Graduation Events

What do I wear to the Closing Liturgy?

You should wear your graduation gown (ironed), light-colored formal clothing, sensible shoes (no cap, no tassel, and no academic regalia--no cords, pins, etc.). Please bring your cap for the photo following the liturgy. Please steam your gown or iron very carefully with a cloth between the iron and gown.

What do I wear for the graduation practice?

You should wear your graduation gown (ironed), academic regalia (cords, medals, and pins), tassel, light colored formal clothing, sensible shoes, and cap. You will be taking your graduation photo with the Head of School at this time.

What do I wear for Baccalaureate Mass?

You should wear your graduation gown (steamed or lightly ironed), light-colored formal clothing, sensible shoes (no cap, no tassel, and no academic regalia--no cords, pins, etc.).

What am I required to wear under my graduation gown? What type of shoes?

Students are required to wear formal clothing. Light-colored dresses/clothing are preferred, since the graduation gown is white and bright colors show through. You may wear shoes of your choice, but please be aware that heels should be moderate.

What do I need to wear for the Graduation Ceremony?

You should wear your graduation gown (steamed or ironed), academic regalia (cords, medals, and pins), tassel, light colored formal clothing, sensible shoes, and cap. Graduates may wear flowers, leis, and other decorations after the ceremony only. Do not decorate your cap. It must be plain.

When do I receive my graduation tickets? How many does my family receive?

Families will not receive paper tickets this year. Ticketing will be done through Google Forms, which must be completed by the Mercy student by May 24. Families will give their name at the door in order to be admitted. 

Each family will receive 2 guests at graduation this year, due to COVID-19 restraints.

If you have additional close family members who would like to request an additional space, please contact Caroline Small by May 26. If additional spots are available, the school will determine ticketing through a lottery system and will contact teachers the week of May 31.

Seating is assigned due to contact tracing requirements by the county.

Persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID are discouraged from attending.

Who do I contact if I have a relative who needs ADA access?

Please contact Ms. Small with any special needs for your family: (650) 762-1104 or csmall@mercyhsb.com.

Where do I park?

St. Pius has parking lots. We advise carpooling or rideshare if possible.

How long does the graduation ceremony last?

Please allow at least two hours for the ceremony. Gathering at St. Pius is not permitted after the ceremony.

Do we get our picture taken when we receive our diploma?

You will be taking your picture receiving your diploma (posed) at the graduation practice. Your family should not leave their seats to take photographs.

Conduct at graduation:

The Mercy graduation is a formal ritual, one that takes place in a church. As the setting suggests, this is different from an athletic event or performance. Please do not clap or yell during the ceremony itself, especially during the time when the names are read. We want every family to be able to hear their daughter’s name. Thank you for respecting the formality and importance of the ceremony.

Guest conduct at graduation:

Handheld devices for photography and short videos are allowed, but no additional photography equipment is permitted. The ceremony will be recorded and live streamed.

You will certainly want to attend the mass since this is the last time your class will celebrate liturgy together. (The Baccalaureate Mass is held at St. Pius this year.)

Your college counselor is collecting your college scholarship information.

 

●      Please see the county’s COVID policies.

●      Do not take off masks.

●      Complete a COVID screening for each practice or ceremony.

●      All guests will have their temperatures taken at the site.

●      Participants and guests sit at least six feet apart, except households who can sit together.

●      Students do not walk in pairs down the aisle.

●      Do not yell or clap.