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WECDSB students set new threshold

Record Grad Rates
Posted on 09/12/2019
graduates

The number of students graduating from WECDSB high schools continues to climb and hit an all-time high in 2018, according to data released by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

In 2018, a total of 90.5 per cent of WECDSB students graduated from high school within five years (up from 89.1 per cent last year), while 86.6 per cent managed to complete their diploma within four years (up from 83.5 per cent last year). Provincially, 87.1 per cent of all students graduated within five years (up from 86.3 per cent last year), while 81.2 per cent graduated within four years (up from 79.8 per cent last year).

“We’ve never exceeded that 90 per cent threshold, so we’re delighted to see these numbers,” said Emelda Byrne, Executive Superintendent of Education. “Graduating from high school is a major determinant of future success, so we’re very pleased that more of our students are meeting expectations. We work very hard with our students to make sure they are accumulating their credits, and ensuring they are following the academic pathways that are most suited to their interests and ambitions.”

The fact that so many students have graduated is a testament to the hard work of a very dedicated staff team, according to Director of Education Terry Lyons.

“At every step of the way our teachers, guidance counselors, administrators and other support staff are working to know every student, helping them set goals and finding ways to fulfill their aspirations,” he said. “There are many pathways to the same destination, and we try to create a multitude of those pathways for our students.”

Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis said the board’s focus on creating such innovative programming as sports academies, STEM academies, and construction academies while emphasizing cooperative education, apprenticeships and other specialized diplomas continues to pay dividends for our students.

“If students love what they do, they are going to succeed,” he said. “This school board has provided so many opportunities for students to find what they are most passionate about. We’re delighted with these numbers and will continue to support our administration as they seek out even more unique ways for students to achieve their goals.”

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