Commencement 2026
Sherwood’s Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 11th, 2026 at the Hamilton Convention Centre at 3:30 p.m. This page will be updated as details become available.
On Tuesday April 7th, we will be holding the Grade 12 Commencement Assembly in the Auditorium during period 4 (1:15pm). All Grade 12 Students are expected to attend. If you are in afternoon or full day Co-op, the presentation will be given on your next reflection day.
The Assembly will go over expectations for Commencement, and awards you might be eligible for. A PowerPoint Presentation will be posted on the Website and the Hub after the assembly. If you have a spare or eLearning period, please plan to attend the assembly.
Please Read a Copy of the Commencement Letter that went home February 2026:
Dear Sherwood Grade 12 Students:
Plans for our Commencement Ceremony are rapidly taking shape and I hope that this letter will provide you with the needed information to prepare for this important event. The arrangements for the day are outlined below.
There is a mandatory ceremony and gown fee of $65 that is to be paid though School Cash Online. To ensure we have space for all participants to share this event, each student will receive up to 4 Commencement Ceremony tickets for guests, if needed. Tickets are available for pick-up in the Guidance Office, beginning Monday June 1st (before and after school, during lunch and breaks between classes only). The fee must be paid before tickets can be picked up. All tickets must be picked up by Friday June 5th . No student will be denied entrance to the ceremony due to lack of finances. Privately let your Guidance Counsellor know if there is a need and we will help.
Additional ticket requests may be made beginning Monday, June 1st in the Guidance Office. An announcement will be made on Tuesday, June 10th if we can honour these requests.
Commencement is Thursday June 11, 2026. The ceremony will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre (1 Summers Lane) at 3:30 p.m. Participating students should arrive at the Convention Centre no later than 2:30 p.m. When you arrive, report to the assigned waiting area. You MUST remain in the assigned waiting area until the procession begins.
1. All students crossing the stage must wear full graduation regalia (cap and gown). The $65 gown and commencement fee is payable through School Cash online from February 23 – March 13, 2026. You will be ordering your gown size at this time. After this date you must place your gown order directly with Gaspard and pay for additional shipping costs (approximately $25 – $30). Please speak with Ms DaSilva before ordering after March 13th.
2. Students must pick up their gowns at the school from June 3 – 5 during period 3 in the Library. Further details will be posted on the announcements closer to the date.
YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING YOUR GOWN ENSEMBLE TO THE HALL.
3. Guests will be invited in to the hall 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Each guest requires a ticket for entry.
The Commencement ceremony is a formal event. Thank you for honouring this significant celebration by wearing appropriate attire. Please leave purses and handbags with a family member or friend. Also, all phones must be on silent mode.
Information regarding diploma and transcript pick up will be communicated on the Sherwood website, www.hwdsb.on.ca/sherwood once available.
Please also note that the ceremony will last approximately 3 hours and we ask all graduates and guests stay for the entire time. We look forward to welcoming you at the Hamilton Convention Centre for this very special occasion.
Yours truly,
A. Ayeni
Principal