Principal's Message September 23-27th
This Week at Lord Tweedsmuir
Thursday Sept 26th, 2024
Good morning students, staff, parents/guardians and friends of the Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary community.
We are nearing the end of our first month of the 24/25 school year at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, and our school is an interesting, dynamic and busy place to work and learn! Congratulations to all students and staff as you have adjusted to new routines and new learning goals. Every day I witness our highly engaged school community and successes across the curriculum. Way to go Panthers! 😊
Last week concluded with a few events that were very important for our school. On Thursday afternoon, we hosted our annual “Karnival Kick-off” Clubs Fair. Students had the opportunity to learn about the many extra-curricular clubs in our school and get involved in school life. I challenge all students to join at least one club this year. The more you are involved in school life, the more success you will enjoy!
On Thursday evening, we hosted our annual LTSS Awards Ceremony. We recognized students for their success in last year’s courses. Each Department recognized several students for a variety of special awards. It was wonderful to see so many happy and proud family members in the audience and our amazing students accepting their awards. It was a very meaningful evening for our school community. Thank you to all students and parents/guardians who joined us. This was a poignant reminder of the importance of our work and the value of school-home partnership. Congratulations Panthers, we are very proud of you!
On Friday morning we joined our newest Panthers, our Grade 8 students, for a pancake breakfast. This was a chance to again welcome our incoming students and let them know how important they are to our school. Great thanks to Chef Buist, Assistant Clancy, Mr. Mitro and the many teachers who helped host the breakfast. I saw many happy students… and was told that the pancakes were delicious!
This week we have continued to move forward as a school community and celebrate with our students and staff. On Monday we held our September Staff meeting and reviewed several important structures and support systems for our students and school.
On Tuesday morning, the weather was glorious, and we held our first Evacuation Drill of the year. Our building emptied quickly, and students and staff lined up in an organized pattern for attendance on our grass field. Great thanks to all Panthers for your cooperation. The drill went well and we will continue to learn and refine our emergency system responses with each practice.
On Tuesday evening, our Careers Department invited Grade 11 and 12 parents/guardians into the school to learn about scholarship opportunities for graduating students. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to Ms. Kermode and our Career Ed. team for all of your expertise and work in putting this event together. Every year there are many community scholarships that go unclaimed. The time and energy that goes into scholarship applications is well worth the effort.
On Wednesday morning, I had the good fortune to be able to participate in our Science Co-Op student interviews. I am always so impressed with our students, their future goals and their drive for success. This was an important opportunity for students to practice their interview skills and reflect on their learning journeys. I enjoyed the chance to meet with these future leaders!
This week at LTSS, we have been reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation and our Calls to Action. Thursday in Orange Shirt Day. All students and staff are encouraged to wear orange in recognition of our Indigenous peoples, their experiences, and our work together in Truth and Reconciliation.
Tomorrow is a Professional Development Day and so classes will not be in session. Our staff will be focussed on the “Calls to Action” of the Truth and Reconciliation journey and the specific references to education and classroom activities. All Panthers are also reminded that Monday is a statutory holiday with our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Have a great day tomorrow and enjoy your weekend. See you on Tuesday!
Ken
Traffic and Student Parking
All Panthers are reminded that traffic around the school and parking on school property will be very busy with our increased enrollment and Extended Day schedule. All student drivers are reminded that it is very important to drive with care and attention while on or near school property. Safety is our first priority. Please drive safely and responsibly, be aware of pedestrians, and follow all traffic regulations.
If possible, all families are asked to consider alternative transportation options. Please walk or bike to school if possible. It would also be helpful if students are dropped off a couple of blocks away from the school and vehicles do not enter our school’s parking lot.
Please note that this year, students are only permitted to park in the Student Lot on the right side of our parking lot near our Portable classrooms. Students are not permitted to park in the Staff Lot.
All students wishing to park on school property must apply for a Parking pass. Application forms may be picked up at the office. Students must park in their designated stall.
Parking passes must be displayed on your car’s windshield at all times while on school property. Parking privileges will be revoked for any students not following our parking regulations or for unsafe driving.
Thank you for your help and cooperation in responding to our increased traffic challenges and protecting the safety of our community members
