The Saints Scoop! – December 17, 2017

December 16, 2017

Welcome to the last Saints Scoop of 2017!  In this final week of school before the Christmas/Winter Break, I would like to remind families that this time of year is a challenging and emotional one for many of our students.  For some of our students, it can be hard to keep focused on their long term goals, such as exploring their strengths, finding success, and preparing for the next stage of their lives AFTER high school.  Our role, as the adults in their lives, is to remind students of these bigger goals, and to help remind them that it takes hard work, focus, and determination to get to these goals.  Of course, our role is also to remind them to smile and laugh while they work towards these bigger life goals – after all, balance is the key!

As you take a moment to read through the Saints Scoop, allow me to offer you “best wishes” from all of us in the LSS community.  Whether you prefer Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, or simply Happy Holidays, please know that we look forward to seeing you again in January, with renewed hope, focus, and determination for an even better 2018!

GRAD GAB!

  • Grade 12 Study Blocks – Grade 12 students who would like to apply for a 2nd Semester Study Block must come to the office to speak with their Vice Principal or book an appointment with your counsellor for next week!  Please come to the office only at lunchtime to book your appointment.
  • Dry Grad – From the Dry Grad parents:  Please see the attached for important information regarding the Dry Grad event, including details and a deposit form to secure your grade 12 students spot at the Dry Grad! LSS DRY GRAD EVENT 2018 notice
  • AES Scholarship Renewed  –  2018 – The consulting firm of AES Engineers is committed to continuing its support of higher education by providing scholarships to deserving students.  This award is available to all students, regardless of their field of study.  To be eligible the student needs to answer one of the essay questions that they will find on our site at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm We are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluating the essays that are submitted.
  • REMINDER: Need Help with Dressing-up for Grad?  Are you a grad who is concerned about being able to afford a grad dress or suit? We are able to provide some help, but there are only limited spaces, so please see the Counsellors as soon as possible…!
  • REMINDER: Dry Grad Fundraiser:  Dry Grad has a year-long bottle drive fundraiser setup. Please take bottles to the recycling depot on Industrial Ave behind Save on Foods and mention that you would like to donate the proceeds to LSS Dry Grad (account # 750).  
  • Mr. Camara Scholarship:  Djiba Camara was a remarkable man who devoted the latter part of his life to humanitarian work.  During his time at HD Stafford Middle School, his ‘Drop Off to Africa’ initiative fostered a culture of care throughout the school and community.  He was also a retired professional soccer player and enjoyed an illustrious coaching career. The Djiba Camara Memorial Scholarship was created in his memory.  It will be awarded to a recipient(s) who excels in academic achievement and community/school service, combined with soccer aptitude; this scholarship is only for LSS students.  The deadline to apply is by May 1, 2018.  To learn more about the scholarship and how to apply, please see the attached: Djiba Camara Memorial Scholarship

LSS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WEEK

  • Thanks to LSS Leadership for helping students and staff keep engaged in the LSS culture and community.  For this upcoming week, be sure to participate in as many of the following events as you can!
    • Monday:       Saints Spirit and Cookie Decorating
    • Tuesday:       Red/Green Day and Christmas Leg Race
    • Wednesday: Holiday Socks/Hat Day and Gingerbread House Decorating
    • Thursday:     Ugly Sweater Day and Human ChristmasTree
    • Friday:          PJ Day and Hot Cocoa for sale in the Saints Store at lunchtime

FRENCH LANGUAGE BURSARY OPPORTUNITY!

  • Come Explore French – Bursary for Grade 11 & 12 Students: The Explore Program is a five-week intensive French immersion program for students with any skill level in French, in Grade 11 or higher. The $2,200 bursary covers tuition fees for the course, instructional materials, meals, and accommodation, and students can receive four French elective credits to put towards their Dogwood Diploma. The application deadline is February 15, 2018. If you have any questions or would like to receive more information, please contact Marc Labelle, Coordinator Federal Programs, French Programs Branch, at Marc.Labelle@gov.bc.ca.

LSS FIELD LACROSSE SEASON CONTINUES…

  • (Courtesy of Mr. McCarthyThe LSS Saints had a very good start to last week’s game with Jordan Daniels scoring in the first  twenty-two seconds of the game, which would then be followed by 2 more goals scored by D.W.Poppy’s Trevayne Hunter, giving the Saints a lead of 3-0. The Saints were moving the ball well and controlled the first quarter, but Mission managed to score a goal in the dying seconds of the first quarter to finally get on the scoreboard, Saints 3-1.
  • In the second quarter, the Saints would a add another quick goal at the start by Jesse Tomica to again keep their lead to a three goal spread, 4-1 Saints. Not to count the Roadrunners down and out, they rallied to score 2 unanswered goals, making the score a more respectable 4-3, Saints. Later on in the quarter, it would be Jesse Tomica again, scoring his second of the game to give the Saints a score of 5-3. The final play of the quarter would see the Roadrunners once again score a goal in the dying seconds to bring them within one goal of tying the game, 5-4 Saints.
  • The third quarter was very evenly played and only resulted in one goal being scored in favour of the Roadrunners to tie the game at 5-5.
  • The final quarter of the game would prove to be very interesting, since there were six goals scored in total between the two teams, and it didn’t start in the Saints favour because Mission scored 58 seconds into the quarter, 6-5  Roadrunners. The Roadunners would again score four minutes later to boost their lead by two making the score 7-5, Mission. Not to be counted out, the Saints answered with a goal of their own by D.W. Poppy’s Kanen Hunter to bring them within a goal of tying the game, 7-6 Mission. With Mission playing a good offensive game, they would add another goal at the five minute mark of the quarter to go up by two once more, 8-6 Mission. The Saints now had a task ahead of them if they wanted any chance of getting back into the game, and with a minute-and-five seconds left, Kanen Hunter scored his second of the game to bring the Saints within one goal of tying the game. And believe it or not, with 4 seconds left in the game, Kanen Hunter would go on to score his third of the game, making for a 8-8 final score. Way to go Saints!

LANGLEY UNITED WRESTLING – THE” WAR ON THE FLOOR” TOURNAMENT

  • Friday – Day 1 of War on the Floor – one of the most notorious wrestling meets of the year.  Today was the novice meet – this is for athletes who have not placed in the top 6 in the BCs in the past.  Some awesome results today!
    • Gold Medal:  Josh Cote, LSS 70 kg weight class
    • Gold Medal: Nathan Ewing, LSS  60 kg weight class
    • Silver Medal: Brodie Thomas, LSS  66 kg weight class
    • Silver Medal:  Ella Halladin, DWP  60 kg weight class
    • Bronze Medal: Colter Mueller, DWP  66 kg weight class
  • Saturday – Day 2 – Elite level… Results still to come!

JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

  • LSS is in the middle of a basketball resurgence, and the continued growth of the Junior Girls Basketball team is a part of this long term plan.  The Junior Girls entered into a tournament this past weekend, and unfortunately, lost all three of its games, but they were all great games, with two of them being very close (one game was lost by one point and the 2nd by only three points!). The girls had fun, and lots of time for team bonding.  Congratulations to the team on their rapid improvement!

REMINDER!  LSS MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION!

  • If you have any questions about any of the information below, please contact Ms. Thorpe at the school – pthorpe@sd35.bc.ca
  1. THIS WEEK!  Homecoming ensembles – If parents and other adults connected with LSS would like to join us to perform for our concert Wednesday, Dec 20, we would love to have you!  All players and singers are welcome and we may be able to loan you an instrument, depending on what you play.   We will rehearse together on Friday Dec 8 and Dec 22.  Please email pthorpe@sd35.bc.ca to let her know you are interested.
  2. Disneyland 2019!  We are just starting to make plans for a big tour during spring break 2019!  If you are not yet a student in dance, musical theatre, choir or band, you might want to plan to join one of those classes next year to get in on our big adventure.  See Mrs. Thorpe for more information.

LSS IN THE NEWS!

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK!

This past week, students and staff were greeted  first thing in the morning with the holiday sounds of our Jazz Band.  Above, Ms. Thorpe prepares the Jazz Band to play some holiday tunes!

Ms. Thorpe and the Jazz Band in action!

The Junior Girls basketball team gathers after school in the Castle Lobby, before one of its games.

Trades 2 students have been putting together the set for the musical, Chity Chitty Bang Bang in the theatre room!

Trades 2 students building a door to… somewhere?!


The AVID 12 guys delivering hampers to an adopted a family in their BRAND NEW grad hoodies! How amazing does that look?!

Good Christmas advice from the 2nd floor…!

LSS CLUBS AND TEAMS

Throughout the school year, we will have important information on students clubs and teams in this section of the Scoop!  If you want to meet new people and have fun while learning something new, then read below… and join an LSS club or team!

  • NEW!  LSS Rugby:  There was an Information Session on LAST WEEK at lunch in the Main Gym for all students, boys and girls, interested in playing Rugby.  If you missed it, please see Mr. Howlett for more information!
  • LSS Book Club: Attention all book lovers.  On Thursdays, the LSS Book Club meets in Room 220 at lunchtime to discuss new books we’re reading, talk about our love of literature and challenge each other to try new books.  Feel free to join us!
  • LSS Debate and Model UN Club: Join us every Friday at lunchtime in Room 220. Members will learn how to debate, examine current events, and prepare for upcoming MUN conferences and debate tournaments. New members are always welcome.
  • Makerspace Club:  Please see Mr. Powell!  Their goal is to define a school Makerspace Club by its purpose and simplest of terms: it is a place where young people (both girls and boys!) have an opportunity to explore their own interests, learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual, and develop creative projects.  All students are welcome to attend.
  • Geeky Hang Out Days:  Please join Ms. Hajdecki for Geeky Hang Out Days in Room 123!
    • Magic the Gathering Mondays
    • Wii U Wednesdays
    • Tabletop Thursdays
    • Featured Anime Fridays
  • KnitWits Club:  Would you like to relax and learn a new skill?  Would you like to learn how to knit?  Please feel free to join us on Thursdays at lunch in Room 145. (Ms. Lee’s Foods Room).  The club is open to anyone, beginners to advanced knitters are welcome.
  • Youth Unlimited Hangar 17:  Wednesday’s at the Langley Airport!  Creative life & drop in (free art program and drop-in centre) from 3:30-5:30pm.  Community meal (free supper!) from 5:30-6:30pm.  Spiritual life (a safe space to discuss life, faith and deeper questions) from 6:30-7:30pm.  Shuttle bus pick-up at Langley Secondary at 3:25pm.  Shuttle rides home are offered at 6:30pm and 7:45pm (waivers are required and are available in the school office!).  For more information:  604-557-6507 or langleyyu@youthunlimited.com
  • GSA Alliance:  The LSS Gender and Sexuality Alliance will be meeting on Tuesdays at lunchtime in the Drama Room. All students are welcome to attend!
  • LSS Dance Team:  Would you like to try out for the LSS Dance Team and perform jazz and hip hop?  The Dance Team practices at lunchtime twice a week and performs at various events!  All dance levels are welcome!  Practices take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch in the new Dance Studio.
  • Grad Council:  Usual meetings of Grad Council take place on Tuesdays at lunchtime in Room 132.  All grads are welcome!  Get involved in Grad 2018!
  • ME to WE Club:  If you are looking to volunteer, give back to your community and learn more about local and global issues, join ME to WE Club!  ME to WE Club meetings are on Wednesdays at lunch in Room 213 with Ms. Wood and Ms. Sewell.

FROM THE DISTRICT

  • Langley DPAC’s EdCamp – Please see the attached poster regarding DPAC’s upcoming EdCamp: Langley DPAC_EdCamp_Save the date
  • TEDx Langley – TEDx Langley is coming soon!  Be a part of an international sharing of ideas that has been at the heart of TED talks for years.  Date: January 20, 2018  Tickets are only $75.  Please see the attached poster for more details: TEDxLangleyED Line-Up Poster
  • Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday, January 15, 2018 – All children who will be five years old by December 31, 2018 (children born in 2013) are eligible for the Kindergarten program beginning September 4, 2018.  Registrations received after March 31, 2018 will be considered late.  Late registration may affect placement in your catchment school due to space limitations.  The following documents are required at the time of registration:
    • Proof of Age (Birth Certificate).
    • Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status must be provided for the parent (Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card, Canadian Passport, Landed Immigrant documentation, Permanent Resident documentation/cards)
    • Proof of residence (Driver’s License, utility bill or Lease/Rental Agreement).
    • For more information and registration times please contact your local catchment  school.
  • REMINDER: Socialpreneurs’ Club – This is a District-initiated program that allows students to develop entrepreneurial skills while giving back to their communities.  Students will be able to use seed money to create and sustain a socially motivated business model.  Learn how your teachers and students can take advantage of this opportunity!  The process is simple: a teacher and group of students send us a business proposal and (if selected) we will grant you up to $500 to start up your socially responsible business platform.  The website is up and running for our Socialpreneurs group.  You will find more detailed information and the application process:  http://langleysocialprVisioneneurs.wseebly.com.  If a group of students is interested, then all you need is the teacher sponsor, as per above.  If you have questions, please see one of the admin and we can help you find a teacher sponsor!  Applications accepted until January 30, 2018.  

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Pregnant and Parenting Youth – Please see the attached for the January calendar: January 2018
  • Community Bulletin Board – SD#35 Langley: To find out more about the different community events happening in our District, consider making it a habit to go to the District’s website, and you will certainly be in the know! https://www.sd35.bc.ca/news-events/community-bulletin-board/
    • Some of the items you will find out more about on the District Board include:
      • Immediate: Ball Hockey Registrations open now
      • Immediate: Dance without Limits (Surrey) Drop in Chuck Bailey Rec Center (inclusive program)
      • Jan. – Feb – Langley Centennial Museum – Programs and Events
      • Dec, 27th – Jan. 5 – Winterfest – Day Camps Langley City
      • Jan. 2018 – Aldergrove Swim Club Registrations
      • Jan. 2018 – Deadline for North Langley Baseball
      • Jan. 2018 – Girls Lacrosse Program Registration
      • Feb. 25th – Study and Go Abroad – Free Info Conference

UPCOMING DATES ON THE CALENDAR

Dec. 18:     Grad Christmas Movie Night

Dec. 20:     Homecoming Concert, Small Gym, 7 pm

Dec. 22:     Last Day of Classes for Christmas/Winter Break

Jan. 8:       School Re-Opens

Jan. 10:     Lockdown Drill, a.m.

Jan. 15:     Staff Collaboration, Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm

Jan. 16:     Fire Drill, a.m.

Jan. 16:     PAC Meeting, Rm 128, 7pm

Jan. 17:     LSS Piping Orientation for Students and Parents, Library, 7 pm

Jan. 24:     Last Day of Classes – Semester 1

Jan. 25:     English 12 Provincial Exam, Small Gym, 8:30 am

Jan. 26:     Taste of LSS for Grade 8 students from HDSMS

Jan. 29:     Semester 2 Classes Begin

Feb. 7:       Staff Collaboration, Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm

Feb. 9:       Semester 1 Report Cards Issued

Feb. 12:     BC Family Day, Schools CLOSED

Feb. 20:     PAC Meeting, Rm 128, 7pm

Apr. 16:      PAC Meeting, Rm 128, 7pm

May 22:     PAC Meeting and AGM, Rm 128, 7pm

June 21:    LSS Grad Ceremony, CLA

June 22:    LSS Grad Dinner and Dance, Coast Hotel

June 27:    LSS Awards Night

Langley Secondary School

21405 - 56 Avenue, Langley
BC, V2Y 2N1
Phone: 604-534-4171
Fax: 604-534-9518