We were thrilled to welcome 16 LKDSB elementary schools and over 500 students to the Technological Education Hub at AMSS for our Taste of the Trades event yesterday!
Grade 7 students from across LKDSB had the opportunity to tour the Tech Ed Hub at AMSS, explore our cutting-edge facilities, and immerse themselves into skilled trades experiences. Students chose interactive sessions across all of our program areas including: Manufacturing and Welding, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Construction, Transportation, Culinary, Personal Support Worker, Horticulture, and Fitness for the Skilled Trades.
It was inspiring to see students engaged, curious, and excited as they explored the many Tech Immersion pathways available to them at our school. We hope this experience sparks their interest and inspires them to join us at the Tech Ed Hub when they’re ready for secondary school in 2027, as we will be planning for Grade 9 students.
A big thank you to our staff, partners, and visiting schools for making this event such a success!
Grade 7 students from across LKDSB had the opportunity to tour the Tech Ed Hub at AMSS, explore our cutting-edge facilities, and immerse themselves into skilled trades experiences. Students chose interactive sessions across all of our program areas including: Manufacturing and Welding, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Construction, Transportation, Culinary, Personal Support Worker, Horticulture, and Fitness for the Skilled Trades.
It was inspiring to see students engaged, curious, and excited as they explored the many Tech Immersion pathways available to them at our school. We hope this experience sparks their interest and inspires them to join us at the Tech Ed Hub when they’re ready for secondary school in 2027, as we will be planning for Grade 9 students.
A big thank you to our staff, partners, and visiting schools for making this event such a success!
We were thrilled to welcome 16 LKDSB elementary schools and over 500 students to the Technological Education Hub at AMSS for our Taste of the Trades event yesterday!
Grade 7 students from across LKDSB had the opportunity to tour the Tech Ed Hub at AMSS, explore our cutting-edge facilities, and immerse themselves into skilled trades experiences. Students chose interactive sessions across all of our program areas including: Manufacturing and Welding, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Construction, Transportation, Culinary, Personal Support Worker, Horticulture, and Fitness for the Skilled Trades.
It was inspiring to see students engaged, curious, and excited as they explored the many Tech Immersion pathways available to them at our school. We hope this experience sparks their interest and inspires them to join us at the Tech Ed Hub when they’re ready for secondary school in 2027, as we will be planning for Grade 9 students.
A big thank you to our staff, partners, and visiting schools for making this event such a success!
Grade 7 students from across LKDSB had the opportunity to tour the Tech Ed Hub at AMSS, explore our cutting-edge facilities, and immerse themselves into skilled trades experiences. Students chose interactive sessions across all of our program areas including: Manufacturing and Welding, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Construction, Transportation, Culinary, Personal Support Worker, Horticulture, and Fitness for the Skilled Trades.
It was inspiring to see students engaged, curious, and excited as they explored the many Tech Immersion pathways available to them at our school. We hope this experience sparks their interest and inspires them to join us at the Tech Ed Hub when they’re ready for secondary school in 2027, as we will be planning for Grade 9 students.
A big thank you to our staff, partners, and visiting schools for making this event such a success!
Based on the current weather forecast for our region, and to ensure students and their families have as much advance notice as possible, the Lambton Kent District School Board is sharing the following contingency plan for Wednesday, January 28:
If school buses are cancelled in any zone across the district on Wednesday, January 28, no exams will be written that day at any LKDSB secondary school.
In this situation, all Period B exams will move to Thursday, January 29.
Please note that Friday, January 30 will remain a PA Day across the district, regardless of weather conditions.
A revised exam schedule for remaining exams —should cancellations occur—will be shared with students and families on Wednesday afternoon (January 28).
We are deeply grateful for the flexibility, patience, and support of our students, staff, and families as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together.
If school buses are cancelled in any zone across the district on Wednesday, January 28, no exams will be written that day at any LKDSB secondary school.
In this situation, all Period B exams will move to Thursday, January 29.
Please note that Friday, January 30 will remain a PA Day across the district, regardless of weather conditions.
A revised exam schedule for remaining exams —should cancellations occur—will be shared with students and families on Wednesday afternoon (January 28).
We are deeply grateful for the flexibility, patience, and support of our students, staff, and families as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together.
Construction & Relocation Plans for the Tech Ed Hub
We are hosting a Community Informational Session to share plans regarding the upcoming RAAC Roof Construction and our Relocation to Lambton College.
Come visit the Tech Ed Hub to see the designs and learn how these changes will impact our students.
We want to ensure our community is fully informed about the exciting partnerships and improvements ahead.
This will be a drop in open house style session and you can expect the following: An overview of Roof Construction Plans ,Details on the Relocation to Lambton College, Opportunity for Questions
Wednesday, January 28th, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Tech Ed Hub @ AMSS
We are hosting a Community Informational Session to share plans regarding the upcoming RAAC Roof Construction and our Relocation to Lambton College.
Come visit the Tech Ed Hub to see the designs and learn how these changes will impact our students.
We want to ensure our community is fully informed about the exciting partnerships and improvements ahead.
This will be a drop in open house style session and you can expect the following: An overview of Roof Construction Plans ,Details on the Relocation to Lambton College, Opportunity for Questions
Wednesday, January 28th, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Tech Ed Hub @ AMSS
Dear Secondary School Students,
As you head into your exams over the next few days, I want to take a moment to send you my very best wishes. Exam time can feel busy and sometimes a bit stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to show what you’ve learned, take pride in your growth, and finish this part of the school year strong.
We are proud of the effort, determination, and resilience you bring to your learning every day. Whether this is your first exam period or one of your last before graduation, please remember: you’ve worked hard, you’ve prepared, and you are capable.
To the families and staff supporting our students—thank you. Your encouragement, guidance, and steady presence make a tremendous difference, especially during times like this.
Students, as you move through the week, take care of yourselves. Rest when you can, ask for help if you need it, and trust in the work you’ve put in. We believe in you, and we’re cheering you on.
Good luck!
Gary Girardi
Director of Education
Lambton Kent District School Board
As you head into your exams over the next few days, I want to take a moment to send you my very best wishes. Exam time can feel busy and sometimes a bit stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to show what you’ve learned, take pride in your growth, and finish this part of the school year strong.
We are proud of the effort, determination, and resilience you bring to your learning every day. Whether this is your first exam period or one of your last before graduation, please remember: you’ve worked hard, you’ve prepared, and you are capable.
To the families and staff supporting our students—thank you. Your encouragement, guidance, and steady presence make a tremendous difference, especially during times like this.
Students, as you move through the week, take care of yourselves. Rest when you can, ask for help if you need it, and trust in the work you’ve put in. We believe in you, and we’re cheering you on.
Good luck!
Gary Girardi
Director of Education
Lambton Kent District School Board
Revised Exam Schedule for LKDSB Secondary Schools
After carefully considering student well-being and a thorough review of multiple factors, the following is the revised exam schedule for Semester 1 for all Lambton Kent District School Board secondary schools.
Period A Exams: Tuesday, January 27
Period B Exams: Wednesday, January 28
Period C Exams: Thursday, January 29
Period D Exams: Monday, February 2
The Secondary PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, January 30 will remain a PA Day as planned.
Accordingly, Semester 2 will now begin on Tuesday, February 3.
This decision was made carefully and intentionally, following a thorough review of operational logistics, and system-wide implications. It was important that the decision be applied consistently across the entire Board to ensure clarity, fairness, and stability for all students, staff, and families.
Maintaining this structure also ensures that students are not required to write two exams in a single day, supporting their well‑being and academic success. In addition, this adjustment reflects what is best for our students and families, many of whom have already made essential arrangements based on the scheduled PA Day.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your cooperation, flexibility, and continued support as we work through these adjustments together.
After carefully considering student well-being and a thorough review of multiple factors, the following is the revised exam schedule for Semester 1 for all Lambton Kent District School Board secondary schools.
Period A Exams: Tuesday, January 27
Period B Exams: Wednesday, January 28
Period C Exams: Thursday, January 29
Period D Exams: Monday, February 2
The Secondary PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, January 30 will remain a PA Day as planned.
Accordingly, Semester 2 will now begin on Tuesday, February 3.
This decision was made carefully and intentionally, following a thorough review of operational logistics, and system-wide implications. It was important that the decision be applied consistently across the entire Board to ensure clarity, fairness, and stability for all students, staff, and families.
Maintaining this structure also ensures that students are not required to write two exams in a single day, supporting their well‑being and academic success. In addition, this adjustment reflects what is best for our students and families, many of whom have already made essential arrangements based on the scheduled PA Day.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your cooperation, flexibility, and continued support as we work through these adjustments together.
📣 Update for Monday, January 26th:
🚌 Student transportation is cancelled for the day in zones 7 & 8.
⚠️ Secondary students: All Exams/Final Evaluations that were scheduled for Friday, January, 23rd will take place on Tuesday, January 27th if the buses are running tomorrow. This applies to all secondary schools.
🗓️ The schedule for remaining exams will be shared this afternoon.
Potential Bus Cancellations & Exam Schedule Plan for Monday, January 26
Lambton Kent District School Board
We are currently monitoring a weather system, as reported by Environment Canada, that is projected to bring significant snowfall to the Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent regions on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the potential to continue into Monday, January 26, 2026. To support students, families, and staff in planning ahead, the LKDSB is proactively sharing our exam-continuity plan should school buses be cancelled anywhere in the district on Monday, January 26.
Please note: Decisions will NOT be made on a school‑by‑school basis.
If buses are cancelled in any zone within the LKDSB, the entire district will follow the same plan outlined below.
Decision Timing
The decision regarding bus cancellations will be made early Monday morning in collaboration with CLASS Student Transportation Services, our transportation partners.
The outcome will be communicated to all families and staff as soon as it is confirmed.
If Buses Are Cancelled on Monday, January 26, Period A exams will take place on Tuesday, January 27.
The schedule for the remaining Period B, C, and D exams will be shared with all staff, students and families in the afternoon of Monday, January 26th.
We recognize the challenges this may cause and sincerely appreciate the flexibility and readiness of students, families, and staff to adjust as needed during weather‑related disruptions.
Student and staff safety remains our top priority. By sharing this information in advance, we aim to provide families and schools with clear expectations and adequate time to prepare for either scenario.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Lambton Kent District School Board
We are currently monitoring a weather system, as reported by Environment Canada, that is projected to bring significant snowfall to the Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent regions on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the potential to continue into Monday, January 26, 2026. To support students, families, and staff in planning ahead, the LKDSB is proactively sharing our exam-continuity plan should school buses be cancelled anywhere in the district on Monday, January 26.
Please note: Decisions will NOT be made on a school‑by‑school basis.
If buses are cancelled in any zone within the LKDSB, the entire district will follow the same plan outlined below.
Decision Timing
The decision regarding bus cancellations will be made early Monday morning in collaboration with CLASS Student Transportation Services, our transportation partners.
The outcome will be communicated to all families and staff as soon as it is confirmed.
If Buses Are Cancelled on Monday, January 26, Period A exams will take place on Tuesday, January 27.
The schedule for the remaining Period B, C, and D exams will be shared with all staff, students and families in the afternoon of Monday, January 26th.
We recognize the challenges this may cause and sincerely appreciate the flexibility and readiness of students, families, and staff to adjust as needed during weather‑related disruptions.
Student and staff safety remains our top priority. By sharing this information in advance, we aim to provide families and schools with clear expectations and adequate time to prepare for either scenario.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
📢 Due to the cancellation of buses in Zones 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, final evaluations scheduled for Friday January 23 across the district have been postponed until Monday January 26th.
The Technological Education Hub at AMSS would like to extend a big thank-you to community partner Princess Auto for their generous donation to our Transportation Program.
Last week, we received a wonderful donation of brake rotors, brake pads, steel chain sprockets, safety vests, and other automotive parts that students will be using for real-world, hands-on learning experiences. These materials help students build practical skills, explore career pathways, and gain confidence working with industry-level equipment.
We truly appreciate the support and community partnership—thank you for helping drive student success!
Last week, we received a wonderful donation of brake rotors, brake pads, steel chain sprockets, safety vests, and other automotive parts that students will be using for real-world, hands-on learning experiences. These materials help students build practical skills, explore career pathways, and gain confidence working with industry-level equipment.
We truly appreciate the support and community partnership—thank you for helping drive student success!
Due to inclement weather across the district, ALL Lambton Kent District School Board schools will be closed for Thursday, January 15, 2026. Please stay safe.
Looking to become a PSW? Apply today!
Our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program consists of more than 700 hours of theoretical and experiential hands-on learning. Students participate, learn and gain valuable work experience in labs and clinical (co-op) work placements in the healthcare field.
Please complete the form below to apply to the PSW Program at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
Important Note: This is a secondary school aged program open to Grade 12/12+ students. Only those who are under the age of 21 will be contacted.
https://www.lkdsb.net/o/amss/page/personal-support-worker-program
Our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program consists of more than 700 hours of theoretical and experiential hands-on learning. Students participate, learn and gain valuable work experience in labs and clinical (co-op) work placements in the healthcare field.
Please complete the form below to apply to the PSW Program at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
Important Note: This is a secondary school aged program open to Grade 12/12+ students. Only those who are under the age of 21 will be contacted.
https://www.lkdsb.net/o/amss/page/personal-support-worker-program
Today, our Personal Support Worker Program students took part in a hands-on feeding exercise at the Tech Hub at AMSS. They practiced essential skills they’ll continue honing during their placements next semester in local community Long-Term Care facilities. Learning by doing and preparing for real-world tasks is the heart of our training here at AMSS. If you are interested in the Personal Support Worker Program at the Tech Hub please join us at our Open House on January 20th to see the facilities and Program Leader in person.
Please Join Us for the Technological Education Hub Open House
Tuesday, January 20th, 6pm at the Tech Hub at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
Discover the future of hands-on learning at AMSS! Join us for a tour of our specialized classrooms, meet our expert teachers and learn more about our cutting-edge programs available for September 2026. Explore a variety of learning opportunities for students in Grades 10-12 including Construction, Culinary, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Horticulture and Landscaping, Manufacturing/Welding, Personal Support Worker and Transportation.
Tuesday, January 20th, 6pm at the Tech Hub at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
Discover the future of hands-on learning at AMSS! Join us for a tour of our specialized classrooms, meet our expert teachers and learn more about our cutting-edge programs available for September 2026. Explore a variety of learning opportunities for students in Grades 10-12 including Construction, Culinary, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Horticulture and Landscaping, Manufacturing/Welding, Personal Support Worker and Transportation.
Today we were pleased to welcome Marilyn Gladu, MP for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, to the Technological Education Hub at AMSS. We were also joined by Roberta Northmore, LKDSB Trustee - Vice Chair, and Dave Shortt, LKDSB Trustee. During her visit, MP Gladu toured all our course areas, including Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Automotive, PSW, Culinary and Hospitality, Construction, Landscaping, and Horticulture and met with program instructors to learn more about the innovative, tech-immersive and state-of-the-art facilities supporting student learning. It was a great opportunity to showcase how hands-on, future-focused education is preparing students for careers in skilled trades and technology.
LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi, Superintendent Mary Mancini, and Principals, Mr. Keane and Ms. Anger, as well as, Mrs. Iacobelli from Guidance were on hand to help showcase the incredible learning opportunities available to our students. The group also sat down to discuss the future of trades-based education in our community and to talk about the tech-immersive programming at The Tech Hub and where we can fit into the future of trades training.
Ms. Gladu was quite impressed with the opportunities available to our students and the use of our facilities. We are hopeful this visit will strengthen connections with Federal officials and support future initiatives and continued growth of the Tech Hub at AMSS in our community.
LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi, Superintendent Mary Mancini, and Principals, Mr. Keane and Ms. Anger, as well as, Mrs. Iacobelli from Guidance were on hand to help showcase the incredible learning opportunities available to our students. The group also sat down to discuss the future of trades-based education in our community and to talk about the tech-immersive programming at The Tech Hub and where we can fit into the future of trades training.
Ms. Gladu was quite impressed with the opportunities available to our students and the use of our facilities. We are hopeful this visit will strengthen connections with Federal officials and support future initiatives and continued growth of the Tech Hub at AMSS in our community.
Big News for the Technological Education Hub at AMSS!!
LKDSB Announces Major Capital Project and Innovative Off-Site Learning Opportunity for AMSS Students
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is moving forward with a proactive capital project to remove and replace Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roofing at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School (AMSS) as part of a province-wide initiative supported by dedicated funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education.
RAAC, a lightweight concrete material used in construction between the 1950s and 1980s, was identified in specific areas of AMSS, including above the technology wing, gymnasium, and boiler room. While these spaces remain safe to occupy during planning, the complexity of the work above the boiler room—which serves the entire school—requires an extended construction timeline. To ensure student learning continues uninterrupted, AMSS students will relocate to Lambton College from March to June 2026.
This temporary move is an exciting opportunity for students to experience hands-on learning in a post-secondary environment. Through this partnership, students will have access to the college and its facilities, fostering real-world skills and strengthening the connection between secondary and post-secondary education.
“This has really introduced a great opportunity for our students,” said Director of Education, Gary Girardi, “They will largely benefit from an enriched learning experience at Lambton College while we revitalize AMSS for generations to come.”
“We look forward to welcoming these students to Lambton College,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “We’re excited to be working with our partners at Lambton Kent District School Board to ensure a seamless academic year for Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School and to showcase the welcoming, hands-on, student-centered environment that defines Lambton College.”
LKDSB is committed to keeping families and staff informed throughout this process. Updates will be shared as timelines are finalized. AMSS Tech Ed Hub will be hosting an information session at the school on Wednesday, January 28 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. We appreciate the support of our school community as we take this important step toward modernizing our facilities and creating innovative learning opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.LKDSB.net/RAAC
For reference information contact:
Caress Lee
Public Relations Officer
caress.lee@lkdsb.net
(519) 336-1500 Ext 31262
During the recent roofing unit in our Construction Program, students took on an incredible, real-world assignment: building and completing a full roofing system from the ground up. This wasn’t a simulation or worksheet; students planned, framed, and constructed custom roof trusses to create a multi-sloped roof deck system that mirrors what they’ll see on actual job sites.
The project was intentionally designed to give students industry-standard experience while maintaining a safe working height. With the roof deck in place, students will continue developing hands-on skills in shingling, siding, and flashing, learning proper techniques, material use, and attention to detail required in today’s construction industry.
This project challenged students to think critically, work as a team, follow measurements and plans, and apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting—all while building confidence with tools and construction methods used by professionals every day.
Experiences like this are what make our Dual Credit Construction Technology program so powerful: students gain real skills, real experience, and a strong foundation for careers in construction and the skilled trades.
The project was intentionally designed to give students industry-standard experience while maintaining a safe working height. With the roof deck in place, students will continue developing hands-on skills in shingling, siding, and flashing, learning proper techniques, material use, and attention to detail required in today’s construction industry.
This project challenged students to think critically, work as a team, follow measurements and plans, and apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting—all while building confidence with tools and construction methods used by professionals every day.
Experiences like this are what make our Dual Credit Construction Technology program so powerful: students gain real skills, real experience, and a strong foundation for careers in construction and the skilled trades.
During the recent roofing unit in our Construction Program, students took on an incredible, real-world assignment: building and completing a full roofing system from the ground up. This wasn’t a simulation or worksheet; students planned, framed, and constructed custom roof trusses to create a multi-sloped roof deck system that mirrors what they’ll see on actual job sites.
The project was intentionally designed to give students industry-standard experience while maintaining a safe working height. With the roof deck in place, students will continue developing hands-on skills in shingling, siding, and flashing, learning proper techniques, material use, and attention to detail required in today’s construction industry.
This project challenged students to think critically, work as a team, follow measurements and plans, and apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting—all while building confidence with tools and construction methods used by professionals every day.
Experiences like this are what make our Dual Credit Construction Technology program so powerful: students gain real skills, real experience, and a strong foundation for careers in construction and the skilled trades.
The project was intentionally designed to give students industry-standard experience while maintaining a safe working height. With the roof deck in place, students will continue developing hands-on skills in shingling, siding, and flashing, learning proper techniques, material use, and attention to detail required in today’s construction industry.
This project challenged students to think critically, work as a team, follow measurements and plans, and apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting—all while building confidence with tools and construction methods used by professionals every day.
Experiences like this are what make our Dual Credit Construction Technology program so powerful: students gain real skills, real experience, and a strong foundation for careers in construction and the skilled trades.
We were pleased to welcome David Cassidy, Skilled Trades Special Advisor (STSA) to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, to AMSS today. Accompanied by Michael Spagnolo, Manager for the STSA, Mr. Cassidy toured our Technological Education Hub, gaining a firsthand look at our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programming.
The visit included tours of all our course areas, including Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Automotive, PSW, Culinary and Hospitality, Construction, Landscaping, and Horticulture. The group also sat down to discuss the future of trades-based education in Ontario and to talk about the tech-immersive programming at The Tech Hub and where we can fit into the future of trades training in Ontario.
We were also joined by LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi, Associate Director and Treasurer, Brian McKay, Superintendent Mary Mancini, and Caress Lee, LKDSB Public Relations Officer, who helped showcase the incredible learning opportunities available to our students.
We are hopeful this visit will strengthen connections with Ministry officials and support future initiatives and continued growth of the Tech Hub at AMSS.
The visit included tours of all our course areas, including Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Automotive, PSW, Culinary and Hospitality, Construction, Landscaping, and Horticulture. The group also sat down to discuss the future of trades-based education in Ontario and to talk about the tech-immersive programming at The Tech Hub and where we can fit into the future of trades training in Ontario.
We were also joined by LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi, Associate Director and Treasurer, Brian McKay, Superintendent Mary Mancini, and Caress Lee, LKDSB Public Relations Officer, who helped showcase the incredible learning opportunities available to our students.
We are hopeful this visit will strengthen connections with Ministry officials and support future initiatives and continued growth of the Tech Hub at AMSS.
Today we gathered for our annual Holiday Dinner at the Technological Education Hub at AMSS, students, staff, and our whole community sharing a meal, laughter, and the spirit of the season.
Even as AMSS enters a new chapter of the Tech Ed Hub, traditions like this remind us of who we are: a connected, supportive, and growing school community. Keeping these moments alive helps us carry our history forward while building something fresh and exciting.
Here’s to tradition, togetherness, and everything ahead.
Even as AMSS enters a new chapter of the Tech Ed Hub, traditions like this remind us of who we are: a connected, supportive, and growing school community. Keeping these moments alive helps us carry our history forward while building something fresh and exciting.
Here’s to tradition, togetherness, and everything ahead.
