LSS Weekly Communication - December 22, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
It seems like just yesterday I was writing a welcome back from summer letter, yet, in the blink of an eye, we have already arrived at the last day before Winter Break. Regardless of your plans, the winter break offers a valuable opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and quality time with loved ones. I hope this time away from school brings you joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
As we bid farewell to 2023, let us also express our gratitude for the incredible efforts of our students and the dedication of our teaching and support staff. Ladysmith Secondary School has seen remarkable achievements, growth, and camaraderie this year, and it is truly a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our community. In this spirit, I wanted to share a phone call I received yesterday morning from an 87-year-old community member that recently moved to Ladysmith. They were walking downtown and came across a group of youth and were unsure what to expect, given the large city they moved from. They were thrilled when the group presented them with a random act of kindness. It is nice to hear the warmth and kindness our students are sharing in the community.
Wishing you all a wonderful break of rest and relaxation. We look forward to all that 2024 will bring.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- January 9th – First day back after Winter Break
- January 15-19th – Provincial Assessment Week
- January 17th – PAC Meeting
- January 25th – Last day of Semester #1
- January 26th – Student Competition Day
- January 29th – First day of Semester #2
PAC Corner – Highlights of PAC’s November meeting:
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.
There will be no meeting in December, our next meeting is Wednesday January 17 at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Other Important Information to Note:
- If you take Bus routes #12 & #15 please see the attached Route Changes as of January 8, 2024.
- Looking to tryout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Check out the attached flyer.
Attachments:
- Bus #12 & #15 Route Changes Letter
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communication - December 15, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
As we approach the final week before winter break, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your continued partnership and support throughout this semester. The journey we’ve undertaken together has been filled with growth, learning, and collaboration.
Regardless of our diverse backgrounds and traditions, the upcoming winter break provides a well-deserved opportunity for our students to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. It’s a time to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on the journey so far, and look forward to the exciting possibilities that the new year may bring.
As we navigate the last few days before the break, I encourage you to take a moment to discuss the upcoming break with your child. Whether you have travel plans, family traditions, or simply intend to enjoy some downtime at home, the break is a chance for your family to create special moments together.
Next week, Ladysmith Primary School has their Winter Concerts on December 19th and 20th at 1 PM. Many LPS parents and families will be accessing our shared parking lot during this time, which will make for limited parking and pick up challenges. Please keep this in mind during pick up on these days.
Attached you will also find a letter providing information about our state-of-the-art washrooms that will be officially open for use on Monday morning. We have appreciated the flexibility of our school community over the past several months while the renovation was being completed.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- December 22nd – Last Day before Winter Break
PAC Corner – Highlights of PAC’s November meeting:
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.
There will be no meeting in December, our next meeting is Wednesday, January 17 at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Other Important Information to Note:
- Looking to tryout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Check out the attached flyer.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria Menu for next week
- Ladysmith Washroom Renovation Letter
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communications - December 1, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
We hope you were all able to enjoy the community Light-Up event last night. Our school community is bustling with the excitement of December and only a few weeks to go before the start of Winter Break.
On December 7th, we will be hosting a dance at LSS from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are available for sale in the foyer for $10. Help us bring some joy to one of the longest nights of the year by purchasing a ticket before we sell out.
Recently, immunization consent packages for grade 9 students were sent home from the school. If you have not already done so, discuss the information in the consent package with your child and include them in the decision to provide consent for immunization. Please return the completed consent form to the school in a sealed envelope as soon as possible. Students in grade 9 will be offered immunizations in school-based clinics. Immunizations will be provided at the school for grade 9 students on February 15th. For more information visit HealthLinkBC: The Infants Act, Mature Minor Consent and Immunization. Contact the local Health Unit at 250-755-6200 ext 53292 if you have any questions.
In partnership with The Ministry of Education and Childcare’s erase strategy, due to high demand, we are offering an additional “Social Media Awareness” Family Session on December 5th at 6:30pm. This 60-minute session will be held virtually via zoom. To register for this session please click on the link below.
The Nanaimo Dry Grad committee is holding its next meeting 6pm on December 12th at Wellington Secondary School. We have a core committee, but we need a few more volunteers on it to make the event happen. More information will be posted soon on the Dry Grad’s website: http://www.nanaimodrygrad.com/. Enquiries about the event or ways to support it can be sent to info@nanaimodrygrad.com
Online booking for Grad photos is now open through Prestige Photos. Photo sittings are between December 11-15th and require a $30 sitting fee. Please arrive to your appointment wearing your outfit of choice. For the cap & gown photos, it is suggested to bring a scoop or V-neck top to wear under the gown unless wearing a collared top with a tie. To sign up for you Grad photos please click here.
Looking for LSS Spirit Wear? You can order your Ladysmith Secondary School 2023 Spirit Wear by December 15th, 2023. Payment can be made via cash, cheque, or schoolcash. Click on the links below to view each option:
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- December 5th – Grade 11 Careers Presentation
- December 6th – Winter Band Concert
- December 7th – LSS Winter Dance
- December 11-15th – Grad Photos
- December 22nd – Last Day before Winter Break
PAC Corner – Highlights of PAC’s November meeting:
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.
There will be no meeting in December, our next meeting is Wednesday January 17 at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Other Important Information to Note:
- Did you get a photo re-take? If so and you have not picked up your new photo in the office please make sure you come pick it up.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria Menu for next week
- Ladysmith Grad Photo Flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communication - November 23, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
As mentioned in last week’s letter to families, report cards were released to the MyEd parent portal on November 22nd. If you are having trouble accessing MyEd or viewing your student’s report card, please connect with the office or your child’s counsellor. If you have concerns about your student’s progress in their class, please contact their teacher.
Last night we had the opportunity to see the first showing of this year’s Improv show, which runs November 23, 24, and 25th. Doors open at 6:30pm while the show starts at 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $10 from the LSS main office, Salamander books, and at the door. Tea, coffee, and pie are included with admission. As always, it is a great show. Congratulations to Mr. Taylor and his Improv team on their great work.
This week we had our first lockdown drill of the year, where we were joined by members of the local RCMP detachment. Students were notified that this drill would be happening in advance and were given the opportunity to practice what it would look like in the event of an emergency. Thank you to staff and students for your work in practicing this important safety drill.
We understand that as food costs rise, getting healthy food into the home can be pricey. We have been gifted four good food bags which arrive each Thursday. Each week the bag contains fresh veggies and fruit and are all generously donated through Nanaimo Foodshare. If you are interested in having one for your family, please connect with our CYFSW Aileen Tuck. The bags will be given on a first come first serve basis, so if this interests you please contact Aileen directly at aileen.tuck@sd68.bc.ca.
Our Art Department has several exciting announcements that we would like to share. The Port Theatre is hosting an exhibit of SD 68 high school art. Ladysmith Secondary has several pieces submitted. We are hanging the show this Friday (November 17), and it will remain for a few months. Several Art students have also participated in painting large, storybook characters for the Ladysmith, Festival of Lights, Story Book Walk. These storybook characters will be placed in various locations around Ladysmith as children read a picture book spread out along 17 illuminated Christmas theme signs.
On Wednesday November 29th, there is a NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo. All families/caregivers are invited to an informal opportunity to learn about some of the Nanaimo area community agencies that support children and youth. Come to find out about agencies’ services, ask questions, and build community connections face to face. If you cannot make it to Nanaimo for this, no problem, we are looking at hosting one in Ladysmith in the New Year.
Online booking for Grad photos is now open through Prestige Photos. Photo sittings are between December 11-15th and require a $30 sitting fee. Please arrive to your appointment wearing your outfit of choice. For the cap & gown photos, it is suggested to bring a scoop or V-neck top to wear under the gown unless wearing a collared top with a tie. To sign up for you Grad photos please click here.
Skills Quest for Young Adults is a free online training program, focusing on the 9 Skills for Success recently identified by the Government of Canada as required by today’s employers and essential in the workplace. Through this program, students can enjoy 6 weeks of online, self-paced training, which focuses on key personal employability skills such as Communication, Collaboration, Digital Skills, Creativity and more. They will also gain job search skills and tools including writing resumes, cover letters and interview know-hows. The 6-week online training portion is followed by 12 weeks of one-on-one assistance as students look for employment or focus on education.
Eligibility requirements for the Skills Quest of Young Adults program are:
- Ages 16-29 at the time of intake
- Living in communities from South to Central Vancouver Island
- Unemployed, employed part-time or precariously employed
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Not currently participating in another provincial government-funded employment program.
- Ready, willing and able to work
We pay $300 per week up to 6 weeks based on active participation!
Register for this program please visit www.sqya.ethoscmg.com
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- November 23-25th – LSS Improv Show
- November 27th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- November 27th – VIU Horticulture Open House
- November 29th – PARTY presentations for all grade 8 students
- November 29th – NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo
- November 30th – Education Planner BC Workshops presentation for all grade 10 students
- November 30th – International Student Dinner (Cancelled)
- November 30th – Ladysmith Festival of Lights
- December 4th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- December 5th – Grade 11 Careers Presentation
- December 6th – Winter Band Concert
- December 7th – LSS Winter Dance
- December 11-15th – Grad Photos
- December 22nd – Last Day before Winter Break
PAC Corner – Highlights of PAC’s November meeting:
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.
There will be no meeting in December, our next meeting is Wednesday January 17 at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Other Important Information to Note:
- Are you looking for something to do Tuesdays during lunch of Friday evenings? Check out the attachments in this email from the Ladysmith youth program coordinator.
- Looking to play Softball this year? Check out the Ladysmith Minor Softball Registration Flyer attached to this email.
- Did you get a photo re-take? If so and you have not picked up your new photo in the office please make sure you come pick it up.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria Menu for next week
- Ladysmith Improv Show
- November Teen Activity Calendar
- Ladysmith Minor Softball Registration Flyer
- Ladysmith Festival of Lights Flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communication - November 17, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
We are excited to have just wrapped up the first term of Semester 1. 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 22nd, but your student should have brought home a self assessment of the core competencies that was completed in their A Block class. Please ask your student about this learning opportunity and their associated goal setting or email their A-block teacher for more information.
We are excited to announce this year’s Improv show is running November 23, 24, and 25th. Doors open at 6:30pm while the show starts at 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $10 from the LSS main office, Salamander books, and at the door. Tea, coffee, and pie are included with admission.
The Board of Education recently began a community engagement process to gather feedback on their DRAFT Strategic Plan. Members of the board and senior management attended LSS to meet with students and gain feedback last week. It was a productive session where students gave thoughtful feedback on how to strengthen the current draft and share some of their priorities. More information on the DRAFT Strategic Plan can be found on the webpage.
November means shorter and colder days and that may bring inclement weather. In preparation for the coming months, it is important for you to 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.
On Wednesday November 29th, there is a NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo. All families/caregivers are invited to an informal opportunity to learn about some of the Nanaimo area community agencies that support children and youth. Come to find out about agencies’ services, ask questions, and build community connections face to face. If you cannot make it to Nanaimo for this, no problem, we are looking at hosting one in Ladysmith in the New Year.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- November 20th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- November 22nd – Report Cards released
- November 23rd – LSS Lockdown Drill – 2:30pm
- November 23-25th – LSS Improv Show
- November 27th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- November 27th – VIU Horticulture Open House
- November 29th – PARTY presentations for all grade 8 students
- November 29th – NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo
- November 30th – Education Planner BC Workshops presentation for all grade 10 students
- November 30th – International Student Dinner (Cancelled)
- December 4th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- December 5th – Grade 11 Careers Presentation
- December 6th – Winter Band Concert
- December 7th – LSS Winter Dance
- December 11-15th – Grad Photos
- December 22nd – Last Day before Winter Break
PAC Corner – Highlights of PAC’s November meeting:
Thank you to the following parents for stepping forward to form the 2023-2024 LSS PAC Executive:
- President – Erin Ewer
- Vice President – Kristi Wright
- Secretary – Angela Johnson
- Treasurer – Emily Steeves
- DPAC Representative – Angie Haslam
In addition, PAC voted to sponsor guest artist, Sarah Wilson’s, visit to the school.
There will be no meeting in December, our next meeting is Wednesday, January 17th at 6 pm in the Learning Commons (Library).
Other Important Information to Note:
- Are you looking for something to do Tuesdays during lunch of Friday evenings? Check out the attachments in this email from the Ladysmith youth program coordinator.
- Looking to play Softball this year? Check out the Ladysmith Minor Softball Registration Flyer attached to this email.
- Did you get a photo re-take? If so and you have not picked up your new photo in the office please make sure you come pick it up.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria Menu for next week
- Ladysmith Improv Show
- November Teen Activity Calendar
- NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo
- VIU Horticulture Open House
- Ladysmith Minor Softball Registration Flyer
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
LSS Weekly Communications - November 10, 2023
Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,
It is hard to believe that today marks the end of the first term of semester 1. Report cards will be released to families on November 22nd, but students should have brought home a self-assessment of the core competencies (communication) 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, November 11th, is Remembrance Day. We had the opportunity to have a school-wide Remembrance Day Assembly in the gym today to reflect on the bravery, resilience, and dedication of our veterans and those who continue to serve in the armed forces. It was also a time to appreciate the precious gift of peace and the importance of working towards a world where conflicts are resolved through communication and understanding, rather than through violence. A special thank you to our special guests, our student leaders who drummed, sang, and spoke, and staff who made the assembly possible.
This week, our grade 11 and 12 students were fortunate enough to attend a Post Secondary BC event at LSS. This was an amazing opportunity for students to connect with Institutions of higher education to learn more about their programs and ask any questions that they may have. A special thank you to Ms. Dolen, Ms. Toole, and Ms. Hillbrecht for their work in bringing this event to fruition.
Congratulations to the LSS Junior Girls Cross Country Team on their 10th place finish at the BC School Sports Provincial Championships! We had outstanding performances by the entire team.
The Career Technical Centre (CTC) has partnered with the VIU Horticulture (plant and garden cultivation – landscaping) department and can sponsor your child’s tuition in their grade 12 year to enter this field. Did not know VIU had a Horticulture department? Check out the attachment and attend the Open House if you are interested and/or have more questions.
On Wednesday November 15th, there is a Ready Set Learn event at Ladysmith Primary where organizers are looking for a few volunteers to help. The event is from 4:30-6:45 PM and includes both set up and take down. The event is for 3–5-year-olds and volunteers would be helping at a station and interacting with the children and their families. Volunteers can claim volunteer hours and enjoy some pizza. Please contact the office fore more information.
On Wednesday November 29th, there is a NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo. All families/caregivers are invited to an informal opportunity to learn about some of the Nanaimo area community agencies that support children and youth. Come to find out about agencies’ services, ask questions, and build community connections face to face. If you cannot make it to Nanaimo for this, no problem, we are looking at hosting one in Ladysmith in the New Year.
Finally, a reminder to students and families that food delivery services such as doordash and skip the dishes are not to be dropped off at the school.
Hay ce:p ‘qu,
Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich
Upcoming events:
- November 13th – Remembrance Day Observed (No School)
- November 14th – Start of Term #2
- November 15th – PAC Meeting
- November 15th – Ready Set Learn Volunteer opportunity for students at LPS
- November 20th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- November 22nd – Report Cards released
- November 23rd – LSS Lockdown Drill – 2:30pm
- November 27th – Vaping Education Presentation with grade 9 students
- November 27th – VIU Horticulture Open House
- November 29th – PARTY presentations for all grade 8 students
- November 29th – NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo
- November 30th – Education Planner BC Workshops presentation for all grade 10 students
- November 30th – International Student Dinner
PAC Corner
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.
Our next meeting will be November 15th at 6pm in the Learning Commons (Library). All are welcome, please join us!
Other Important Information to Note:
- Are you looking for something to do Tuesdays during lunch of Friday evenings? Check out the attachments in this email from the Ladysmith youth program coordinator.
Attachments:
- “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
- Cafeteria Menu for next week
- November Teen Activity Calendar
- NLPS Community Supports Fair in Nanaimo
- VIU Horticulture Open House
- Ready Set Learn
Questions?
Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043
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