What a beautiful day! Today we are so thankful for our outdoor spaces and the leadership of staff and students. At La-Salle-A-Pa-Looza today students of all grades and all pathways enjoyed a variety of activities including but not limited to touch football, button making, live music, and bubbles!

Our spring sports are starting to conclude with lots of finals on the horizon, for our secondary students the final exam schedule out and our grade 8 class had their year end trip to Wonderland permission forms sent home. The end is year is coming fast yet we still have so much more to do and appreciate. Please see the photos below for some of the amazing moments captured.

Wednesday night, May 28th we are excited to host a family paint night. One of our talented secondary teachers, Ms. McEwen will be working with families grades 7 to 12 with snacks provided by our culinary students led by Mr. Lam. If you are interested in attending, please sign up using the QR code or link on the poster below.

We hope you enjoy this weeks newsletter and the long weekend. Yours in education,

Jen, Mike, & Kirsti

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.

Grade 8s will graduate on Monday June 23rd and grade 12s will graduate on Thursday June 26th. Both events will take place in the Great Hall at La Salle.

Please see the secondary student exam schedule. Exams begin on Tuesday June 17th for grade 12s and Thursday June 19th for all other students. Grade 12 exams will be wrapped up by Friday June 20th and the reminder of students the afternoon of Tuesday June 24th. If your child(ren) course is not listed on the exam timetable they will have final assessment tasks in class.

May 20th, grade 8 students will hear from guest presenter Julie Lalonde on the topic of Consent and Sex Trafficking arranged by LDSB Equity and Inclusion Consultant, Andrea Barrow. The presentation was originally to be hosted at the Boys and Girls Club but will now be held in Mrs. McFarlane's classroom. Please contact your child's home room teacher if you have any questions.

Dear Families of Secondary School Students,

As we approach the end of the school year and graduating students prepare for their next steps, there is, understandably, much anticipation and excitement for the future.

As such, graduating students, as well as younger secondary students, are recognizing graduates’ achievements in several memorable ways. However, we want to inform families that one particular activity has become increasingly problematic and dangerous.

“Senior Assassin” is an increasingly popular game among graduating students across North America that involves students "assassinating" each other using water guns, gel projectiles, or foam darts. The last person who avoids being “assassinated” wins. Although seemingly safe in theory, many replica firearms look like real firearms, and police are now warning about the dangers of replica firearms, specifically for the purpose of playing this game.

As reported in a recent CBC article, Police warn about dangers of replica firearms used by teens in 'Senior Assassin' game, York Regional Police said in a news release that officers have fired their guns in situations where a firearm is later determined to have been a replica and the officer was found to be justified in their actions.

"There is often no way to tell if the weapon is real prior to investigation," the release states. "Replica firearms, air guns, gel guns or toy guns used in the commission of another offence are considered legitimate weapons and those responsible will face significant criminal charges."

With this in mind, we ask that graduating students refrain from participating in the “Senior Assassin” game. Student and staff safety are always our top priority, so we ask that students recognize and celebrate student achievement, including high school graduation, in ways that ensure all students remain safe.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Patty Gollogly

Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: School Climate and Community Engagement

With the warm weather officially here, the school climate reminders remain the same - cell phones should be away during instructional time unless explicitly told by staff they can be used as part of the classroom activities. Washrooms are to be used for their intended purposes, please remind students they should not be congregating in these spaces. Vaping is banned from anywhere on property.

Above secondary families will notice the letter from our superintendent of safe schools, please note, all grades - 7 to 12, students are not to have water guns to school. For students who decide to access the splash pad during their lunch hour, we recommend packing a change of clothing.

With final assessments just around the corner, students are encouraged to work ahead, plan their time accordingly and ask for help early. These learning skills will help ensure students are not enticed to use the internet inappropriately for assessments. Staff will continue to model and provide students feedback to be successful with their finals. If you or your child are ever unclear of the expectations please reach out.

La Salle has a recording studio and it’s getting an upgrade thanks to the generous donation from the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area. The studio, or Causeway Studios as it's know online is a place where students are able to rehearse, record, compose and learn about music. Access to some of the latest modern technology as well as some high quality recording equipment will help students in their creative musical journeys. The grant of $11,560 will be used to upgrade the aging computer, add more microphones and a preamp, improve the drum kit and as well some time for staff to work through some of the back catalog of old coffee houses that are recorded to be accessible through online sources. Students are able to access the studio specifically through the guitar class, music class and the guitar club. A huge shout out goes to the Community Foundation!

@CFKingstonArea #thanksCFKA

This year all of our grade 10 civics students, as part of their course participated in YPI. Students dug into civics issues and the community agencies that support people in our community. All students participated in the judging process and from there each class determined a winning group. This week, the top five groups presented to a panel of judges including staff and senior students. Thank you to all of students work on their projects, their care and compassion was evident. Congratulations to our winning team, Tristan, Vanessa and Mason. There presentation has secured $5000 to support Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy.

On May 14, La Salle Leadership welcomed the incoming grade nines - Class of 2029 for a fun day of games.

Our amazing arts department hosted a full house at coffee house night! The talent in this building is incredible!

Thanks to Megan, Niky, Mr. Lam and students for setting up an amazing display and event in our foyer!

Intermediate Track and Field Event May 8th

Our secondary leadership students hosted a track and field event for our intermediate students to help prepare for their next meet and encourage activity and engagement for all.

KASSAA and EOSSAA Para Track Meets April 24/25

Alex won the overall boys medal (highest points for one athlete). Congratulations to all of the athletes and coaches.

Way to go to the La Salle Skills team!

• Victoria Day: Monday May 19th
• Professional Development Day: Friday May 30th
• SAVE THE DATE! Grade 8 Graduation: Monday June 23rd
• SAVE THE DATE! Grade 12 Graduation: Thursday June 26th

Our school council meetings have wrapped up for another year and we look forward to connecting again in September. We would like to thank this years members for their contribution and attendance. We are always happy to welcome new parents / guardians around the table from grade 7 to 12. We hope to see you in the new year 🙂

Elected council for the 2024/25 school year:

Chair: Marsha Valente

Secretary: Stephanie Gratto

PIC Representative: Members will rotate attendance at PIC meetings

Members at Large: Laura Doherty, Todd Lamothe, Kishore Kumar and Sonika Sathish

Hey La Salle families, did you know you can order clothing at anytime? If not, click the link to do so. You will also see there is grad clothing options, that can also be customized.

Order La Salle clothing ANYTIME at https://lasalleintermediatesecondaryschool.entripyshops.com/

We invite you to learn about our program to reduce your family's school fees for athletic fees and school trips. For FREE MONEY view the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N-MHYP5Ttg and visit https://www.fundscrip.com/support-a-group and enter the invitation code: DYHCNP

There are many community organizations, including The Maltby Centre, that offer a variety of resources to support students and families. The Maltby Centre (https://maltbycentre.ca/) provides mental health and autism services to children and youth, and works with clients in schools, homes, and other locations.

Other supports include:

• School Mental Health Ontario Youth Diversion Kids Help Phone

“Since 1985, The Food Sharing Project has been providing nutritious food to schools across Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington. Educators, and research, tell us that students who have access to healthy food can focus better on their academic tasks, are more engaged in their learning, and have more positive social interactions. Student nutrition programs at schools can take many forms but they all offer healthy food that is accessible to any student who needs nutrition, in a stigma–free environment, supported by caring adults.”

The following key dates have been approved:

• Last Day of School: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Professional Activity Days - no classes for students:

• Friday, May 30, 2025
• Friday, June 27, 2025

Intermediate email - lasis@limestone.on.ca

Secondary email - lasss@limestone.on.ca

Website: https://lasalle.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 773 Highway 15, Kingston, ON K7L 4V3, Canada
Phone: Intermediate 613-542-9733 Secondary 613-546-1737

Twitter: @LaSalle_LDSB