Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Announcements
Ojibwe Word of the Day
Miinaande
(mee-nahn-deh)
Meaning: Blue
1. Black History Month – an annual celebration to commemorate the achievements of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country.
2. Anne Cools – born on August 12, 1943 in Barbados, is an influential Black Canadian activist. Cools served four months in jail for her role in the Sir George Williams Affair, for which she was pardoned in 1983 (students were protesting the university administration’s decision regarding a complaint of racism). She founded Women in Transition, one of Canada’s first shelters for female victims of violence. She also served on the National Parole Board of Canada. In 1984, she became the first Black Canadian to be named to the Senate. She served as a Liberal, Conservative and independent senator for more than 30 years, and was known as the Dean of the Senate for her knowledge of parliamentary history and procedure.
3. Happy Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year 2026 Year of the Horse
4. Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday marks the final, festive day of Carnival before the fasting season. Celebrated with parades and indulgent foods like pancakes, this day represents a “last hurrah” before the 40 days of Lent.
5. Ramadan, beginning today at sundown, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
6. This year’s Muskoka Woods Trip will be the second week of April. Please get your leader application forms in by the end of the day! Please see Mrs. Sanders with any questions.
7. Anyone interested in joining the Relay for Life Committee to help plan for Relay and Relay Rally should see Mrs. Sanders.
8. This year’s Muskoka Woods Trip will be the second week of April. Please get your leader application forms in by the end of the week!. Any questions, see Mrs. Sanders.
9. There is a Royal Canadian Legion Public Speaking Contest that will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026. If you are interested in registration for Junior/Intermediate/Senior will be at 2-2:30 pm in the Lounge. Speaking to start after registration is complete. You will need to Pre-register before February 15, 2026 by email. Fill out public speaking entry form and email to: vlcekjoyce@gmail.com.
10. Graduation students…the applications for the YMCA Celebration of Youth Awards is open! There are many different awards to pick from, everyone is eligible. Check out our Google classroom for graduates to get the link.
11. Adventures in Citizenship Conference in Ottawa. The Grand Ben Rotary Club is looking to sponsor a student to attend a citizenship conference in Ottawa this May. You must be between 16 and 18 years of age. See Mrs. Petrus for more information.
12. Students in grade 10, we are looking for someone to go to the HOBY Youth Leadership conference April 30-May 3rd. See Mrs. Petrus for more info! Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership organization’s mission is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action, based on effective and compassionate leadership.
13. Optimist Basketball – Attention all students for volunteer hours and like to play basketball. The Optimist Club is running their annual basketball camps starting Monday, March 23. The Grade 7-8’s will be on Monday nights and the Grade 5-6’s will be on Thursday nights. Helpers are needed for both groups. Please see the sign up sheet outside the Boys’ Phys. Ed office for more information and to sign up. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Wilson.
14. Anyone interested in joining Key Club? We will be having a meeting on Wednesday at the beginning of lunch in room 313. We will be discussing our upcoming events in the school and community. This is a great opportunity for you to earn some of your community service hours that are required for graduation, so don’t miss out! New members are always welcome!
15. Boys’ Hockey Semi Final LKCS vs NLSS game cancelled today. (will be rescheduled)
16. Option Sheet Selection beings today (Mrs. Petrus)