The Saints Scoop! – September 29, 2019

September 29, 2019

GRAD GAB!

The Grad Gab is the first section of the Saints Scoop, and, as the name implies, has information that is especially important to our Grade 12 students, such as scholarship opportunities and grad-related events.  If it has something to do with “Graduation” at LSS, there is a good chance that you will find it somewhere in the “Grad Gab!”

  • Dry Grad Meeting – It is time for the FIRST Dry Grad Committee Meeting of the year for the Grads of 2020.  The Dry Grad Committee is a group of Grade 12 parents who, independent of the school, come together and organize this event.  While the school does assist parents with basic requests, the Dry Grad is an event run by parents, typically after the Grad Dinner and Dance.
    • If you would like to volunteer to help shape this event, the first meeting of parents is on Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm in the New Building, in the Student Commons seating area (cafeteria, across from the New Building Library).
  • LSS Grad Cruise Info!
    • Permission forms, info sheets, and guest pass forms are all available at the office. Mrs. Naples will be making announcements to let grade 12s know.
    • We will be selling tickets $65/each lunch time only Oct 7-11.
    • Students need to pay grad fee and student fees and have completed permission slip to purchase tickets.
    • Guest forms are due Oct 3 and approved guest form is needed to purchase guest ticket.
    • Please see the attached form for rules, dates, and expectations: GRAD CRUISE 2019 OVERVIEW and reminders

TERRY FOX SCHOOL RUN AT LSS A HUGE SUCCESS!

  • A huge thank you and congratulations to the entire LSS community for participating in our successful annual Terry Fox Run!  The whole school came out and either walked or ran through the Eric Doubleday Arboretum this past Thursday to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Cancer.  A special thank you to Ms. Sewell and the Grade 12 AVID class for organizing and fundraising for this event.  The LSS community raised over $1200 for Cancer Research in the name of Terry Fox, far surpassing the school goal of $1000.  Terry Fox had a goal of raising $1 for every Canadian; at LSS, with just under 900 students, we showed everyone that we can do even better than that!
    • Some of the Run Organizers, helpers, and cheer squad, just before the run!!

      The last of the LSS students who chose to walk the course, crossing 56th Avenue.

      The route that the student took, courtesy of Mr. Palichuk!

      As Mr. Palichuk describes above, he came 2nd to student Nicholas Mein – a great (and friendly) running duel to the end!

      More of the early finishers, running right to the end!   See below for more photos of participants!

    • Every event that involves so many students offf campus requires some staff supervision – Mr. Moino, Mrs. Moon, Mrs. Florko, and Mr. Wyse are at one end of the cross walk.

      More of our supervisors from PE: Mr. Kardos, Mr. Wyse and Mrs. Florko again, and Mr. Mahil – thank you!

      A great deal of team-building…

      and camaraderie…

      and positivity were a part o this school-wide event!

      The AVID staff members, getting together!

      And AVID 9!

      And AVID 10!

      Cool selfie, AVID 12!

LSS JR.GIRLS HAVE A STRONG EFFORT AGAINST BROOKSWOOD!

  • Congratulations to the Junior Girls Volleyball team for winning 3 of 4 sets against BSS this past week! As excited as the team was for its first victory of the season, one of their coaches, Mrs. Florko, was even more excited!  In her own words, “Woooo!” Now THAT is excitement!
  • Interested in keeping up-to-date with what is happening in the world of Athletics and Physical Health and Education (PHE) at LSS?  Then be sure to follow @langleysaints on Instagram!

LSS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HAS A GREAT FIRST RACE!

  • Congratulations to the LSS Cross Country Team, who had a larger number of athletes than in other years, and who also nailed down some strong performances at this first meet in Aldergrove!  The Senior Boys team ranked 2nd in the meet with their combined placement, and we even had a Junior Girl come 4th out of 41 runners from throughout the Fraser Valley!  A huge thank you to our volunteer coaches, Mrs. Pagnanini and Mr. Nicol for their inspiration, and their efforts!
    • Mr. Nicol stepping up and giving race directions to all 142 runners!

      And they’re off!

      On the move!

      LSS fans drove out to Aldergrove to cheer on their friends – now THAT is loyalty and school spirit!.

LSS MAKES LEARNING MORE VISIBLE AND ACTIVE!

  • One of our school goals the year is to make learning more VISIBLE and ACTIVE at LSS.  So, what exactly does that mean?  There are two separate and connected ideas at play here.
    • First, while students demonstrating their learning with pen/pencil and paper is still valuable, this shouldn’t be the only way learning is demonstrated.  Students have and need to develop more skills than only writing.  For example, in our increasingly visual world, our students need to be able to organize their thinking and communicate their understanding visually, whether in physical or digital form.
    • Second, research tells us clearly that, while teachers talking, demonstrating, and modelling are all important in a classroom, students also need an opportunity to DO.  The more students themselves are DOING in an active, thoughtful way, the more they actually learn, and the more the learning “sticks.”
  • Some examples of VISIBLE and ACTIVE learning this past week at LSS:
    • Mrs. Pagnanini‘s Biology 11 class were working on Darwin’s Survival of the Fittest and the Galapagos finches.  Students are provided with different “beaks” (chopsticks, tweezers, binder clips, fork) and different food sources (dry rice, elastic bands, marshmallows, toothpicks).  Their Essential Question: “Who will be best adapted to survive each island?” 
    • Ms. Zyra’s AVID 11 class were working on communication and language skills; the more specific and descriptive the language, the better the outcome!  The question they worked on: “Can you get your partner to draw the image ONLY by describing it to them?”  Notice that EVERYONE is active in the lesson?
    • Mr. Sheppard’s Socials class was doing a simulation of the scramble for Africa and talking about the effect this had on the continent and the people.
    • The LSS Library Learning Commons (in the New Building) also got in on the act, showing us the different types of learning activities are happening in our new space!
      1. Mr. Walton‘s English 10 class writing TV scripts in the library lab.
      2. Mr. Fauteux‘s English 9 class learning how to use email.
      3. The first “LSS Reads” graph of the year! The grade 9s are just barely beating the gr. 11s in terms of book checkouts for this past month…

THIS WEEK!  ITALY TRIP (SPRING BREAK 2021) INFORMATION MEETING!

  • Interested in expanding your Italian language skills and experiencing the culture of Italy?  Then you will want to be at this early-bird meeting on Tuesday, October 1 at 6 p.m. in Room A111 (Ms. Bertoni‘s room) in the New Building.  For more information on this trip and this meeting, which is sponsored by our Modern Languages Department, please see the attached poster! italy promo (1)[1]

CAREERS CORNER!

  • Trades Expo:  October 23-24, 9am-3pm at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. The trades expo is aimed for new and future tradespeople.  There are a ton of opportunities for new talent to enter the trades and begin well paid and rewarding careers. Try your hands on tools for various trades, explore opportunities,  get a job with no experience required.   FREE ADMISSION, register on eventrite.ca or www.trades-expo.ca
  • OV College of Massage Therapy Diploma Information session
    • The Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon B.C. welcomes high school students to attend a free information session for our two-year Registered Massage Therapy Diploma program. Students considering a future in healthcare will gain insight into this exciting career.
    • Our overview will cover information about the career of Registered Massage Therapy, give insights into the opportunities available to massage therapists in today’s healthcare system, and answer students questions about our program and the best route for entry.
    • This in-demand profession can take graduates in a multitude of career directions, and allows them to live and work where they please.
    • We have been graduating leaders in the field of Massage Therapy for 25 years. OV is the only massage therapy program in BC’s Okanagan region, allowing students an affordable, accessible, and enjoyable place to take their therapy training.
    • Our info session is also a great opportunity for students to meet our Practical Director Robynne and have all of their questions answered.
    • Upcoming dates:
      • October 17, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, 19500 Langley Bypass, Surrey, B.C.
      • October 18, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Surestay Hotel by Best Western, 43971 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C.
    • The RMT program has intakes in both September and January. For more information on entry prerequisites please see our website: www.ovcmt.com

PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST

  • PSAT Information – Interested in going to the US to go to school, but still not yet in Grade 12?  This is a test given in preparation for the SATs.  If you are interested, please see the link and information below.
    • Wed. Oct. 16, 2019
      3:15 pm
      3:30 to 8:00 (this is a timed test)
      R.E. Mountain Secondary School
      7633 – 202A Street, Langley, B.C., V2Y 1W4
      0112 / 0114 / 0116
      Kleenex, 2 HB lead pencils, calculator, water bottle, and a snack $40.00 (please pay using School Cash Online)
      Spots are filled on a first come, first paid basis. No Refunds.
      For more information on the test, go to:
    • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/inside-the-test

SAINTS:  ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

  • One of our LSS grade 12 students – Tanner Komzak – plays for the Langley Rivermen and spent his free afternoon reading to learners at Langley Meadows Elementary, and then playing outside with them!  Nicely done, Tanner – you make us all proud to be LSS Saints!  Thant’s Tanner in the middle!

AVID PROGRAM FOCUS:  GETTING ORGANIZED!

  • This past week, AVID 12 mentored our AVID 9s on setting up binders and getting organized. The mentorship opportunity was just as valuable to the Grade 12s as was the work in getting organized for the Grade 9s!
  • AVID 9s then got set-up on myBlueprint, an on-line portfolio tool that students will be able to use to collect examples of their learning during their 4 years at LSS, which they can use for their Grade 12 Capstone projects for when they graduate!  They did this with the help of their AVID Student Assistant and their AVID tutor (an LSS 2019 grad From last year, Crystal Smith… thanks Crystal!)
  • Finally, FLEX habits were in full force as ALL students created whiteboard “to do” lists on their desks.  In short, before they left their period 1 class, students had to WRITE their plan for FLEX and have it checked by their teacher – organization AND accountability, all in one activity!

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

  • The Baseball Academy wall of fame is now up, with 19 players in 5 years who have graduated to play Baseball and Softball at the post secondary level!

    This is an inspiring group photos – thanks for your work in organizing the, and for your work with our Academy students, Mr. Bannister!

    AVID 12 students counting the donated funds for the Terry Fox Run!

    A collage put together by Mrs. Turpin for the Terry Fox Run 2019!

    Mr. Palichuk speaking to several dozen Grade 9 students and their parents at the “Meet the Teacher” evening this past Thursday.

    Mr. Lewis then spoke to several dozen more Grade 10-12 students and parents about Graduation Requirements.

    Flex is about time to practice and get better at something…
    Jason is teaching lots of students in FLEX – thanks Jason!

    Finally, to overcome the far-and-wide geography challenges that staff have in staying connected this school year, Mrs. Pagnanini and Mr. Nicol sponsored “P7 Day,” inviting all staff to Portable 7 for some conversation and some Timbits!

    I total, more than 25 staff attended… Great team building activity!

LSS CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES!

  • LSS Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) – meeting’s at lunch every Tuesday in Ms. Lee’s rm. #A112– This is a safe space for students to hang out and have open discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend 
  • Grad Council:  Meeting every Tuesday at lunch in the Small Gym.
  • Dance Class: Free open dance class Tuesdays at Lunch in the dance studio. All Students Welcome. Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Zumba (Starts Sept 24th).
  • 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 runs Wednesdays at lunch in Room 253 (above old library/office). A great place to share your
  • Wii Wednesday: at lunch with Ms.Hajdecki Rm # A183
  • Tabletop Thursdays; Thursdays at lunch in Rm # A183 with Ms. Hajdecki
  • 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 184 (Ms. Decambra’s Foods Room).  The club is open to anyone, beginners to advanced knitters are welcome.
  • Model UN Club: the LSS Model United Nations Club is starting. New members are encouraged to join us this Thursdayat lunch in Room A215 (Ms.Cunningham’s).
  • Anime Club Friday is in Room #A183 at lunch with Ms.Hajdecki

FROM THE LANGLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • New Calendar for October for “Pregnant and Parenting”: October 2019 – Pregnant and Parenting Calendar
  • Funk Fusion Fundraiser – Blue HooDoos rock it out at a Benefit Concert for Nancy Crawford Memorial Scholarship. October 5 at 7 pm at Chief Sepass Theatre. Poster is attached:
  • Taste of Fort Langley – Roam the corridors and alleys of Fort Langley while sipping on vintage wine and nibbling on tasty tidbits from first class restaurants. It’s a an evening of walking, wining and dining all to support the Langley School District Foundation and Starfish Backpack Program to feed hungry students. October 8 at 6 pm in Fort Langley. Poster is attached. 
  • FREE Community Workshop for Children’s Grief Awareness Day – Langley Hospice Society is hosting a free workshop in honour of Children’s Grief Awareness Day. November 14 at HD Stafford from 12-3 pm. Poster is attached.
  • 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/

CALENDAR 

  • Sept 30:    Every Child Matters – Orange Shirt Day
  • Oct 5:       World Teacher day
  • Oct 7:        Photo Retake Day
  • Oct 14:      Thanksgiving Day, School CLOSED
  • Oct 21:      PAC Meeting, 7 pm
  • Oct 15-18: Interim Report Week (expect a contact home from each teacher)
  • Oct 15-21: Grad Photos!
  • Oct 21:      Federal Election – LSS Small Gym will be hosting a polling station
  • Oct 24:      Grad Cruise!
  • Oct 25:      Provincial Professional Development Day, Students NOT in Session
  • Oct 28:      Post Secondary BC Day
  • Nov 12:     PAC Meeting, 7 pm
  • Jan 20:      PAC Meeting, 7 pm
  • Feb 24:      PAC Meeting, 7 pm
  • Apr 27:      PAC Meeting, 7 pm
  • May 25:     PAC AGM, 7 pm
  • June 17:    Grad Commencement Ceremony, CLA, 7 pm
  • June 19:    Grad Dinner & Dance, Coast Hotel, 6:30 pm

Langley Secondary School

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