LSS Weekly Communications - March 8, 2024
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
The last few weeks have been a busy whirlwind of course selection, student learning surveys, YDI surveys, visits from elders and the Yukon Education Committee, and an Anti-bias Mini Film Festival. We thank students and families for their support and flexibility as we navigated through the busy lead up to Spring Break.
We also want to take a moment to congratulate our Senior Improv team, under the guidance of Mr. Bill Taylor, for earning a spot to compete in the Canadian Improv Games National Tournament in Ottawa at Canada’s National Art Center. We also want to thank and acknowledge our school and greater community for their support and generously donating through the benefit show, silent auction, or the school directly. For those still looking to contribute, donations can be made through the QR code below, by selecting Ladysmith Secondary and the Improv initiative.
A large thank you also goes to all who donated towards the Interact club’s fundraiser for LAFF to provide menstrual products for those in need. Based on the amounts raised, several staff members may get a pie in the face when we return after Spring Break. Stay tuned to see how we did!
Track & Field season is once again starting up this spring at LSS!! We had several students qualify for the Provincial Championships last year and are continuing to grow our program. We will be offering running, throwing and jumping events. Practices will start after Spring Break on Wednesdays and Fridays after school. If you have a background in javelin, shot put or discus we would love your help in any capacity you are able. Please reach out to Brandie Lewis (brandie.lewis@sd68.bc.ca) or Hamish Thomson (hamish.thomson@sd68.bc.ca) with any questions.
Finally, whether you are heading out on an adventure or staying close to home, we hope that you each find time for rest and relaxation. We look forward to seeing you all after spring break, recharged and ready to finish the school year in a good way! School will return from Spring Break on Monday March 25th. Please see below for a list of important upcoming dates
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- March 8th – Last Day before Spring Break
- March 25th – School Re-opens
- March 27th – Fire Drill at 2:40pm
- March 29th – Good Friday No School
- April 1st – Easter Monday No School
- April 15-19th – Provincial Assessment Week
- April 17th – Early Dismissal at 2pm
- April 17th – PAC Meeting at 6pm in the Learning Commons
- April 19th – End of Term #3
PAC Corner :
Our next meeting is Wednesday April 17 at 6 pm in the library. All are welcome, please join us! 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.
- Cafeteria menu
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communication - February 23, 2024
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
I hope you all had a restful and relaxing family day weekend. It has been a short, but busy, week here at LSS. In addition to being our second week of the Anti-Bias Mini Film Festival, we were also honored to have guests from the Yukon First Nation Education Committee visiting our school to learn more about our Land and Language Program and the beautiful work that is happening in our school community. This week we also had our second lockdown drill of the year. The purpose of these drills is to allow staff and students to know how to respond in the event of an actual lockdown. A lockdown is when the threat is inside the building. The exterior doors are to remain unlocked so that RCMP have easy access to all locations within the building.
As we come to the end of February, there are many upcoming opportunities for students and families. Please see below for more details about these opportunities and reach out to info.ls@sd68.bc.ca with any questions or concerns.
Early Dismissal and Parent Teacher Interviews
Students will be dismissed at 2:00 PM on Wednesay, February 28th for Parent Teacher Interviews which will be held on teh same day in teh gym from 3:30-6:30 PM. We look forward to seeing you all!
Anti-Bias Mini Film Festival Reminder
LSS is an amazing school community – but it is not a community that is presently free from bias and discrimination. Given that February is Black History Month, and also includes Anti-bullying day, this is a good opportunity for us to engage with our student body around creating a school community that is safe, welcoming, and free from bias. Each week will have a short video that will be shown to classes, followed by a short discussion, an opportunity for a writing reflection, and a class activity. The themes covered in these short videos include bullying, racism, homophobia, ablism, and general unkindness. We know these conversations might be challenging for some, especially those who experience discrimination as a part of their daily lived experience. If your student needs support or a safe space during one of these conversations, please have them connect with their counsellor. Each week will include a different block (next week it will be in C block).
GRASP
Growth, Resilience, Acknowledgement, Safety, Preparation and Planning (GRASP) is a full-day workshop that gives students the skills to become effective peer helpers. The focus is on mental health, wellness and resilience. The workshop is open to students in Grades 9-12. See Ms. Dolen in Counselling or Aileen Tuck in Outreach to sign up for this invaluable training opportunity. It will be happening on February 29th (full day) in the Career Center.
Ultimate Frisbee
LSS is looking for a parent who is willing to help support an Ultimate (frisbee) team at LSS. Our first practice will be Monday, February 26th, running until the end of April. If you are interested, please contact Nadine Epp-Evans at nadine.epp-evans@sd68.bc.ca.
Parent Sessions on Youth Substance Use
The Ministry of Education and Child Care, in partnership with adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson, will be hosting free virtual sessions on youth substance use for parents/guardians, caregivers and caring adults. Dr. Watson will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and resources to equip participants with the tools needed to guide their children and youth toward making positive choices when it comes to substance use.
Key Takeaways for Participants:
- Learn why children/teenagers are drawn to substances.
- Understand what causes and maintains substance use disorder and needs.
- Increase your child’s ability to make positive choices about substances.
- Acquire practical conversation tools for discussing substances in the home.
Participants must register in advance due to limited capacity. Session dates are:
- February 28, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
Student Learning Surveys
On February 1st, families of students in grade 10 and 12 received information about the upcoming Student Learning Surveys. Grade 10 and 12 students will be completing the survey between February 26th and March 1st. Parents can also complete the survey by following the instructions below. Responses are accepted until May 3rd.
To complete the survey:
- Go to any computer that has an up-to-date internet browser access at home, work, or school.
- Go to www.bced.gov.bc.ca/sat_survey/access.htm
- Under the Parent section- Direct Access – no logon number required select:
- District: the name of your child’s district,
- School: the name of your child’s school,
- Language: the language of your choice.
- Complete the survey by clicking on the appropriate circle to answer each question. Move to the next set of questions by clicking on the right arrow in the bottom right corner of the screen. Click on the left arrow to navigate backwards.
- When you are finished the survey, you will get a message “Thank you for sharing your views”.
- Once complete, your school will have the results immediately.
Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion Opportunities
Please see the attachments about upcoming opportunities through the Town of Ladysmith for Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion programs. A quick snapshot:
- Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross are the first steps to becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor
- Bronze medallion requires candidates to be 13 by the last day of the course.
- Bronze Cross prerequisite is Bronze Medallion (You can register for both right away if they chose to do them back to back if they were unsuccessful in medallion they would be refunded)
- Bronze Cross is worth 2 grade 11 credits
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- February 26th – March 1st – Student Learning Surveys – Grade 10 & 12
- February 28th – Early Dismissal
- February 28th – Parent Teacher Interviews in Gym
- February 29th – GRASP Training
- March 1st – Fire Drill #4 – 9:20am
- March 8th – Last Day before Spring Break
PAC Corner :
February 21 Meeting Highlights
- The PAC was tremendously grateful to receive a $2950 cheque from the Ladysmith Eagles for the school Hunger Bites program.
- The PAC voted to sponsor a textiles field trip in the amount of $300.
- This year, changes were made to BC Gaming regulations, and gaming funds can no longer be used to support student bursaries. Given this and the wealth of bursaries available to LSS students, it was decided to discontinue the PAC award moving forward.
- Please continue to send your Country Grocer receipts into the school, it’s appreciated!
Our next meeting is Wednesday April 17 at 6 pm in the library. All are welcome, please join us!
Other Important Information to Note:
- Looking for a job? Check out the WorkBC Centre Job Fair flyer attached.
- Interested in playing Baseball? Check out the Ladysmith Baseball registration.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria menu
- Ladysmith Teen Activity Calendar for February
- WorkBC Centre Job Fair flyer
- Ladysmith Baseball Registration
- Bronze Medallion Bronze Cross Registration
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
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