It’ll be another spring without high school proms in Chilliwack.
Chilliwack’s School District 33 sent a letter to parents and guardians of Grade 12 students Tuesday, officially cancelling prom events in 2021.
“I realize that this news will be upsetting as prom events have been memorable celebrations for students in the past,” wrote SD33 interim superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam. “Still, please know that we did not make this decision lightly.”
With B.C.’s COVID case counts still uncomfortably high and provincial health orders restricting gatherings unlikely to be loosened, Arul-pragasam said the safety of students must come first.
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“Additionally, I ask students and parents not to host private unsanctioned prom events in the coming months as this will put many community members at risk,” he wrote. “Please note that COVID-19 cases in our schools directly reflect community transmissions in Chilliwack, so let’s continue to pull out all stops to keep our community safe.”
Convocation ceremonies will go ahead in the same way they happened in 2020, with physically-distanced events that follow strict health and safety protocols.
“We will provide the opportunity to celebrate each graduate in person and a live streaming and virtual celebration that families can enjoy,” Arul-pragasam wrote.
