Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

We cannot believe it is already the end of October. With this in mind, we know students are getting ready for another Halloween. Halloween is always an exciting time where many students choose to dress up and wear a costume to school. We wanted to take a moment to discuss our expectations around costumes at school. As a reminder, culture is not a costume nor a commodity. We ask that you not apply cultural appreciation or appropriation to Halloween costumes unless you are of that culture. Additionally, our student code of conduct does not permit masks that cover your face or the possession of replica weapons. Please make smart choices to make the day enjoyable for all.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week several members of our school community (including administration, Teaching staff, CUPE, Students, Parents, and a Trustee) travelled to Vancouver to participate in a Ministry of Education Anti-racism Summit. In addition to collecting data for the ministry around schools’ needs to support anti-racism education, there was also a great deal of learning and sharing of ideas. In the coming months, this team will be working with the school to take on projects around anti-racism to help foster a more inclusive and just school community.

Just a reminder to those students that are currently enrolled in English First People’s 10, English First People’s 12, and a Math 10 course this semester that you will be writing your Literacy and/or Numeracy provincial assessment this week. These assessments are required for graduation, so please ensure that you are present to write them.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work through addressing the flood damage to the building that occurred during Tuesday night’s storm. At this time, room 111 and the staircase at the end of the hallway are still undergoing repair and will be closed as district personnel assess and repair the damage. Additionally, there will be some drywall and ceiling tiles removed and replaced from the affected hallway.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• October 30-November 2^nd – Provincial Assessments for Grade 10 Literacy & Numeracy and Grade 12 Literacy – Students who are in Math 10 and/or English 10 & 12 will write assessments this week.
• November 3^rd – Professional Development Day – No School
• November 8^th – Early Dismissal
• November 10^th – Remembrance Day Assembly 11:20am-12:15pm
• November 10^th – End of Term #1
• November 13^th – Remembrance Day Observed
• November 14^th – Start of Term #2
• November 15^th – PAC Meeting

PAC Corner

Thank you to Shannon B. for stepping forward and volunteering to take over the Country Grocer Save A Tape program!

Parents are encouraged to save their 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 6 pm in the 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
• October & November Teen Activity Calendar

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 Oct 30th - Nov 3rd
2023 October Teen Activity Calendar

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 last night, 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.

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.

Today, all schools across the province were closed as teachers will be participating in the Provincial 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 had a fantastic extra day off.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• October 24^th – Picture Re-take Day
• October 30-November 2^nd – Provincial Assessments for Grade 10 Literacy & Numeracy and Grade 12 Literacy – Students who are in Math 10 and/or English 10 & 12 will write assessments this week.
• November 3^rd – Professional Development Day – No School
• November 8^th – Early Dismissal
• November 10^th – Remembrance Day Assembly 11:20am-12:15pm
• November 10^th – End of Term #1
• November 13^th – Remembrance Day Observed
• November 14^th – Start of Term #2
• November 15^th – PAC Meeting

PAC Corner – Volunteer Needed:

• A volunteer is needed to take over the Country Grocer Save A Tape program. Country Grocer generously donates a portion of all the receipts collected from the school directly back into our school community. A volunteer is needed to collect these receipts from the office, calculate the total and submit to Country Grocer once a month. For more information or to volunteer please contact the school office or Erin Ewer at (250) 668-6433.

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
• October & November Teen Activity Calendar
• Erase Bullying online Family Sessions

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 family-sessions-erase-training-schedule
Oct 23 - Oct 27th
2023 October Teen Activity Calendar
2023 November Teen Activity Calendar

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Last night, we had our first of two Parent-Teacher Nights. It was great to see those parents who were able to make it. Just a reminder that if you were not able to attend, you can always reach out directly to your student’s teachers directly via email or by phoning the school.

Our LSS campus is an open campus at lunch time. This means that students are allowed to leave property to get food, go home or just to hang out with friends. We do need to ensure as a school community we are being respectful towards all our community neighbours. There have been concerns brought forward from the community about youth damaging property in the area. Please remind your student that if they are leaving the school property to ensure they are being good community members. Vandalism goes against our school code of conduct, is against the law, and does not align with the Ladysmith Community that we are so fortunate to be a part of.

We do still have many student school photos in the office. If your student has not yet brought home their photos, they can still pick them up in the office. If your student was absent on photo day or is wanting to have their picture re-taken, photo re-take day is on October 24^th. Student cards are also now available for pick up in the office. Please remind your student to come to the office to pick up their student card.

Lastly, all students who are currently enrolled in Grade 10 Math or English and Grade 12 students who are enrolled in English will be writing their Provincial Assessments between October 30^th and November 2^nd. If your student is scheduled to write, you will have received a letter via email this week that outlines what day and time your student’s assessments are scheduled for. These Provincial Assessments do not count towards their classroom marks but are a requirement for graduation.  If your student is not here on the day of their assessment, the next opportunity will be at the end of January.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• October 18^th – PAC @ 6pm in the Learning Commons (Library)
• October 19^th – Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 20^th – Provincial Professional Development Day – No School
• October 24^th – Picture Re-take Day
• October 30-November 2^nd – Provincial Assessments for Grade 10 Literacy & Numeracy and Grade 12 Literacy – Students who are in Math 10 and/or English 10 & 12 will write assessments this week.
• November 3^rd – Professional Development Day – No School
• November 8^th – Early Dismissal
• November 10^th – Remembrance Day Assembly 11:20am-12:15pm
• November 10^th – End of Term #1
• November 13^th – Remembrance Day Observed
• November 14^th – Start of Term #2
• November 15^th – Staff Meeting
• November 15^th – PAC Meeting

PAC Corner:

• PAC AGM will take place on Wednesday, October 18^th at 6pm in the Library. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!

Other Important Information to Note:

• Education Planner BC Event Oct 25 at 6:30 pm– See attached Poster to sign up

Attachments:

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

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 Oct 16th - Oct 20th
PECC poster_CV71-Nan68_2023Oct25

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

On Thursday, October 12^th between 3:30 & 6pm, we invite you to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Night at Ladysmith Secondary School. This event is a valuable opportunity for us to discuss your student’s progress and share insights into their academic and personal development. You will have a chance to speak one-on-one with each of your student’s teachers, gaining insight into your students’ performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the classes or the school in general. If you are not able to come during this time, please reach out directly to your student’s teachers via email or by phoning the school and leaving a message.

Thursday, October 5th, was World Teacher’s Day.  A big thank you goes out to all our LSS staff for the incredible work they do each day. Their dedication, passion and commitment to our students is truly amazing. Special thank you to the PAC at LSS for providing all staff with treats from Old Town Bakery. Your generous donation was very much appreciated.

On Tuesday, October 3^rd, we began distributing all student school photos. If your student has not brought home their photos, they can still pick them up in the office. Families who are looking to order school photos can order these online through Life Touch or complete the form that was provided in the photo package and return it to the main office.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• October 9^th – Thanksgiving – No School
• October 12^th – Early Dismissal (2:00pm) & Parent Teacher Night (3:30-6:30pm)
• October 13^th – Pumpkin Carving
• October 19^th – Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 20^th – Provincial Professional Development Day – No School
• October 24^th – Picture Re-take Day
• October 30-November 2^nd – Provincial Assessments for Grade 10 Literacy & Numeracy and Grade 12 Literacy – Students who are in Math 10 and/or English 10 & 12 will write assessments this week.
• November 3^rd – Professional Development Day – No School

Other Important Information to Note:

• October 10-12^th the Interact Club will be holding a bake sale. All money raised will go towards Disaster Aid Canada to help in the recent flooding in Libya, and towards the fires in Kelowna and Maui. If you are interested in joining the Interact Club, they meet on Thursday at lunch on the mezzanine in the library.

Attachments:

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

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 Oct 9th - Oct 13th

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Hay ce:p ‘qu / Thank you to all of our students and staff who united as a family this week continuing our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. As a school, we had the opportunity to engage in several cultural activities, which culminated with our school wide circle, traditional singing, and dancing. Hay ce:p ‘qu to all the students who participated in the drumming, singing and dancing today.

This week our school community also participated in the Terry Fox run during A block. As a school, we were able to collect $472.40 to donate to the Terry Fox foundation. We would also like to say a special thank you to the Student Council for helping organize the Terry Fox run and for collecting donations this year.

Finally, we want to recognize and thank the Nanaimo Ladysmith Health Auxiliary who recently donated over $18,000 to our school’s Hunger Bites program. This program allows us to offer a nutritious breakfast and lunch to hungry students in our school. Without their generous contribution, this program may not be possible.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• October 2^nd – Truth and Reconciliation Day Observed – No School
• October 5^th – World National Teachers Day
• October 9^th – Thanksgiving – No School
• October 12^th – Early Dismissal (2:00pm) & Parent Teacher Night (3:30-6:30pm)
• October 13^th – Pumpkin Carving
• October 19^th – Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 20^th – Provincial Professional Development Day – No School
• October 24^th – Picture Re-take Day
• October 30-November 2^nd – Provincial Assessments for Grade 10 Literacy & Numeracy and Grade 12 Literacy – Students who are in Math 10 and/or English 10 & 12 will write assessments this week.
• November 3^rd – Professional Development Day – No School

Other Important Information to Note:

• Please remember that there is no school on Monday, October 2^nd as this Truth and Reconciliation Day Observed.
• Grade 9 Careers Presentation on October 11^th – Establishing Safe, Caring and Respectful Digital Communities. Some of the most prominent concerns currently surrounding students’ use of social media platforms, smartphones, and artificial intelligence will be discussed.

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• VIU Class Shadow Day – Please click here for the link to information

Questions?

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

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

Next week at LSS, our staff and students will unite as a family to continue our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Within our school community, we hold the belief that each student brings with them unique gifts and knowledge everyday when they enter our school. By embracing and celebrating these individual gifts we fortify our collective strength and uplift one another.

As a school, we are excited to have the opportunity to engage in a variety of cultural activities next week. These activities will encompass drumming, singing, and dancing.  Our dedicated staff will also collaborate closely with our students to weave the principles of Truth and Reconciliation into their learning and coursework.

Towards the end of the week, we will gather as a school community to form a school wide circle. During this gathering, we will come together to share in song, drumming, and dancing, while listening to our Elder, Yutustana:t, as she imparts her wisdom to our school community.

It is important to emphasize that for our school community, Truth and Reconciliation transcends a mere single day, but rather, it embodies an enduring commitment that we uphold each day. We encourage and welcome families to join us in this ongoing endeavor, as together, we become a stronger family.

Hay ce:p ‘qu,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• September 26^th – Terry Fox Run
• September 27^th – Canadian Universities Event @ Dover Bay – Grade 12s interested in attending please check in with Ms. Teneycke for a permission form
• September 30^th – Truth and Reconciliation Day
• October 2^nd – Truth and Reconciliation Day Observed – No School
• October 9^th – Thanksgiving – No School
• October 12^th – Early Dismissal (2:00pm) & Parent Teacher Night (3:30-6:30pm)
• October 13^th – Pumpkin Carving
• October 19^th – Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 20^th – Provincial Professional Development Day – No School
• October 24^th – Picture Re-take Day

Other Important Information to Note:

• There have been some questions around the format of Career Life Education 9 at Ladysmith Secondary, which is conducted outside of the regular timetable. Typically, students participate in various workshops and assemblies throughout the year to fulfill the course’s curricular competencies. Its important to note that attendance at these sessions is not mandatory beyond the school day, as they are scheduled during regular school hours. These valuable learning opportunities encompass activities such as exploring one’s digital footprint, applying research skills to broaden their understanding of diverse career possibilities, and engaging in self-assessment and reflection to cultivate an awareness of their strengths, preferences, and abilities. Additionally, there are a few assignments that students will need to complete within Google Classroom as a part of this course. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Dolen (mdolen@sd68.bc.ca).
• Our annual Terry Fox run will take place on September 26^th. Student council is collecting donations next week in A-block classes for those who would like to donate.

PAC Corner:

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

During the meeting, it was decided to allow the Grad committee to use our gaming license for fundraising events this year and support school administration with some staff appreciation events.  In addition, we appreciated Mr. Epp taking the time to help some parents understand the timetable and course selection process.

Our next meeting Wednesday, October 18^th at 6pm, will be our Annual General Meeting.  All are welcome, please join us!

Attachments:

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

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 LSS Cafeteria - Sept 25th - Sept 29th

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

This week at LSS, we conducted our annual grade wide assemblies, providing us with the opportunity to revisit school policies, inform students about available support systems, and highlight various opportunities for all students here at LSS. This serves as an excellent occasion to engage in conversations with your student about what can be offered at LSS.

On Tuesday, September 11^th, several of our staff members and students had the privilege of attending the Town of Ladysmith’s unveiling of three new crosswalks at the intersection of 1^st Avenue and Gatacre Street. These crosswalks hold special significance with one crosswalk commemorating the children affected by residential schools, another honouring our Veterans and the third recognizing our LGBTQA+ community. If you haven’t had the chance to see these new crosswalks, we encourage you to visit and appreciate them.

Today marked our first fire drill of the year. I’m pleased to report that all students and staff did a great job in vacating the school in an orderly manner.  As we progress through the year, we will continue to conduct fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills. It’s a valuable reminder to review safety procedures with your student not only while they are at school but also revisit your own safety procedures at home. Attached to this email, you will find a letter containing essential safety information that we recommend reviewing with your student.

Finally, at this point all students should have purchased their school lock from the office for $9 and began using their school issued locker. It is essential that students only use lockers that are assigned to them. If there are any concerns about locker assignment or location, concerned students will be called down to the office to meet with Ms. Gvojich next week.

Warm regards,

Stephen Epp & Shelley Gvojich

Upcoming events:

• September 20^th @ 6pm – PAC meeting in Learning Commons – Everyone Welcome
• September 21^st – Picture Day
• September 26^th – Terry Fox Run (this date has been slightly adjusted)
• September 27^th – Canadian Universities Event @ Dover Bay – Grade 12s interested in attending please check in with Ms. Teneycke for a permission form

Other Important Information to Note:

• Our annual Terry Fox run will take place on September 26^th. Student council is collecting donations next week in A-block classes for those who would like to donate.
• We are in need of a Gr 8 Boys volleyball coach. The seasons start right away so if you or somebody you know would be interested in coaching either of these teams please contact our Athletic Director: Daryl Rodgers at drodgers@sd68.bc.ca for more information.

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.   There’s no fundraising involved!

Typically, the PAC meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm in Room 104.  PAC’s Annual General Meeting will be in October, at that meeting the Executive will be established.  Our first meeting is Wednesday September 20^th. All parents are PAC members and are welcome to attend!

Attachments:

• “What’s on This Week?” from Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
• LSS Emergency Letter for Families
• School Photo Day Flyer
• Cafeteria Menu for next week

Questions?

Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 LSS Emergency Letter to Families 2023-24
Picture Day Flyer
Cafeteria - Sept 18th - Sept 22nd

Lifetouch Student Pictures 

Student pictures are scheduled for Thursday, September 21st

More information to follow once closure to date.