The Raven Report

As the year comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on some of the successes we've had this year. On Wednesday, we will celebrate nearly 200 graduates who will leave our school ready to take on new challenges and to begin their lives as young adults!

We are also very proud of our academic successes where we have seen improvements in credit accumulation and attendance in all grades. We learned about and honoured Indigenous history, culture and traditions with Truth and Reconciliation Day and National Indigenous History Month. Our four Specialist High Skills Majors programs continue to give our students experiences and certifications that prepare them for Apprenticeships, Workplace, College and University pathways.

Students have had so many wonderful experiences outside of class as well. Our Improv team earned a spot at the National Level competition in Ottawa! The students at the HOPE campus showcased their connection to the land by hosting the annual Fish Fry. Our Sports teams have competed strongly this year and we have had teams compete at the COSSA level. Some of our individual athletes have competed at the Provincial Championships this year. Recently our Special Olympics basketball team travelled to the Provincial tournament in Chatham! Our student council was active this year hosting many theme weeks and some school dances. And, under the guidance of Mrs. Murray, our students revived the production of a yearbook!

These are just some of the many highlights from this year. We are very proud of our students and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

While we are about to say farewell to many graduates, we are excited to welcome over 280 new students in September.

We know that it can be a little confusing for the first few days as you find your way around this big school. Here are a few hints:

1. We'll post a list of everyone's homeroom and locker number outside of the office and in the cafeteria. When you arrive, you can find your name on the list and then go find your classroom and locker.

2. If you're not sure how to use your lock, this video might be helpful.

3. Your homeroom (first period) teacher will have a paper copy of your timetable for you.

In September, we will welcome our new Principal, Mr. Rob Garden. Mr. Garden has spent many years teaching students and leading teachers at Prince Edward Collegiate. He has recently been a Vice-Principal at Trenton High School and Central Hastings School, a curriculum coordinator, instructional coach and instructional lead teacher. In his many roles, Mr. Garden has shown that he values and supports student achievement and he understands the important ways that extra-curricular activities build a school culture.

We wish Mr. Pickard all the best in his retirement.

In order to help us keep students safe at school, please let the school know immediately if your youth has any of the following medical conditions that are not already documented at Eastside Secondary School:

• anaphylaxis,
• asthma,
• diabetes,
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• Requires self-administration or assistance with administration of medication
• other medical procedures,
• Requires routine health management support
  

A member of our school team will reach out to co-create, review and update plans of care.

We are so fortunate that our building upgrades (including painting and renovations) are continuing. The school will be closed until the last week of August due to:

• Window Replacements on the lower floor
• Roof Replacement in the Cafeteria / Tech areas
• Door Replacements
• Regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance.

Because of the scope of these projects, the City of Belleville has granted a noise by-law exemption to allow the contractors to begin working at 5 am daily throughout the summer.

As the school year begins, some of these projects may continue outside of school hours. Please notify the school office of any known reactions to paints or other chemicals that a student may have.

June 27 6 pm - Graduation (Live Stream Link)

July 3 2:30 pm - Report Cards will be published in Aspen

August 27 & 28 - Registration (only for students who are not yet registered)

August 28 - 9 am - 1 pm - Grade 9 Orientation Day

Tuesday Sept. 3 - PA Day - No Classes

Wednesday Sept. 4 - Classes Begin

October 11 - PA Day - No Classes

October 14 - Thanksgiving Holiday

Check our Eastside Events calendar to see all the great things that are happening at Eastside Secondary.