Monday, February 23, 2026 Announcements
Ojibwe Word of the Day
Mkadewaa
(muh-ka-deh-wah)
Meaning: Black
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. Thornton and Lucie Blackburn were freedom seekers, entrepreneurs, anti-slavery activists and community benefactors. After a dramatic flight from Kentucky slavery, their recapture in Detroit two years later in 1833 resulted in the Blackburn Riots. Demands for their extradition prompted Upper Canada to establish its first refugee reception policy. Settling in Toronto, the Blackburns’ devoted their time and considerable wealth to anti-slavery and African Canadian community causes. Childless, and having never learned to read or write, their story was nearly forgotten until archaeologists unearthed the site of their former home in 1985. The Blackburns’ former property was the first Underground Railroad site every dug in Canada.
3. Great Lent (or the Great Fast) begins today, an 8-week fasting season in Eastern Orthodox churches, preparing for Easter. Starting on Clean Monday and lasting 40 days, it focuses on prayer, repentance, giving, and a strict diet (no meat, dairy, fish, oil, or wine) to purify body and soul.
4. Vocal Connection, aka Choir, is back! We will rehearse today at lunch.
5. Drama Club will meet today after school from 2:30 to 4 to rehearse for the Variety Show.
6. Who Wants Chocolate?!? Headed on the 2026 International Trip? Don’t miss the chance to help fund your travels! See Ms. Pardo in Room 207 at lunch to pick up your Rheo Chocolate fundraising kit. Love Chocolate? Support our students and treat yourself to some amazing Rheo Chocolate. Orders will be delivered before Easter – find a trip participant to place your order!
7. The Rosemary Room will be closed today. (Mrs. Shone)
8. The Chess Club will meet in Room 184 on Wednesday the 25th. Never played chess? Want to learn? We can teach you! All are welcome. (Mr. Singh)
9. It’s that time of year again! Course selections for next year have begun! Looking for a class where your ideas take center stage?
Writer’s Craft is an exciting elective designed for students who love to write – or want to grow as writers. Explore creative writing, poetry, short stories, personal narratives, and more while developing your unique voice. Whether you dream of becoming an author or simply want storytelling skills, Writer’s Craft will challenge you. Sign up and start telling your story! See Mrs. Doornbosch or Mrs. Sutton if you have any questions.
10. Jr. Boys Hockey - Attention all Gr. 9 and 10 boys who are interested in playing on the Jr. Boys Hockey team this season. There is a sign up sheet outside the boys’ Phys. Ed office, please sign your name and look at the tryout information on the sheet.
The Jr. Boys season will consist of 2 tournaments, one in Strathroy and the other in London.
Please see Mr. Wilson if you have any questions.
11. 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.
12. Anyone interested in joining the Relay for Life Committee to help plan for Relay and Relay Rally should see Mrs. Sanders.
13. Freedom to Read Week – February 22-28, 2026 – A celebration of the right to read. In particular talking about some famous books that have been banned, censored, or challenged around the world and why we need to read those! To celebrate, Miss Syer is having a contest for all period A classes. 1 entry on behalf of entire class may be written or presented to her, due Thursday by end of day. At least a paragraph long, about a famous book that has been either banned, censored, or challenged, and why we deserve the right to read it. A prize of mini chocolate bars will be given to winning class. Teachers, view your email for further details. (Miss Syer)
14. Badminton continues tonight after school, everyone welcome!
15. 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.
16. Adventures in Citizenship Conference in Ottawa. The Grand Bend 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.