LSS Weekly Communication - February 16, 2024
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
As we reach the half-way point of February, I want to take a moment to thank all staff and students for an excellent start up of second semester. I want to congratulate our junior and senior improv teams for an excellent showing at the Islands this past weekend, and to Mr. Taylor for his leadership.
Anti-Bias Mini Film Festival
I also want to acknowledge the start of a four-week Anti-Bias Mini-Film festival. 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 (starting with A in week 1).
Upcoming Lockdown Drill
On Thursday February 22nd, we will be having 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. Thursday will be a drill, but there may be RCMP presence on site to help us practice.
Speak Out/ Reach Out/ Help Out
Grade 9 students will engage in a 45‑minute Vancouver Island Crisis Society presentation with the important message: Speak Out if students are in emotional distress or worried about someone else, Reach Out for help and support, and Help Out by encouraging others to do the same. The presentation will be from 9:45-10:55am in the MPR on February 20th.
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 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
- February 22, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
- 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.
Toilet Paper Drive
In partnership with the Arts Council of Ladysmith, LSS participated in a Toilet Paper Drive from February 1st to February 15th. Students and families brought toilet paper donations and participated in “Toonies for TP”. We are pleased to have provided a substantial donation of toilet paper to the Ladysmith Food Bank.
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 (I have attached for your staff reference)
Food Deliveries at School
Skip-the-dishes, Door-dash, and other food delivery services are not permitted at the school. Please remind your student not to have these deliveries made to the school.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- February 19th – Family Day Holiday
- February 20th – LSS Community Supports Fair – Gym
- February 21st – PAC Meeting
- February 22nd – Lockdown Drill 2:30pm
- February 26th – March 1st – Student Learning Surveys – Grade 10 & 12
- February 28th – Early Dismissal
- February 28th – Parent Teacher Interviews in Gym
- March 1st – Fire Drill #4 – 9:20am
- March 8th – Last Day before Spring Break
PAC Corner :
The next PAC meeting is Wednesday, February 21st at 6pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Please save your Country Grocer receipts and bring them to the box by the office. Country Grocer generously donates a portion of all the receipts collected from the school directly back into our school community.
Other Important Information to Note:
- Looking to tryout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Check out the attached flyer.
- Interested in Science? Check out the VI Regional Science Fair flyer attached.
- 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
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu flyer
- VI Regional Science Fair flyer
- WorkBC Centre Job Fair flyer
- Ladysmith Baseball Registration
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communication - February 8, 2024
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
I hope you had a great (school) long weekend followed by a short week as staff engaged in professional learning. Second semester is off to a great start and students are settled into their new classes. February is a short but busy month for our school community, so there are several important updates below to let you know about upcoming events.
Report Cards
Another reminder that report cards were released on the MyEd parent portal on February 7th. If you are having trouble accessing the report card, please contact your student’s counsellor or email the office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca
Course Selection
Next week students in grades 8 through 11 will be participating in course selection for next year. To access the school Course Selection Booklets please click the link to the correct grade they will be entering for the 2024-25 school year:
Please look at this with your student to identify what courses they may need or want for their pathway to graduation and plans after leaving LSS. If they have any questions, please have them connect with their counsellor.
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 20, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
- February 22, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
- February 28, 6:00 – 7:30 pm PST – Click here to Register
Youth Development Instrument (YDI) Surveys
All Grade 11 students will be participating in the Youth Development Survey on February 16th and 17th. A letter was sent home last week with more information about survey. A short video can be found here that outlines more about the survey. If you DO NOT want your student to participate, pleas contact the office.
Student Learning Surveys
Last week, 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.
Toilet Paper Drive
In partnership with the Arts Council of Ladysmith, LSS will be participating in a Toilet Paper Drive from February 1st to February 15th. Please help support the Ladysmith Food Bank by donating toilet paper (single or packages of toilet paper will be accepted). Let’s break a record and fill the food bank shelves. All donations can be brought to the office.
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 ( I have attached for your staff reference)
Food Deliveries at School
Skip-the-dishes, Door-dash, and other food delivery services are not permitted at the school. Please remind your student not to have these deliveries made to the school.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- February 12-14th – Course Selections
- February 15th – Grade 9 Immunizations
- February 15-16th – YDI Surveys – Grade 11’s
- February 19th – Family Day Holiday
- February 20th – LSS Community Supports Fair – Gym
- February 21st – PAC Meeting
- February 22nd – Lockdown Drill 2:30pm
- February 26th – March 1st – Student Learning Surveys – Grade 10 & 12
- February 28th – Early Dismissal
- February 28th – Parent Teacher Interviews in Gym
- March 1st – Fire Drill #4 – 9:20am
- March 8th – Last Day before Spring Break
PAC Corner :
The next PAC meeting is Wednesday, February 21st at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Please save your Country Grocer receipts and bring them to the box by the office. Country Grocer generously donates a portion of all the receipts collected from the school directly back into our school community.
Other Important Information to Note:
- Looking to tryout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Check out the attached flyer.
- Interested in Science? Check out the VI Regional Science Fair flyer attached.
- Looking for a job? Check out the WorkBC Centre Job Fair flyer attached.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria menu
- Ladysmith Teen Activity Calendar for February
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu flyer
- VI Regional Science Fair flyer
- WorkBC Centre Job Fair flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
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