Queen Elizabeth Secondary School
9457 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, V3V 5W4
Telephone: (604) 588-1258 / Fax: (604) 584-5294
www.surreyschools.ca/queenelizabeth
Dear Parents or Guardians of a Grade 12 Student:
We at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School would like to extend our congratulations to the members of the Class
of 2017 and their families. The last semester of school is very important months for our Grade 12 students, we
would like to take this opportunity to outline some expectations regarding Commencement, Graduation Dinner/
Dance and Dry Grad. Although the end of the semester is fast approaching, we do expect our senior students to
meet school responsibilities fully, through to the end of the year, in order to participate in these important
events. These responsibilities include behaviour consistent with a positive learning environment, and in keeping
with the school and District code of conduct.
It is important to remind students of the need to remain focused at this point in their schooling. Sometimes
students get caught up in the planning for graduation and forget about the importance of keeping their focus on
doing their best in school. Our Grade 12 students need to continue to work hard in their courses to ensure they
meet the requirements for entrance to post secondary institutions. I am confident that the Class of 2017 will
continue to build on the tradition at Queen Elizabeth of strong academic success. To be a member of the Grad
Class of 2017, a graduate must have a grad plan that enables them to graduate in a timely manner (i.e. by
August of their Grad year). If parents have any concerns, they should contact their students’ teachers and/or
counsellor.
With graduation there are many events that occur in the name of “QE Grad 2017”. The school, with appropriate
levels of adult supervision and school expectations enforced, approves school-sanctioned events. These are the
only school-sanctioned events that are planned for May and June this year:
 Commencement Ceremony for grads, families and friends
 Grad Dinner/Dance for grads, approved guests, and parents
 Dry Grad organized by parents for grads and approved guests
As always, we must remind Queen Elizabeth Secondary students and their guests that there must be no use of
alcohol or drugs (zero tolerance) at school sanctioned events. Students are also reminded that all school rules
apply. Students suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be removed from events and
may be suspended from school and restricted from participating in further school events. Some students have
already lost, or will lose, their privilege of attending these events because they have been involved with highrisk behaviours, such as use of illegal substances, disrespectful behaviour, or actions which endanger the safety
of themselves or others in the past. All approved guests are pre-screened by the school administration to allow
their participation and attendance with their host.
It is because of these expectations that school activities become safe for all involved - students, guests, parents
and staff. It is also the reason that many students can attend because their parents trust that the necessary
safeguards are in place to ensure the safety of their sons and daughters.
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Parents may want to prepare themselves as our young men and women challenge for additional permission to
participate in non-sanctioned school activities in the name of Grad 2017. The school will stand with parents to
support you when you do not permit your son or daughter to attend unsanctioned events. We often hear
about camping trips, parties or trips to vacation spots like Whistler, which are not sanctioned by the school. Our
goal of safety for all of our students is compromised when these events occur. If you are uncertain about
whether an activity is sanctioned by the school or not, please call our counsellors or administrators.
In the calm before the hectic time of Commencement, the Graduation Dinner/Dance and Dry Grad Boat Cruise,
this might be an excellent time for parents to help focus their young adults on what is truly important. Our
students should be focused on doing well in courses, creating positive memories and preparing their friendships
for physical separation. I hope our students will look back on this time with strong feelings of accomplishment.
We provide these wise and helpful thoughts for Parents:
 Discuss with your son/daughter the school expectations. Safety is #1.
 Discuss with your child your expectations regarding:
 Unsupervised activities organized by grads (house parties, camp outs, etc.).
 Staying focused on their studies and not missing school time.
 Their choice for a Grad Guest. Is their guest responsible enough to follow the rules and not
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create a difficult situation for the host and the organizers?
How much money is reasonable to spend on Grad? Is it necessary to spend excessively to
look good or take a limousine?
Leaving the Banquet early for a limousine ride with a few friends rather than staying with
the Grad Class as a whole. Does this meet with your approval?
We wish your graduate a safe and successful end to the school year. If you have any questions or concerns
about this information please contact us at the school.
Thank you so much for your attention to the information in this package. We look forward to the celebration
and feel that this, our Queen Elizabeth Grads of 2017, will leave us all with the pleasant memories of a fantastic
group of young adults.
Yours truly,
Michael Jellema
Principal
IMPORTANT — PLEASE NOTE:
THE PERMISSION FORM ATTACHED TO THIS “GRAD 2017 INFORMATION
PACKAGE” (see back page) MUST BE SIGNED BY PARENT AND/OR GUARDIAN
PRIOR TO STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN ANY QUEEN ELIZABETH GRAD 2017 CEREMONIES OR EVENTS.
MUST BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BY MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017
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IMPORTANT DATES
FOR ALL GRADS
PAST DUE
—
PSI Selection with Counselling & Careers
PAST DUE
—
Commencement Fee ($30)
PAST DUE
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Grad Gown Size
Monday, April 3
—
Valedictorian Applications Available (at office)
April 10—Block B
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Grad Assembly Block B (last period of the day)
April 10—13
—
Commencement Bio Statements Requested
April 19 & 20
—
GT Exit Interviews (see Mr. Cosens)
Monday, April 24
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Parent/Guardian Permission Slip Due (REQUIRED) (office)
—
Bus Request for Ride to Commencement Due (office)
Monday, April 24
—
Valedictorian Applications Due to Ms. Cerney
Monday May 8
—
Dinner/Dance Guest Applications available (at the office)
Friday, May 12
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Guest Applications Due — absolute deadline (office)
Grad Commencement Bio statement Due to office.
May 15—19
—
Commencement Ticket Distribution (at lunch in HUB)
Friday, May 19
—
Approved Guest Applications returned to Grad Hosts
May 23—26
—
Dinner/Dance ($90) and Dry Grad ($50 to $70 depending on
parent fundraising) Ticket Sales (after school — C232—Ms.
Wilcox’s room)
Monday, May 29
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Commencement Rehearsal at 9:30 am (QE Large Gym)
Grad Gown Pick-Up (ALL GRADS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE)
7:00 pm - Commencement Ceremony (Chandos Auditorium)
Friday, June 23
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Grad Dinner/Dance (Newlands Golf & Country Club)
Dry Grad Boat Cruise
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The Commencement Ceremony will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 29th at the Chandos Pattison
Auditorium, located at 10238—168th Street, Surrey. The Ceremony will begin PROMPTLY at 7:00 pm. All
guests, including children requiring their own seat, MUST have a ticket. This ticket must be presented at the
door for admission. Graduates do not require tickets; they will be seated on the stage. All graduates must
arrive by 5:30 p.m.
A rehearsal will take place the morning of the official ceremony, in the large gym at QE. It is very important that
ALL GRADS BE IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE REHEARSAL — 9:30 am — DO NOT BE LATE. (Gown pick-up follows)
COMMENCEMENT TICKET INFORMATION
We will have approximately 250 graduating students crossing the stage and we want to ensure that all families
receive a minimum number of tickets. Each student will receive two (2) tickets AT NO COST. At the same time,
they will be able to purchase extra tickets at $5.00 each (maximum 3 purchases per student). Tickets will be
distributed May 15th-19th. (Students: morning announcements will include time and location for ticket pickup). PLEASE NOTE – Grads will not be issued commencement tickets unless all grad fees, school fees and
outstanding textbook charges are paid in full.
If you require even more tickets (more than 5 tickets) for Commencement, there will
likely be additional tickets available. However, we want to ensure the distribution is
done in an equitable and fair manner. We require your son/daughter to sign up on a
request list at the same time they receive their two complimentary/purchased
tickets. They will need to let us know how many additional tickets are required,
above the five already received (please do not request more tickets than you
actually require, as we are extremely limited). When all requests are in, we will then
do our best to fulfill these requests. If available, each additional ticket (above the
guaranteed five tickets) will cost $5.00. The payment for these additional tickets
will be due when the additional tickets are picked up in the Hub.
These ceremonies are a once-in-a-lifetime event. Appropriate dress and behaviour
are required. Parents, family and friends are asked to remain seated for the entire
proceedings. This event may not be suitable for very young children who cannot sit
quietly for long periods of time. Your cooperation in making this a memorable event is appreciated.
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A bus service will be provided for those parents and students requiring transportation to attend the
Commencement Ceremony. Please see last page for more info and registration.
Doors will open at 6:15 pm for general seating.
Parking is limited -- please try to limit your family’s number of vehicles. Traffic around the Auditorium gets
EXTREMELY BUSY during these events. Plan your travel time accordingly!
Please do not leave single seats between you and another family when sitting in the theatre. To ensure we
can seat all family members, we will need to utilize all theatre seats.
Graduating students will receive a professional photo taken by the photographer upon leaving the stage
(hat, gown, diploma).
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Grad Dinner and Dance
The 2017 Grad Dinner/Dance will be held on Friday, June 23rd, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm starting at
Queen Elizabeth Secondary. Students will board coach busses from Queen Elizabeth Secondary at 4:45
pm to go to Newlands Golf and Country Club (21025—48th Avenue, Langley) for the Banquet and Dance
portion of the evening.
***Parents will need to drop off their child at Queen Elizabeth at 4:00 pm on Friday, June 23rd. All students participating in the Grad Dinner/Dance must be signed in by a parent at the school. Once grads have
been signed in by a parent, parents are encouraged to stay and take pictures as well as take part in the
parent/student social prior to the grads boarding coach busses at 4:45 pm for Newlands Golf and Country
Club in Langley.***
No student will be allowed into the Grad Dinner/Dance or Dry Grad unless transported by coach busses
provided by the school. If students are not participating in Dry Grad, parents must pick up students from
the Newlands Golf and Country Club at 11:30 pm.
TICKET SALES
Tuesday, May 23rd – Friday, May 26th
After school ONLY in C232 (Ms. Wilcox Room)
Dinner Dance tickets = $90.00 and Dry Grad tickets = $50.00 to $70.00 (depending on parent
fundraising)
Dinner Dance and Dry Grad tickets
MUST BE PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME!!!!
WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS …..
Bring your COMPLETED TICKET REQUEST FORM with you.
Come to purchase your tickets with the people you want to be seated with!
(There is a maximum of 10 people per table ONLY).
If you wish to bring a guest, you must pick up a guest application in the office.
Guest Applications must be completed and returned to the office by May 12.
Payment Methods – cash or cheque (cheques should include your name and student number
Group Photo — the “Class of 2017” photo will be taken at 6:00 pm
Event End — 11:30 pm to 12:00 am (at this time, the buses will be waiting in the parking lot
to take you to the Dry Grad Boat Cruise on the “Queen of the Diamonds”)
Dry Grad — 1:00 am to 5:00 am (the buses will bring students back to QE by 6:00 am)
You must find your own way home from the school (school building will NOT BE open)
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Volunteer for Dry Grad Events! Fundraise for Dry
Grad!
Upcoming Events
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April 4—18th—Cookie Dough Sales
May 13th— Car Wash and Bottle Drive at Queen
Elizabeth Secondary
For more information contact:
Lisa Scott at 604-761-1074 or
June 24, 2017
1:00 am – 5:00 am
Support the Dry Grad Committee!
Get involved with Dry Grad!
Celebrate Grad in a safe
and responsible manner.
The QE Dry Grad event will once again be a fabulous boat cruise. This year’s cruise will take place aboard the beautiful
Queen of Diamonds, sailing out of False Creek into the Inner Harbour and out past the West Vancouver shoreline.
On June 24th, immediately following the Dinner/Dance at Newlands, grads will be shuttled by bus to the dock at 750
Pacific Boulevard where they will board the boat for a four hour cruise. While on board, students will enjoy dancing, a
photo booth and much more. There will also be a mock casino featuring Texas Hold’em Poker and Blackjack. Each
student will be given “play money” to use. Grads will be served food, soft drinks and hot chocolate. Safe School Liaison
staff will act as chaperones as well as boat security.
At 5:00 am, the boat will return to the harbor and students and chaperones will be boarded onto the buses and driven
to QE school parking lot, where their parents will pick them up (buses are expected to arrive at the school at
approximately 6:00 am). PLEASE NOTE: school premises will not be open for students!
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School rules will apply on the boat cruise.
Students must attend the Dinner/Dance if they wish to go on the boat cruise.
If bringing a guest, students must show their approval form before they purchase a guest ticket.
No smoking, alcohol or drugs allowed. Students will be searched and any alcohol or drugs found will be confiscated
and the student will be refused entrance to the boat.
Backpacks or large bags will not be allowed on the buses. A small bag for a change of shoes or sweater will be
permitted and will be subject to a search.
If students wish to change out of their formal wear before the cruise, they must do so at Newlands, and a parent
must come to pick up their clothes prior to the buses leaving, as they cannot be left on the bus or taken on the boat
— no exceptions. We ask that all clothes to be changed into be brought with the students at the beginning of the
night.
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GRAD “GUEST” PASSES
For Grad Dinner/Dance and Dry Grad Festivities
Any guest invited to the Grad Banquet and Dry Grad festivities,
who is not a member of the Queen Elizabeth Graduating Class,
must receive official written approval from Queen Elizabeth
Administration.
Students who would like to bring a guest can pick up a Guest
Request / Application Form from the office, available on May 8th.
Please fill out the application (completely) and return it to the
office by May 12th 2017.
Both students and guests should note that all school rules apply at both events. Students are advised that use of
alcohol or drugs before or during these events will result in removal from the festivities and consequent
disciplinary action (and ticket costs will NOT be refunded). Late “guest applications” will not be accepted.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE to Grad Parents/Guardians
Re: 2017 Grad “S-Trips”
The company "S-Trip" is again promoting its services as a Queen Elizabeth grad trip “agent”, and recruiting
students to distribute and promote the company's brochures on or near school property.
S-Trips are NOT APPROVED by Queen Elizabeth Secondary or the Surrey School District. However, S-Trip’s
brochure -- and method of distribution -- promotes the impression that the offered interior skiing, Mexico
and/or Cuba “grad” trips are sanctioned by the school and the district. By using students to distribute the
information, particularly on school property, parents could incorrectly assume this trip is organized by the
school and therefore subject to school and district safety clearances, processes, supervision, overview, etc.
Please Note: There is no school or district-involved safety measures for these trips. Please be aware that
Queen Elizabeth Secondary and the Surrey School District in no way approve of this distribution or trip offer.
In fact, the company is in violation of District policies regarding the distribution of promotional materials in
our schools.
These particular “S-Trips” do not have school staff supervision and they are not approved by Queen
Elizabeth Secondary or the Surrey School District. Please do not hesitate to contact the Principal or any of
the Vice-Principals if you have any questions about a proposed school or grad trip.
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GRADUATION requirements
2004 Graduation Requirements (applies to all students entering Grade 10 as of July 1, 2004 or later): 80
credits over Grades 10, 11 and 12
48 required credits:
 Language Arts 10 (4 credits)
 Language Arts 11 (4 credits)*
 Language Arts 12 (4 credits)*
 Social Studies 10 (4 credits)
 Social Studies 11, Civics 11 or BC First Nations Studies 12 (4 credits)
 Science 10 (4 credits)
 Science 11 or 12 (4 credits)*
 Mathematics 10 (4 credits)*
 Mathematics 11/12 (4 credits)
 Physical Ed 10 (4 credits)
 Fine Arts and/or Applied Skills at Grade 10, 11, or 12 level (4 credits)*
 Planning 10 (4 credits)
Students must also:
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Complete a minimum of 28 elective credits
 An unlimited number of credits from Board or independent school authority authorized or postsecondary electives may count toward graduation.
 A minimum of 16 credits from either ministry or board/authority authorized or post-secondary electives may count toward graduation.
 A minimum of 16 credits from either ministry or board/authority authorized or post-secondary courses are required at the Grade 12 level.
 Five Graduation Program Exams in Grades 10-12: English 10, Math 10, Science 10, Social Studies 11
and a Grade 12 Language Arts exam. Please note: Grade 12 students should check post-secondary
entrance requirements and they should carefully research these requirements with their counsellor.
 Complete Graduation Transitions 12 (4 credits)
Grade 12 Commencement Ceremony
1. To be a member of the grad class, a graduate must have a grad plan that enables them to graduate in a
timely manner (i.e. by August of their grad year).
2. In mid-April, a computer generated list of students who will be eligible to graduate in June will be posted. (Students must have the ability to successfully complete 80 credits with the required courses). Students are asked to check with their counsellors to make sure everything is correct.
3. In early May, a final list is posted. Only those students who have paid their Grad fee and are eligible to
participate in the Commencement are included on the list.
4. The onus is on students to notify the Counseling Department by April 13th if they are completing any
courses at night school, online, etc.
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What is the . . . .
The Graduation Transitions Plan is intended to prepare students for a successful transition to life after secondary
school. Students begin work on the Graduation Transition Plan in their Planning 10 class and continue to work on it
through a Co-Op/Career Program in Grade 11 or 12, or through monthly seminars with Ms. Cosens in their Grade 12
year.
The Graduation Transitions Plan is worth four credits and is mandatory for graduation. The Ministry has condensed
the requirements into clear and concise sections.
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Personal Health (including 150 minutes of physical activity per week in grade 10 through 12)
Community Connections (including 30 hours of work and/or volunteer experience)
Career and Life (Graduation Transition package to be completed in grade 12 with a presentation component in
the form of an Exit Interview)
Your son or daughter has been given support in developing a graduation portfolio in order to successfully complete
Graduation Transitions and prepare for his/her Exit Interview. All students who have not completed a Career
Program will be scheduled to participate in an Exit Interview on Wednesday, April 19th or Thursday April 20th, 2017.
Career Program students must submit their Co-op Verification form and transition plan by Thursday, April 13th.
Visit us at https://qecareerdept.wikispaces.com
Selections Form
The Post Secondary Institutions (PSI) Selections Form is completed online. You can complete the
form any time between now and the end of June.
There are 4 easy steps to this process:
Step 1: Log into your account through the Student Secure Web (http://
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams) and select the link “Post Secondary Institute Selections”
Step 2: Read the “Important Notes” before selecting the “Select PSIs” link.
Step 3: Click “Yes” to forward grades to BC &/or Ontario institutions. Then if you’d
like, choose up to six other institutions from sections 2 and 3.
Step 4: Click “Confirm”
If you have any questions or would like assistance with this process, feel free to
contact your counsellor or Mr. Cosens.
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Valedictorian
Every year, one Queen Elizabeth Graduate is selected to speak at the
Commencement Ceremony on behalf of the graduating students.
Graduating Class of 2017
VALEDICTORIAN APPLICATIONS
will be available beginning Monday April 3rd, 2017!
Does the following description
sound like you?
 You are an outstanding representative of
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your grad class.
You have solid academic marks.
You are committed to your school and
community.
You have demonstrated your leadership
abilities.
You are a confident public speaker who
looks forward to delivering a 5-minute
speech at your Commencement
Ceremony.
If this describes you, please complete the Valedictorian Application package (available at
the office) and submit to Ms. Cerney no later than 12:00 pm, Monday, April 24th, 2017.
No late or incomplete applications will be considered. The Valedictorian Selection
Committee will announce the Valedictorian for the Class of 2017 by Friday, May 12th.
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THIS PERMISSION FORM MUST BE SIGNED AND SUBMITTED
TO THE OFFICE (BY APRIL 24TH) IN ORDER FOR YOU TO
PARTICIPATE IN ANY QUEEN ELIZABETH SANCTIONED 2017
GRAD CEREMONIES AND/OR EVENTS.
The return of this permission form, signed by a parent/guardian, is REQUIRED in
order to purchase Graduation Dinner/Dance and Dry Grad tickets. The letter
must be returned to the office by Monday, April 24th 2017.
The signature below is verification that the parent/guardian of named grade 12 student
understands the school rules and expectations (at www.surreyschools.ca/schools/queene) in effect
for all students at sanctioned Queen Elizabeth Secondary graduation functions.
Grade 12 Student Name (please print): __________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian: ___________________________
Name (please print)
___________________
Telephone / Cell Number
_______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Do you require transportation to and from
the QE Commencement Ceremony?
A bus service will be provided for those
parents and students requiring
transportation to attend the
Commencement Ceremony. The bus
will depart QE at 4:45pm and arrive at
Chandos at 5:30pm. It will leave
Chandos after the ceremony at 9:00pm
and arrive back at QE by 9:30pm. If you
are in need of this service, please
complete this form and return to the
school office by Monday, April 24th.
Yes, I/we require transportation to
and from the Chandos Pattison
Auditorium for Queen Elizabeth’s
2017 Commencement Ceremony.
Student (Family) Name:
________________________________
I/We require ______ seats on the bus.
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