Friday, January 9th, 2026 Announcements
Ojibwe Word of the Day
Niibiishaaboo
(nee-bee-sha-boh)
Meaning: tea
1. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Every January, Canadians recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month as a time to increase understanding of dementia and challenge the stigma that often surrounds it. Dementia refers to over 25 brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.
This year, for Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Alzheimer Societies across Canada are showing up with the Forget Me Not flower as a reminder to Forget No One – because no one should face dementia alone. Too many people don’t know where to go for help, but we’re raising our hand to remind Canadians that we’re here to help.
2. TAMIL Heritage Month (January) – In Canada, January is designated Tamil Heritage Month, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the vibrant history and culture of the Tamil community while reflecting on its valuable contributions to Canadian society. The Tamil People are an ethnic group with a documented history spanning over 2,000 years in southern India and Sri Lanka. The first Tamil migrants to Canada arrived as early as the 1940s. More recently, however, migration increased in the wake of escalated ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka, which led to the 1983 riots or Black July. This event sparked a 26-year civil war, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of homes and businesses, and the forced uprooting and displacement of thousands of Tamils. Many fled to Canada as refugees. Today, Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, with a population of nearly 240,000 in 2021, nearly half of which resides in the Greater Toronto Area.
3. Music night was rescheduled to next Thursday, January 15th.
4. Community Hours Opportunity – The Forest Skating Club is looking for volunteers on Feb. 20, 21, 22. They are hosting a competition and could use some extra help those days. See the posting outside Student Services or ask Mrs. Petrus for more info.
5. Travel for Credit – EduTravel is excited to offer students currently in grade 9 a chance to earn a highschool credit while experiencing the ultimate road trip. Check out our amazing Summer Civics & Careers Program: Visit Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec. See Student Services for more info.
6. Drama Club will have a meeting on Friday at lunch to discuss details of the Spring Variety
Show.
7. All those interested in Japan trip need to attend the student meeting today at lunch in the Student Success Room. This will be the trip of a lifetime! (Mrs. Sanders/Mr. Smit)