Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

As the days are getting shorter, colder, and darker, it is clear that we are nearing the winter season! As you are all aware, Ladysmith Secondary School was closed Wednesday due to a power outage resulting from a significant storm. This serves as a friendly reminder that from time to time we receive inclement weather that necessitates school closures. Please note that district weather related information, including school closure processes, can be found here. A reminder that all decisions for school closures are made at the school board and communicated directly through them via email, text, and social media.

A reminder that this week report cards were released on the the MyEd portal. If you have trouble accessing your student’s report card on MyEd, please contact the office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca. Please be sure to connect with your student’s teacher or counsellor if you have any questions or concerns about their progress.

Attached you will find a poster for the Rotary Club charity coat drive on Saturday, November 23rd, with drop-off times between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Community Space (314 Buller St). Donations of used, wearable clothing items such as coats, sweaters, socks, scarves, and more can be dropped of on November 23^rd. Your contributions will make a significant difference to those in need during the colder months.

Grad Photography Dates will be from: December 16^th  – December 20^th  2024. The sessions will be 20 minutes, and will include formal cap/gown photos as well as casual photos. The website will be officially open to book on November 21^th, 2024. The booking link is https://prestigeportraits.ca/

Finally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary who have graciously donated over $18 000 to support our Hunger Bites program, helping feed a nutritional breakfast and lunch to those in need. Ladysmith Secondary School and the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary have worked together since 2018 to help students receive the nutrition they require to participate fully in their learning.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• November 29th – Pancake Breakfast (7:30am in the MPR)
• December 6^th – Curricular Implementation Day (No School)
• December 16^th– 20^th – Grad Portraits (more info to come)

PAC Corner:

The next PAC meeting will be in January!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu
• Rotary Club Coat Drive
• Family Smart ICY Event Poster
• Family Smart ICY Event Poster

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Just like that we are finished term 1 and into our second term of the semester. You will notice that the Parent Portal for MyEd is currently shut down as teachers are busy preparing report cards for viewing. Report cards will be released to families on the portal on November 20^th, but your student should have brought home a self assessment of the core competencies that was completed in their A Block class last week. Please ask your student to see their self assessment and associated goal setting or email their A-block teacher for more information. If you have trouble accessing your student’s report card on MyEd after the 20^th, please contact the office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca.

Today we had the opportunity to take part in our second fire drill of the year. These drills are great ways for our staff and students to practice how to exit the building in the event of an emergency. We encourage you to take the opportunity to talk about emergency planning in your own home.

This week we have seen some impressive storm weather, a friendly reminder that winter weather may be on its way. In preparation for the coming months, it is important that families know our process should we be faced with challenging weather conditions. Decisions for school closure are made at the school board and communicated directly through them via email, text, and social media.

Finally, last week I shared several attachments from community partners about upcoming events and opportunities. I have included them as attachments in this week’s email as well. Please connect directly with these organizations with any questions that you may have.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• November 20^th – PAC meeting
• November 20^th – Report cards available on MyEd Portal
• December 6^th – Curricular Implementation Day (No School)
• December 16^th– 20^th – Grad Portraits (more info to come)

PAC Corner:

The next PAC meeting will be Wednesday November 20^th at 6pm in the learning commons. All are welcome!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu
• Christmas Cheer Poster
• Free/Low-Cost Activities in November
• Holiday Resources
• Santa’s Workshop Donations

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

It is hard to believe that Wednesday marked the end of the first term of Semester 1. Report cards will be released to families on November 20^th, but students should have brought home a self-assessment of the core competencies that was completed in their A block class this week. Please ask your student about this learning opportunity and their associated goal setting or email their A-block teacher for more information.

Tomorrow, Friday November 8^th, is a school-based Professional Development Day. These are important opportunities for our staff to continue in their own learning journey as they support their professional practice. We hope students have a fantastic extra day off.

Monday, November 11^th is Remembrance Day and School is not in session. Today we had the opportunity to gather as a school community to reflect on the bravery, resilience, and dedication of our veterans and those who continue to serve in the armed forces. Remembrance Day is not only a time to honor the sacrifices of the past, but also an opportunity to look forward with a renewed commitment to peace and hope. We extend our gratitude to our special guests, our student leaders who drummed, sang, and spoke, and staff who made the assembly possible.

This week there are several attachments from community partners about upcoming events and opportunities. Please connect directly with these organizations with any questions that you may have.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• November 8^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• November 11^th – Remembrance Day (No School)
• November 15^th – Fire Drill
• November 20^th – PAC meeting
• November 20^th – Report cards available on MyEd Portal
• December 6^th – Curricular Implementation Day (No School)
• December 16^th– 20^th – Grad Portraits (more info to come)

PAC Corner:

The next PAC meeting will be Wednesday November 20^th at 6pm in the learning commons. All are welcome!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu
• Christmas Cheer Poster
• Free/Low-Cost Activities in November
• Holiday Resources
• Santa’s Workshop Donations

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Halloween week always adds extra excitement to the LSS school community.  We want to start by extending a large thank you to our Student Council as well as Mr. Winter and Ms. Murray for their efforts in creating a Coraline themed haunted house that our entire school community had the opportunity to experience. Many thanks to our Ladysmith Intermediate grade 7 friends that also came to join the fun.

Next week, staff will be working with students in their A block classes to complete their self-assessment of the Communication Core Competency.  This year, in alignment with the new provincial Reporting Order, the self-assessment will also include goal setting. Please connect with your student about ensuring that this is brought home for you to review.

This past week was Provincial Assessment Week. All students currently registered in Math 10 or EFP 10 or 12 should have written either the numeracy or literacy assessment. Please contact your student’s counsellor if you have any questions about whether or not they need to write an assessment. As a reminder, these assessments are required for graduation, so it is important that students complete these assessments.

Attached to this message, you will also find changes to the schedule for Bus 8. These changes are effective Monday, November 4^th. There are no changes to the morning schedule. Please make sure you look at the schedule and email info.ls@sd68.bc.ca  with any questions. An email was also sent from transportation to those families that are impacted.

Finally, we want to remind families of some important upcoming dates. Tuesday, November 5^th is our next early dismissal, where students will be dismissed at 2pm. Please note that buses will be leaving at their regular times on this day. The next professional development day is Friday November 8^th, when again school will not be in session. Remembrance Day is observed on Monday, November 11^th. As school is not in session that day, our Remembrance Day Assembly will be on Thursday, November 7^th.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• November 4^th – 8^th – Self Assessment of Core Competencies
• November 5^th – Early dismissal – 2pm
• November 6^th – Last day of Term 1
• November 7^th – Remembrance Day Assembly at School
• November 8^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• November 11^th – Remembrance Day (No School)
• November 20^th – PAC meeting
• November 20^th – Report cards available on MyEd Portal

PAC Corner:

The 2024-2025 PAC Executive will be:

o   DPAC Representative – Angie Haslam

o   President – Erin Ewer

o   Vice President – Kristi Wright

o   Treasurer – Michelle Hiebert

o   Secretary – Angela Johnson

The next PAC meeting will be Wednesday November 20^th at 6pm in the learning commons. All are welcome!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu
• Bussing Changes for Route 8
• VIU Engineering Information Night Information

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

It is hard to believe we are already coming to the end of October and nearing the end of term. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to those families who were able to make it to our Parent-Teacher evening on Wednesday night. If you were unable to make it or connect with teachers that you were hoping to, please feel free to reach out to your student’s teachers by email.

Next week is Provincial Assessment Week. Please note that if your student is currently registered in Math 10 or EFP 10 or 12, they should be writing either the numeracy or literacy assessment. Please contact your student’s counsellor if you have any questions about whether or not they need to write an assessment. As a reminder, these assessments are required for graduation, so it is important that students attend the session that they are registered for.

Thursday of next week is Halloween. We want to send a reminder to all students and families that while students are welcome to wear costumes to school, please be aware that:

• Students may NOT wear masks that cover their faces
• There are no replica or actual weapons allowed as part of costumes
• No costumes may be offensive or reference illegal substances
• Culture is not a costume, please be sensitive of cultural appropriation.

A friendly reminder that any student without a tech/cloud consent response recorded into eConsent has had their access to cloud apps through their learn68 account suspended. These eConsent forms were sent home via email in the first week of school. Students use their learn68 accounts to access educational aps in the ‘cloud’ such as Google Classroom, MS 365/Teams, Canvas and more. In the event that your student lost access to their learn68 account please email info.ls@sd68.bc.ca and we will send you another eConsent form.

Finally, we want to remind families of some important upcoming dates. Tomorrow, October 25^th, is a provincial Professional Development Day and school will not be in session. Tuesday, November 5^th is our next early dismissal, where students will be dismissed at 2pm. Please note that buses will be leaving at their regular times on this day. The next professional development day is Friday November 8^th, when again school will not be in session. Remembrance Day is observed on Monday, November 11^th. As school is not in session that day, our Remembrance Day Assembly will be on Thursday, November 7^th.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments
• November 4^th – 8^th – Self Assessment of Core Competencies
• November 5^th – Early dismissal – 2pm
• November 6^th – Last day of Term 1
• November 7^th – Remembrance Day Assembly at School
• November 8^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• November 11^th – Remembrance Day (No School)
• November 20^th – PAC meeting

PAC Corner:

The 2024-2025 PAC Executive will be:

o   DPAC Representative – Angie Haslam

o   President – Erin Ewer

o   Vice President – Kristi Wright

o   Treasurer – Michelle Hiebert

o   Secretary – Angela Johnson

The next PAC meeting will be Wednesday November 20^th at 6pm in the learning commons. All are welcome!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• “Pro D Bandits Basketball” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

On Wednesday evening, we had our annual PAC AGM. Thank you to all those parents who were able to attend and to those parents who have volunteered to be a part of the PAC executive. If you missed the meeting, we hope to see you at a future meeting. Our school really appreciates the LSS PAC and all of the support it provides for our school programs.

Yesterday, LSS participated in the Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill. Thank you to all staff and students for their timely response to our simulated earthquake and evacuation of the school. This is also a great opportunity for families to have conversations at home around emergency preparedness.

Today was PSBC day at Ladysmith Secondary School. We welcomed 13 post-secondary institutes from across BC to learn more about all that they have to offer. Thank you to our counselling team and Ms. Powell for organizing this wonderful event.

As of today, any student without a tech/cloud consent response recorded into eConsent will have their access to cloud apps through their learn68 account suspended. These eConsent forms were sent home via email in the first week of school. Students use their learn68 accounts to access educational aps in the ‘cloud’ such as Google Classroom, MS 365/Teams, Canvas and more. In the event that your student loses access their learn68 account please email info.ls@sd68.bc.ca and we will send you another eConsent form.

Travel Club will host an information session at Ladysmith Secondary on October 21st at 6 PM to discuss the Senior Trip to the Alps and Mediterranean, planned for Spring Break 2026! We invite all interested families and students to join us for this informative meeting.  During the session, we will provide details about the trip itinerary, costs, and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like more information, please email Moira Dolen at mdolen@sd68.bc.ca. Click the link to RSVP- https://bit.ly/3XH6c2L. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about this exciting opportunity!

A reminder that early dismissal will now be at 2pm on Wednesday, October 23^rd. Parent Teacher Interviews will also be on Wednesday, October 23^rd from 3:30 to 6pm. Interviews will be held in the gym where teachers will be arranged alphabetically. There is no sign up required. Please note that on Wednesday October 23^rd, the bus schedule will be as follows: Route 12 will be picking up for 2:00pm, Route 8 and Route 11 will be picking up for 2:15pm.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• October 21^st – March Break Trip Parent Meeting
• October 22^nd – Photo retake day
• October 23^rd – Early Dismissal 2pm
• October 23^rd – Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30 – 6pm)
• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments
• November 6^th – Last day of Term 1
• November 7^th – Remembrance Day Assembly at School
• November 8^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• November 11^th – Remembrance Day (No School)
• November 20^th – PAC meeting

PAC Corner:

On Wednesday evening, we had our annual PAC AGM. Thank you to all those parents who were able to attend and to those parents who have volunteered to be a part of the PAC executive. If you missed the meeting last night, we hope to see you at a future meeting. Our 2024-2025 PAC Executive will be:

o   DPAC Representative – Angie Haslam

o   President – Erin Ewer

o   Vice President – Kristi Wright

o   Treasurer – Michelle Hiebert

o   Secretary – Angela Johnson

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

On behalf of Ladysmith Secondary School, we would like to thank our school community for raising $1000.15 for the Terry Fox Foundation during last week’s Terry Fox run. We are all tremendously proud and excited to have reached our fundraising goal of $1000. A special thank you to Mr. Hardy and Ms. Lechthaler for organizing this worthwhile event.

Friday, October 18^th is PSBC day at Ladysmith Secondary School. We will be welcoming 13 post-secondary institutes from across BC to learn more about all that they have to offer. All grade 11 and 12 students will be attending this event.  We will begin with a mini-fair in the MPR at 9am, followed by two sessions. Session 1 will go from 9:45-10:20am and Session 2 will be 10:25-11am.

A reminder that school picture proofs are ready and available for pick up at the office! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.ca or create an account using your student’s student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE digital Pictures2Protect Card.

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming senior trip for March break 2026 to the Alps and Mediterranean, including Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain. Join us for an information meeting on October 21^st, at 6 PM at Ladysmith Secondary. We’ll provide details about the itinerary, costs, and answer any questions you may have. Please RSVP using the QR code on the attached flyer.

Finally, please note that early dismissal will now be at 2pm on Wednesday, October 23^rd. Parent Teacher Interviews will also be on Wednesday, October 23^rd from 3:30 to 6pm. Interviews will be held in the gym where teachers will be arranged alphabetically. There is no sign up required. Please note that on Wednesday October 23^rd, the bus schedule will be as follows: Route 12 will be picking up for 2:00pm, Route 8 and Route 11 will be picking up for 2:15pm.

Wishing you all a wonderful thanksgiving weekend and sending a reminder that there is no school Monday.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

**Please note the highlighted changes below

• October 14^th – Thanksgiving (No School)
• October 16^th – PAC AGM 6pm
• October 17^th – BC Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill
• October 18^th – BC Post Secondary Day 9-11pm
• October 21^st – March Break Trip Parent Meeting
• October 22^nd – Photo retake day
• October 23^rd – Early Dismissal 2pm
• October 23^rd – Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30 – 6pm)
• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments

PAC Corner:

Our next meeting, Wednesday, October 16^th at 6pm, will be our Annual General Meeting.  There will be a Treasurer position to fill this year.  Please consider attending to have your voice heard! All are welcome, please join us!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu
• March Break Trip Flyer

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Saturday, October 5^th, is World Educator’s Day. As we join schools across the world in celebrating this special day, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and express my thanks for the incredible work our school staff do every day. Educators at LSS inspire curiosity, ignite a passion for learning, and help shape the future of our students. They mentor, guide, listen, and foster the well being of our kids, and they do it both inside and outside of the classroom. On behalf of the Ladysmith Secondary School community, I want to thank our school staff for their dedication and heart. Their contributions are valued and celebrated today, and every day.

Ladysmith Secondary School hosted the Terry Fox Run this morning. Classes had the opportunity to honor Terry’s legacy and continue his fight for a future without cancer. Donations can be made by visiting https://schools.terryfox.ca/79321 or by giving any donations to their D Block teacher (or office). A special thank you to Mr. Hardy and Ms. Lechthaler for organizing this worthwhile event.

School picture proofs are ready and available for pick up at the office! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.ca or create an account using your student’s student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE digital Pictures2Protect Card.

In the coming weeks you should receive a learning update from your student’s teachers. This could be an email, a piece of work sent home, or another form of communication. As always, please reach out to the school if you have any questions or concerns.

Finally, due to a scheduling conflict with district events, we have had to change the date of our early dismissal and parent teacher interviews. Please note that early dismissal will now be at 2pm on Wednesday, October 23^rd. Parent Teacher Interviews will also be on Wednesday, October 23^rd from 3:30 to 6pm. Please note that on this date, the bus schedule will be as follows: Route 12 will be picking up for 2:00pm, Route 8 and Route 11 will be picking up for 2:15pm.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

**Please note the highlighted changes below

• October 14^th – Thanksgiving (No School)
• October 16^th – PAC AGM 6pm
• October 17^th – BC Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill
• October 18^th – BC Post Secondary Day 9-11pm
• October 22^nd – Photo retake day
• October 23^rd – Early Dismissal 2pm
• October 23^rd – Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30 – 6pm)
• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments

PAC Corner:

Our next meeting, Wednesday, October 16^th at 6pm, will be our Annual General Meeting.  There will be a Treasurer position to fill this year.  Please consider attending to have your voice heard! All are welcome, please join us!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Hay ce:p ‘qu  to our school community who united as a family this week to continue our collective journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. As a part of our work this week, we participated in a variety of cultural and educational opportunities. We began the week with drumming and worked to create a school-wide weaving culminating in a whole-school circle with drumming and singing. We were fortunate to be able to include Ladysmith Primary School and Ladysmith Intermediate School in this event. A warm Hay ce:p ‘qu to the staff, students, and special guests that worked to make this week such a beautiful week of learning and healing. Please remember that Monday, September 30^th is Truth and Reconciliation Day and there will be no school.

Ladysmith Secondary School is hosting the Terry Fox Run on October 4th. This event is important, not only as a tribute to a Canadian hero, but also as a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage in raising awareness and funds for cancer research. Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope continues to inspire people across the world. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can make, and it encourages us all to take action in the fight against cancer. By participating in this event, our school community will contribute to the ongoing efforts to fund critical research that brings hope to countless individuals and families affected by this disease.

Our ambitious goal this year is to raise $1,000 by October 4th.  Classroom teachers will be asked to take their students on a run/walk around our school community during school hours that will help promote cancer research, community, and physical activity.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donations: Please visit https://schools.terryfox.ca/79321 to make a donation online or have your child bring cash/cheque donations to their D Block teacher (or office).
• Encouragement: Talk to your child about the importance of this cause and encourage them to participate wholeheartedly in both fundraising and the activity on October 4th.

We look forward to making this year’s Terry Fox Run a huge success and thank you in advance for your generosity and support. Together, we can honor Terry’s legacy and continue his fight for a future without cancer.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• September 30^th – National Truth and Reconciliation Day (No School)
• October 4^th – Terry Fox Run (D block)
• October 14^th – Thanksgiving (No School)
• October 17^th – BC Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill
• October 17^th – Early Dismissal 2pm
• October 17^th – Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30 – 6pm)
• October 18^th – BC Post Secondary Day 9-11pm
• October 22^nd – Photo retake day
• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments

PAC Corner:

Our next meeting, Wednesday, October 23^rd at 6pm, will be our Annual General Meeting.  There will be a Treasurer position to fill this year.  Please consider attending to have your voice heard! All are welcome, please join us!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

This past week was a great week at Ladysmith Secondary School. Staff and students participated in a spirit week, where there were several themed dress-up days and opportunities for community building. Our Grade 12 students also had the opportunity to attend the Canadian University Event, where post-secondary institutions from across Canada were present to share information. On Thursday, students had the opportunity to have their yearly school photo taken. If you missed picture day or wish to have your picture retaken, photo retake day is on October 22^nd.

Monday September 30^th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day. At Ladysmith Secondary, we believe this work is not about a single day, but rather our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation is ongoing and something we work towards each day. We encourage and welcome families to join us in this work. Next week at LSS, our school community will be participating in a variety of cultural and educational opportunities. We will begin the week with drumming and will work towards creating a school-wide weaving that will come together at the weeks end with a whole-school circle.

A reminder that our school cafeteria is now open for lunch. The cafeteria accepts both cash and tap. Each week a menu for the following week will be available with the weekly communication.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• September 23^rd – 27^th Truth and Reconciliation Week
• September 25^th – New Grade 8 rotation begins
• September 30^th – National Truth and Reconciliation Day (No School)
• October 4^th – Terry Fox Run (C Block)
• October 14^th – Thanksgiving (No School)
• October 17^th – Earthquake Drill
• October 17^th – Early Dismissal 2pm (TENTATIVE)
• October 17^th – Parent Teacher Interviews (TENTATIVE)
• October 18^th – BC Post Secondary Day 9-11pm
• October 22^nd – Photo retake day
• October 25^th – Professional Development Day (No School)
• October 28^th – November 1^st – Provincial Assessments

PAC Corner.. September Meeting HIghlights

It was great to see some new faces at our September PAC meeting.

During the meeting, we voted to use direct some PAC funds towards a new bandsaw for the woodworking program. It was also decided to allow the Grad committee to use our gaming license for fundraising events again this year.

Finally, we appreciated Ms. Gvojich and Mr. Hardy taking the time to review and explain some policies and procedures such as the personal digital device policy.

Our next meeting, Wednesday, October 23^rd at 6pm, will be our Annual General Meeting.  There will be a Treasurer position to fill this year.  Please consider attending to have your voice heard! All are welcome, please join us!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• Weekly Cafeteria Menu

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Dear Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

At the end of the first week of a new school year, I am excited to share this first weekly update with our LSS community. There is no energy quite like the first few days of school as students settle into their new classes and get back into the groove of finding some routine.

We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who have contributed in starting our first week off in such a good way. Many thanks to all of our teaching and support staff that have created a welcoming environment for our students. A large thank you is also owed to our counsellors who have helped support new students and worked to adjust schedules, so students have the courses they need.  We would also like to give a special thank you to our custodians & maintenance crews, as well as everyone else behind the scenes who have spent countless hours getting our school ready for students to return.

Thank to our LSS families for helping our students get back into their school routine. You will have received an email from our Interim Superintendent last Friday outlining the new restrictions for personal digital devices. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind students and families that:

• During instructional time, personal digital devices at LSS are to be turned off or placed on airplane mode. Consideration will be given to:
  • use of personal digital devices for appropriate educational purposes
  • accessibility and accommodation needs;
  • medical and health needs;
  • equity to support learning environments.
• If students choose to bring a personal digital device to school, please ensure that before they enter the classroom, they are turned off, placed on airplane mode, and put away for the remainder of the class/instructional time, unless a teacher has directly given permission to use it for educational purposes.
• The school team will work collaboratively with families to ensure students have the support needed to manage their device usage in a healthy and safe manner.
• Students are not permitted to take photos or videos of other students/staff at any time without their explicit consent.

Next week, students in grade 9-12 will be participating in grade assemblies where personal digital devices and other aspects of the code of conduct will be discussed. Attached, you will find a copy of our updated student handbook. This will also be available on our school website beginning next week.

Finally, a reminder to families that all school-based fees can be paid on line directly by clicking here

Each week you will receive a communication that outlines important information from the week and gives a glance to the week ahead for important information. You will also see upcoming events listed below and a weekly communication from our school PAC. Finally, there will often be attachments with important school or community information. As always, if you have questions, Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043.

Thanks again for a great start up and wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Thanks kindly,

Shelley Gvojich & Jake Hardy

Upcoming events:

• September 11^th – Grade 9-12 assemblies (Grade 8 happened on first day of school)
• September 13^th – Fire Drill
• September 18^th – Canadian University Event at Dover
• September 18^th @ 6pm – PAC meeting in Learning Commons – Everyone Welcome
• September 19^th – VIU Recruitment Visit from 9am-12pm. Interested in attending VIU next year please check it out.
• September 19^th – Picture Day
• September 20^th – Marc Mero Presentation (more info to come)
• September 30^th – National Truth and Reconciliation Day (No School)

PAC Corner.. Your voices matter!

Are you interested in being more involved with the school community? Consider joining the Parents Auxiliary Committee (PAC)!

The School Act gives parents the right, through PACs, to assume an advisory role in every school. PAC is the officially recognized collective voice of parents of their school.  It is a forum to discuss matters related to the education of your children.  In addition, a PAC, works with the school administration to allocate gaming funds received by the province of British Columbia.  Unlike elementary school PAC’s, there is no fundraising involved and meetings typically last no longer than an hour.

The PAC meets on the third Wednesday of most months at 6:00pm in the library.  Our first meeting is Wednesday September 18.

All parents are PAC members and are welcome to attend!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• “Flexible Options to Meet Your Needs” from FJCC Swim Club
• LSS Student Handbook 2024-2025

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

It is hard to believe that this will be the last formal communication of the 2023-24 school year. It has been a great year where students have showcased their gifts, enthusiasm, and engagement with our school community. I also want to share my appreciation with staff, students, and families for their tremendous work in making LSS such an amazing place to work and learn. I was honored to serve my first year as Principal here at LSS and will miss the community as I transition to my new role as the Principal of Barsby Community Secondary School in September. As shared in a previous communication, next year the current Vice-Principal, Shelley Gvojich, will be the Principal, and the Vice Principal will be Jake Hardy.

This week, students in grade 8-11 were given printed schedules for next year and counsellors called down those students requiring changes. Grade 11 students were also required to submit a signed study block sheet if they are eligible for a study block for their grade 12 year. Counsellors will be in the building during the last week of summer break, beginning August 26^th, for those still requiring additional changes.

Next week, most students will be transitioning to summer break, and our grade 12 students will be celebrating their accomplishments at our graduation ceremony. On Monday, grade 12 students are invited to a pancake breakfast at 7:45am. Grad caps and gowns are also to be picked up on Monday between 8:30am and 12:30 pm, after which there will be a rehearsal at 1pm and a grad photo at 2:30pm. Graduation starts at 10am on Tuesday, June 25^th with doors opening at 9:30am.

Yesterday was National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada. Many of our classes had the opportunity to attend an event at Transfer Beach. Hay ce:p ‘qu  to the Stz’uminus Nation for organizing such a beautiful event. Nation-wide, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to further our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, an ongoing focus of our district and school community. We look forward to continuing this important work next year.

Finally, report cards will be available on the MyEd portal beginning Tuesday July 2^nd. Please reach out to the office directly if you are having trouble accessing your student’s report card.

Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and happy summer break. More information will come in the last week of August about the first day of school and start times.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• June 24^th – Student completion day (buses are running)
• June 24^th – Grad Breakfast 7:45am & Cap and Gown Pick Up 8:30-1pm
• June 24^th – Grad Rehearsal 1pm & Photo at 2:30pm
• June 25^th – Graduation 10am doors open at 9:45am and students graduating arrive at 9:30pm

PAC Corner:

Our next PAC meeting will be in September. Now is a great time to start thinking about joining the PAC next year.

Did you know PAC meetings are typically no more than an hour long?  They are much different than elementary school meetings, there’s no fundraising or hot lunches involved!  There will be several executive positions to fill in the next school year.  Please consider attending to have your voice heard!

Please continue to send your Country Grocer receipts into the school, it’s appreciated!

Join your PAC online on Facebook: Ladysmith Secondary School PAC
Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043