Ladysmith

secondary School

Sept 22-26

Uy’ skweyul Ladysmith Secondary Students and Families,

We hope that students and families are now settled in for what is turning out to be a great school year so far. Today was also photo day, where students were able to have their yearly school photo taken. If you missed picture day or wish to have your picture retaken, photo retake day is on October 27th. Next week, our Grade 12 students have the opportunity to attend the Canadian University Event at Dover Bay Secondary, where post-secondary institutions from across Canada are present to share information about their programs.

Below are some important reminders from last week. Please also look ahead to the upcoming important dates:

AP Registration

All grade 12 students wishing to get college credit or advanced placement in college courses are welcome to write AP exams in May of 2026. You will need to register with our International Education department by October 15th if you want to participate in this program.

AP exams, or Advanced Placement exams, are standardized tests offered by the College Board in Canada that allow high school students to demonstrate college-level knowledge in specific subjects. These exams cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to mathematics and languages. Scoring well on an AP exam can earn students’ college credit or advanced placement in college courses, potentially saving time and tuition costs. AP exams are taken in May and are designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of college academics.

Domestic and international students can register to write. There is no prerequisite course to write an exam.

If your student is interested in taking one or more of our AP exams, please have them click the link below to register: https://forms.office.com/r/SyBLWzWApV

Online Consent Forms

Online consent forms were sent home last week. Please check your email and complete these forms as students will lose access to their google accounts and walking field trips if the forms are not complete by early October. Please contact our main office at info.ls@sd68.bc.ca or 250-245-3043 with any questions.

Tuesday, September 23rd – Terry Fox Launch Event

LSS has the honour of hosting the district-wide Terry Fox relay launch on Tuesday morning from 8:45-9:15am at the front of our school. This extraordinary event will bring together over 1000 students (LPS and LSS together), Board trustees, district leadership, and media to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Due to the scale of this historic event, our school parking lot will be partially closed, and emergency vehicles will be present to escort our relay runners.

Parents dropping off students that morning should plan to use street parking farther from the school and allow extra time for morning routines. We recommend dropping students on the road rather than attempting to enter the parking lot and ask that you drive slowly and watch for increased pedestrian traffic in the school area. If possible, consider avoiding the school area between 8:30-9:30am for non-essential trips. Bike racks will not be available for use on this day. If possible, please leave bikes and scooters home on Tuesday. If students require bikes/scooters for transportation, please have them connect with the office for safe storage on Tuesday.

Following the launch ceremony, all C-block students will participate in a 20-minute community walk/run around the neighbourhood. Please drive with extra caution around 9:15am as students will be on nearby streets. This event honours Terry Fox’s incredible legacy and connects our entire school district in a meaningful tribute. Thank you for your patience and support as we make this launch memorable for our students. Donations will be collected in their C block class for those looking to support this worthwhile cause.

Contact Mr. King at 250-245-3043 if you have further questions.

School-Based Fees

Finally, a reminder to families that all school-based fees can be paid online directly by clicking here.

Upcoming events:

• September 23rd – Terry Fox Run (District Event Opening at LSS)
• September 24th – Canadian University Event (Dover Bay)
• September 29th – LSS observing Truth and Reconciliation Day
• September 30th – National Truth and Reconciliation Day (No School)
• October 5th – National Teacher’s Day
• October 6th – 10th – Suggested Informal Learning Update Week
• October 15th – PAC meeting (6pm)
• October 16th – Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill
• October 22nd – Early dismissal (2pm)
• October 22nd – Parent-Teacher Interviews (3:30-6pm)
• October 24th – Pro-D Day (No School)
• October 27th – Photo Retake Day
• October 28th – Fire Drill #2

PAC Corner.. Your voices matter!

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 the library. PAC’s Annual General Meeting will be on October 15, at that meeting the Executive will be established. There are several positions to fill. Please consider joining us.

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