We have created a google classroom for you to engage in some transition fun and learning about our school. If you have registered to be in Grade 9 for September 2023 and want in on the fun, email linda.nethery@lkdsb.net to get the code to the classroom. We are excited for you to join the WDSS community!
*Pending accreditation centre for welding
*State of the art Library and Fitness Centre
*Many former Tartans playing in the OCAA/OUA
Social Media Platforms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDSS-110442207289102/?view_public_for=110442207289102
Registration Info
Students can register in person in August one week prior to the first day of school. More information will be sent out in July. Registration fees you may be asked to pay include: student activity fees, phys.ed uniform, yearbook, locker rental fee. Students outside of the LKDSB may register online at
www.lkdsb.net under Secondary Registration.
Tartan Tour Info
Tartan Tour is an annual grade 9 orientation program designed to ease the transition into high school. Grade 9's get to know each other, some amazing student leaders and staff. All leaders apply for the position and understand what an honour it is to welcome our grade 9's to the Tartan family. The staff and leaders involved come from various extra curricular areas of interest around the school to encourage grade 9's to get involved while at WDSS. The day is designed so that all grade 9's make a caring connection with someone right away. This combination of engagement and friendship is the recipe to keep them coming to school and see success. Tartan Tour is a great example of students helping students succeed.
Bronze Boot
The Bronze Boot tradition started at Wallaceburg District Secondary School in the 1960's.
Bronze Boot activities are scheduled in the fall; the week following Thanksgiving. The student council and athletic association plan various fun activities for staff, students, and alumni.
The festivities have historically involved a football game where “The Boot" was awarded to the victor.
In 2008, a new trophy was created to preserve the history and recognize the NFL success of WDSS's Shaun Suisham. A game worn kicking cleat was bronzed and mounted. This trophy is still awarded annually.
Community Service Hours Info
Did you know, students must complete 40 hours of community involvement in order to graduate? Students are eligible to begin completing these hours as soon as they officially graduate grade 8! Consider using the summer before Grade 9 starts to find ways to volunteer in our community. We have lots of community events and organizations that could use your help!
Click here to view the requirements and/or download a tracking form .
Student Success Team
Our Student Success Team works with students, parents and teachers to ensure that a plan is put in place for each student to work toward achieving their credits. Student success strategies may include extra help sessions, alternative work space, credit recovery or credit rescue initiatives. Students may be approached by members of this team during the course of the school year as an extra support. Many of the student success strategies are available to all students.
HJC Team
The Walpole Island First Nation Secondary School Program is part of the WIFN Education Department. The program staff are located in the Harriet Jacobs Centre, Room 115, at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. The Harriet Jacobs Centre staff assist in enhancing student success by working alongside WDSS administration, support staff, teachers and families. The HJC staff are available to assist First Nation students with academic and personal matters on a daily basis. While each student requires assistance in different ways, each student's needs are met on an individual basis, according to their situation.
OUR TEAMDonovan Jacobs - Program CoordinatorResponsible for overseeing the Secondary School Program Team that facilitates and provides on-site services to Walpole Island First Nation students at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. The Coordinator coordinates all program development and implementation at the secondary level, prepares and monitors budget requirements.
Robin Isaac - Career Advisor/Education Support WorkerProvides support and direction for all WIFN students to continue their education into occupational or other post-secondary education.
Nanette Kewayosh - Attendance WorkerResponsible for attendance for Walpole Island First Nation students at WDSS. The Attendance Worker is also a liaison between the student, school, family and community.
Indigenous Graduation Coach
Tyler White is the Indigenous Graduation Coach for WDSS. The role of the Indigenous Graduation Coach is to help Indigenous students along their path throughout High School. The goal is to help students prepare for what is beyond Graduation and to help students realize what they want to be and how they can achieve it. The Graduation Coach works with student not only looking at graduation but also assist with:
Transitions (coming into Grade 9 and beyond High School)
Volunteer Opportunities
Navigation of LKDSB supports (Guidance, Social work, student success, etc.)
Workplace and Post Secondary School trips
Connection with families and staff
Working with Administration to promote student success
Course Selection
Attendance
Scholarships and Busaries
REC
If you are a student with an IEP, you can access the Resource Enrichment Centre (REC) for extra support with your assignments, study tips, organizational assistance, access to technology or additional time on tests/exams. REC is a drop in centre so you can come down from your classes when you need to. It's really easy to access. After the lesson is done, just ask your teacher for a pass to come to REC!
Student Services
Our student services team at WDSS consists of guidance counsellors that are available to assist students with things such as:
- Course Selection and Career Planning
- Post-Secondary Information and Application Assistance
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Information
- Confidential Counseling and Referral Service
WDSS guidance counsellors include Mrs. Kardas and Mrs. Nethery. Guidance appointments can be booked online using:
https://tinyurl.com/Y46P5A8E
We are always here to help out whenever needed!
The New "HUB" Room
This room at WDSS houses a pantry stocked with food, clothing and personal items, and has laundry factilities available to students as needed. This space is utilized by after school groups to offer tutoring services, and provides a friendly after school social gathering space staffed by CK Youth Workers for students offering various activities throughout the year. The WDSS breakfast program is run out of this space, where breakfast is available to all students 5 days a week.
School Lunches
In January 2023, WDSS' hospitality department will be providing lunch for students out of the school cafeteria. Students are able to purchase items made fresh daily by our hospitality students.
Clubs and Teams
FALL SEASON - Golf, Tennis, Senior Girls Basketball, Junior Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball, Varsity Football, Baseball, Cross Country
WINTER SEASON - Swimming, Girls Hockey, Boys Curling, Girls Curling, Junior Boys Basketball, Senior Boys Basketball, Junior Girls Volleyball, Senior Girls Volleyball
SPRING SEASON - Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Track and Field, Girls Rugby, Girls/Boys Badminton
Clubs at WDSS - - Student Council
- SAA (Student Athletic Association)
- Crochet Club
- Future Elders
- Game Club
- Makerspace Club
- Music Club
- Inclusion/Equity
- Drama Club
- Dungeons and Dragons Club
- Chess Club
- Sewing Club
