February Lunch and Learn Sessions for Families and Caregivers

Posted January 30, 2024

As part of our ongoing efforts to support WRDSB families and caregivers, our psychology staff are offering a number of Lunch and Learn sessions. These webinars, scheduled over the lunch hour on Wednesdays, aim to equip families and caregivers with useful tips and information to assist them in supporting their children. Lunch and Learn Sessions […]

Skilled Trade Learning Opportunities: Career Speaker Series

Posted January 29, 2024

The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region invites Grade 7 to 12 students and their parents/caregivers to participate in the Skilled Trade Learning Opportunities interactive speaker series. This free virtual series gives students a chance to learn about potential career options and help them plan their future career pathways. Registration for these events is […]

Mobile Devices in the Classroom – Updated Policy for Sem 2

Posted January 29, 2024

Please note that we have updated and created an electronic version of our LHSS Parent and Student Handbook – this can be found on the LHSS school website.  

Special Note: LHSS’ Mobile Device Policy for students.  

In 2019, the Ministry of Education enacted policies to govern the use of mobile devices in schools.  The reason for these policies related to research indicating that use of mobile devices in classrooms impacted student learning and was, in some cases, detrimental to student mental health.  Teachers will be placing special focus on this policy as we move forward – please ensure that your student is aware of our expectations. We feel it is important to help students manage their use of mobile devices to ensure the best outcomes for their wellness and achievement.

LHSS’ School Electronic Device Policy:

During class time, cell phones should be turned off (silenced) and placed out of sight.

Limited Exceptions:

  • for specific educational purposes as directed by the teacher
  • for health and medical purposes (ex: diabetes app)
  • to support special education needs (ex., assistive technology).

Many students are connected to social media apps and regularly access other online apps and games.  Many popular apps use algorithms that are designed to engage users so much that it becomes hard for people to disconnect from them.  In the case of students, it becomes difficult for them to focus on learning.  Studies show that when students are not accessing their smartphones during class, they have increased comprehension of course content, less anxiety, and have increased mindfulness leading to improved well being, Huey and Giguere, 2022.

If mobile device use becomes a problem for your student, the classroom teacher or Vice Principal will connect with you to discuss next steps.  Parental involvement is essential in supporting students in balancing technology use.

Please also see these resources from the Ministry of Education:

What parents can do:

Parents or guardians can teach children about healthy balance of using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:

If you have any questions, please reach out to an administrator at the school.

Read more about Mobile Devices in the Classroom – Updated Policy for Sem 2 »

Semester 2 Timetables

Posted January 29, 2024

Updated semester 2 timetables will be given to each student in their homeroom (period A) on Friday, February 2nd.  Student alphabetical homeroom lists (by last name) will be posted in the first floor foyer on Friday morning to help students find their period A classes. Please DO NOT contact your guidance counsellor or LHSS office staff […]

University of Waterloo – Grade 10 Student Info Night Feb. 22nd

Posted January 29, 2024

As students think about their future classes, we’d like to help them think about their future post-secondary options. Our annual Grade 10 Info Night will be taking place on Thursday, February 22, 2024 both on campus and online.

Presentation: 6:30 – 8 p.m. (Humanities Theatre, University of Waterloo, and virtual livestream)
Information fair: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. (Hagey Hall Hub, University of Waterloo, in-person only

Details and registration: https://uwaterloo.ca/future/grade-10.

This isn’t a Waterloo sales pitch – we’ll keep things general so that students will benefit regardless of which university they plan to attend. Speakers will include Waterloo’s director of student awards and financial aid, associate registrar of admissions, current university students, and a professor sharing tips for students to know before applying to university. Attendees will learn about:

  • applying to university,
  • finding a program,
  • financing their education, and
  • chat with Waterloo representatives at an information fair (in-person only) or through a Q&A (virtual).

 

Read more about University of Waterloo – Grade 10 Student Info Night Feb. 22nd »

January 29 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia

Posted January 29, 2024

On January 29, 2017, a gunman entered a mosque in Quebec City and killed six worshippers and injured 19 Muslim Canadians during a prayer service. The Quebec City mosque mass shooting remains the worst mass murder in a house of worship in Canada’s history. On June 6, 2021, the Afzaal family of London, Ontario were […]

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Posted January 26, 2024

As an educational system, we have a responsibility to learn about the lived realities of systematically harmed communities. With this in mind, the WRDSB is committed to learning about the lived experiences, realities and harm faced by the Jewish community. In the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we look forward to building strong, ongoing […]

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