
Select five (5) awards for which you feel specifically eligible (indicate on application)
All information must be completed to be given full consideration
Winners will be notified during the graduation exercises
Applications (yellow) due on May 1st

10. Awards Selected by Donors (purple):
Check criteria and requirements carefully:
The EGCC Simpson Legacy Bursary
The Essex Rotary Club
The Optimist Club Volunteer Service Award
E. Jim Brown Bursary
Michael Newsted Memorial Awards
EDHS Athletic Merit Award
Applications due on specified dates.

11. Letters of Application
Read the criteria carefully
Emphasize in your letter why you are deserving of this particular awards (volunteerism, achievements, interests…)
If it does not indicate a name and/or address simply address it as:
“To Whom It May Concern”
It is wise to have a teacher proof-read your letters

12. Letters of Application (continued)
Letters of Application in sealed envelope with all required documentation
Identify the award for which you are applying on the envelope
Write your name on the envelope
Submit your completed application packages to Mr. Ricci by the due date

13. Graduation Day Wednesday, June 24th , 2015 at 5:30 pm
Required to be here for 4:45 PM for line up and grad card distribution (in cafeteria)
Proper attire required, including gown and suitable footwear
Invitations distributed today
Tickets of admission for your guests; four (4) per student in envelope  written request form for extras in Guidance, due by Fri. May 22nd

14. Graduation Ceremonies Procedure
Gowns distributed two weeks prior – press/iron and bring to ceremony (yours to keep after)
Acquire “Personalized Card” with completed destination information (to be handed out Period 1 this week)  please return these by Friday, May 22nd to Guidance Office
Card will also list any awards for which you are a selected/known recipient
Staff will guide you through the line-up process for procession into the Gym

15. Graduate of EDHS
Name: __(pre-printed)___ Ontario Scholar: ____
(pre-checked)
State your future plans. Please print legibly. .
(Example: Seeking employment, community college, university-program of studies)
____this field will be completed prior to graduation _______ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Award
Value$
Presenter
1. (filled in if applicable) 2. 3. 4.

16. Final Notes: Parents are welcome to take pictures
Family members attending - please keep in mind the capacity of our facilities and the fire hazard regulations (4 tickets per student)
If “Handicap Seating” is required, please notify Student Services
After graduation you may keep gowns as souvenirs!!
Light refreshments will be served afterwards (in courtyard, weather dependent)

17. Please remember:
Bursary and Merit Award Application Dates
Share Graduation Information with parents
Return unneeded guest tickets ASAP
“Request For Additional Tickets” form if needed by May 22nd