IRSC Newsletter

February marks an important transition point at Iron Ridge Secondary Campus. We have officially wrapped up final exams and are now moving into Semester 2. I want to recognize the effort our students put into finishing the semester strong and thank our staff for the care, flexibility, and support they provided during exam season.

As we begin the new semester, this is a great opportunity for students to reset, set goals, and re-engage in their learning. Whether Semester 1 went exactly as planned or presented some challenges, Semester 2 offers a fresh start and new opportunities to grow, improve, and succeed.

I would also like to remind families that Teacher Convention takes place during the third week of February, and as a result, students will not have classes that week. This time allows our staff to engage in professional learning that directly supports high-quality instruction and student success here at IRSC.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. We are excited for what Semester 2 has ahead and look forward to continuing learning and building community at IRSC.

Ed Coles

Principal

Iron Ridge Secondary Campus

February 2: Beginning of Semester 2 / Quarter 3

February 3: Iron Ridge Collective (online @ 3 PM)

February 16 - 20th: No school for students (long weekend & Teacher's Convention)

February 23 - 25: Lifetouch Grad Photo Retakes

February 25: Pink Shirt Day

March 12: Unified Bean Bag Tournament @ IRSC

March 13: PD Day

March 21 - 29: Spring Break

Our Quarter 3 options begin on February 2 and will wrap up on April 17. We have some exciting new options being offered, as well as some regular student favourites. We also share some of our options spaces, such as the Cosmetology lab and the shop, with the Junior Campus.

Day 1: Beginner Band, Media Creation, Ceramics, Film Studies, Cosmetology, Rec Ed

Day 2: Advanced Band, 3D Design, Leadership, Foods, Metals, Rec Ed

Before a recent matchup, our JV team shared a quiet pre-game huddle tucked under the bleachers, a moment of focus, nerves, and unity before stepping onto the court together. IRSC coaches also hosted a pancake brunch for all basketball athletes, creating space to connect, fuel up, connect, and build team spirit.

These small moments off the court help build strong teams on it.

Our Phys Ed department is collecting gently used athletic wear (shorts, t-shirts, sweatpants, and/or runners) to support students who may not have gym clothes. Donations can be dropped off at the front office. All sizes welcome. Thank you for helping our students stay active!

School Reach is competitive, team-based trivia. We have at least one intermediate (Gr 9/10) and one senior team (Gr 11/12) competing at the Regional tournament at Ponoka Secondary Campus on Saturday, February 28th! This event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM and is open to the public for anyone who wants to watch and support our teams.

As Mrs. Lapointe's class wrapped up all of their learning in the human systems unit, they investigated the similarities of mammalian anantomy through a hands-on dissection.

Mrs. Neufeld's Art 9 class completed this group mural titled, "Monsters Under The Bed". They used a combination of spray paint and acrylic pens. Great creativity and a lot of fun!

Senior cosmetology students officially began haircutting in January. This milestone (“Wait… we actually cut the hair?”) marks an exciting step as students build confidence and real-world skills.

Countdown to IRSC Grad on Friday, June 26...

149 days!

👨🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓

Congratulations graduates for making it to your final semester of grade 12! In the past few months, we have begun to organize graduation programs, slideshows, quotes, catering, and banquet event ideas. Please note, the specifics of these events are a work in progress so not all timelines are finalized. When they are, they will be communicated with parents! Mrs. Bendera is planning to run a graduation information session for parents and students on our next Parent Teacher Interview night. The date for this is to be determined.

Some action items for graduate students and their parents / guardians are:

1. Ensure that all fees are paid, including graduation fees. All outstanding fees must be paid for students to participate in graduation day events. Graduation fees are due March 1st.

2. Ensure that all students have filled out the graduation gown sizing form. If students do not fill out this form, then we can not guarantee they will have a gown that most accurately matches their height. Please double check that the form has been completed Grad Gown Sizing - Google Forms Student responses are due by February 13th!

3. If you have a graduation question, please fill out the form linked HERE. I will do my best to compile questions and answers and make a graduation Q and A response update available on our IRSC Website under Graduation

4. Stay tuned for updates on fundraising, tickets, and other graduation information!

If you / the student under your care missed graduation photos or if you would like graduation photo retakes, retakes are coming up. Lifetouch bookings are now open for the February sessions on February 23, 24, 25. Please click on THIS LINK to book your session if needed. In addition, our graduation store is open for a second time, so if you would like to order any IRSC Grad 2026 clothing, please follow the link to make your purchase. https://irscgrad26.itemorder.com/shop/home/ The store will close February 13th.

--Mrs. Bendera

Our January shout out winners were:

Carter Stefaniw (Gr 12)

Bailey Ray (Gr 9)

Dawsyn Littau (Gr 9)

Brooke Young (Gr 9)

Emma Garrish (Gr 12)

Seven Patterson (Gr 11)

Students and staff can nominate students for a shout out to recognize them for doing something positive within our school. All students who receive shout outs are named at assembly and then entered into a monthly draw for prizes, which are sponsored by Blackfalds McDonalds and Boston Pizza.

If you would like to sponsor a shout out prize, please let us know!