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Week at a Glance
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Week at a Glance
January 15-19 2024
January 15th Monday- Black Excellence Day & Brazilian Dance; Hot Lunch
January 16th Tuesday-
January 17th Wednesday-
January 18th Thursday- LSS Band performance
January 19th Friday- Concession
A few words from Mr. Jelks...
Dear LIS Families,
Welcome back to school! I hope each of you had a restful and enjoyable break, filled with moments of joy and relaxation. As we begin the new year, there's a lot in store for our LIS community, and I'm excited to share some updates with you.
I'm delighted to report that our students adjusted remarkably well during their first week back. The enthusiasm and positive energy in the hallways and classrooms have been truly uplifting, and it's clear that everyone is ready to dive into the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
This week, we're wrapping up our volleyball season, and I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and sportsmanship. Your dedication to teamwork and skill development has truly shone on the courts.
Looking forward, basketball season is just around the corner! For our Grade 6 and 7 students interested in joining the basketball team, please keep an ear out for announcements over the coming days. We encourage all interested students to participate, as sports not only promotes physical well-being but also teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline.
As we dive into the new year, we have a busy January ahead at LIS. Our dedicated staff is working hard to ensure a rich and engaging learning environment for all students. From academic pursuits to extracurricular activities, there's something for everyone to look forward to.
I am confident that the remainder of the school year will be filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences for our students. Click on the video to watch a fun new P.E activity.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to a fantastic start to the new year!
WE ARE KIND
WE ARE COMPASSIONATE
WE ARE LIS
Huy'ch'qa
Dionte Jelks, Principal
Upcoming Events:
JANUARY 15th
Arts Start Brazilian Dancers and Black Excellence Day
JANUARY 29th
Find Your Fit
FEBRUARY 5 & 6
Pro D-Day (School not in session)
FEBRUARY 19
Family Day (School not in session)
FEBRUARY 21
Grade 7 course selections
MARCH 6
Student Reports go home
MARCH 11-22
Spring Break
Black Excellence Day – January 15, 2024
What is Black Excellence Day?
As a lead up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians.
Black Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year, or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
January 15th is in honour of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.
The contributions of Black Canadians and the ongoing civil rights struggle of Black Canadians often go unacknowledged in our history books and school curriculum.
The term Black Excellence was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Anti-Biased Film Festival
In the spirit of fostering a compassionate and inclusive school environment, we are thrilled to share highlights from this week's installment of our Anti-Bias Film Festival. This week, our students had the opportunity to engage with the powerful and thought-provoking Burger King Jr. Bullying video.
The chosen film, part of our carefully curated festival lineup, delves into the critical issue of bullying, prompting students to reflect on the impact of their actions and the role they can play in creating a positive and respectful community.
Following the screening, students actively participated in discussions, exchanging thoughts and insights on the themes presented in the film. The thoughtful responses showcased a deep understanding of the consequences of bullying and the importance of fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance.
In addition to the discussions, students were tasked with writing essays that delved into their personal reflections on the film. This exercise allowed them to articulate their thoughts, explore their own experiences, and consider how they can contribute to creating a school environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect.
MLA Doug Routely visits LIS
It's wonderful that Grade 5 students have embarked on a new social studies unit focusing on democracy and various forms of government. MLA Doug Routley's visit on Wednesday, January 10th, likely provided valuable insights into his role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Engaging with a local representative can enhance students' understanding of government structures and the democratic process.
MLA Routley's encouragement for the students to be good citizens is a positive message, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and active participation in the democratic system. Furthermore, the opportunity for students to ask various questions about government and democracy likely enriched their learning experience by providing real-world context and practical insights.
Such visits contribute significantly to the educational experience, helping students connect theoretical concepts with real-life examples. It's great to see efforts being made to inspire the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
Safer Schools Together
Safe Schools Together is pleased to announce that in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Childcare, they have opened up four more dates for their “Social Media Awareness” Family Sessions. These sessions were designed to support families and caregivers navigate the digital world. Dates, times and information to register can be found in the link below.
Low Cost or Free Activities for Families
Registration 2024-2025
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year began on January 10, 2024. If you have or you know someone who has a child turning five years old on or before December 31, 2024, it's time to register for Kindergarten. There are also options to apply for:
- Early French Immersion
- Late French Immersion (Grade 6)
- Secondary Academies - Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse, Beach Volleyball, Jazz & Performing Arts
GIRLS BOX LACROSSE
Family Fun Nights Continue in 2024
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and Island Health host family fun gym nights in January and February. The evenings are free for everyone to enjoy unstructured family play time in the school gym. It's fun for all ages. To find out more, please email mduifhuis@sd68.bc.ca.
Attendance
We ask parents/guardians to call the school before 9:00 am at (250) 245-3351 or email Info.LI@sd68.bc.ca to notify the school of your child’s absence. Please follow up with a note to your child’s teacher when your child returns to school so the teacher can address any missed work, homework issues, etc. Also a reminder that if students need to leave early, they should be signed out in the main office.
School Closure
The following is a reminder about the NLPS school closure procedure for students.
If schools are closed due to snow, or any other weather-related problems, announcements will be made on local radio stations (WOLF 106.9 FM, WAVE 102.3 FM, and 91.7 COAST FM) by 7 a.m., or earlier, on the day of the closure. Please do not call the radio station – tune in and listen for the announcements, which will be made on a regular basis.
In addition, the district will post the information on the district’s website, Twitter, Facebook, and mobile app. Families may also receive a message through the School Messenger notification system via phone, email, or text. Please keep in mind, however, that there may be situations where this is not always possible, for example, power outages or technical problems. The most reliable method is to listen to the local radio stations.
ADDRESS:
Ladysmith Intermediate School
317 French St. Ladysmith, BC V9G 1B1
(250) 245-3351
INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA:
WEBSITE: https://li.schools.sd68.bc.ca/