Monday, March 23, 2026 Announcements
Ojibwe Word of the Day
Nibi
(nih-bih)
Meaning: Water
1. Irish Heritage Month – March is recognized as Irish Heritage Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the nearly 4.6 million Canadians with Irish ancestry and their contributions to our country’s development. Officially designated by the House of Commons in 2022, this month highlights the history, culture, and resilience of Irish immigrants who have shaped Canada since the 17th century.
2. March is Bangladeshi Heritage Month – observed annually in March in Ontario, Canada, established by the Bangladeshi Heritage Month Act, 2016. This month recognizes the significant contributions of over 50,000 Canadians of Bangladeshi heritage to the province’s culture, science, athletics, and politics. It aligns with Bangladesh Independence Day on March 26.
3. Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada, dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and supporting the roughly 300,000 Canadians living with the condition. The campaign highlights that epilepsy is a treatable neurological disorder, featuring key events like Purple Day on March 26th, when Canadians wear purple to show support.
4. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing knowledge about a chronic, often debilitating disease affecting roughly 10% of women and individuals of reproductive age worldwide. Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This campaign aims to reduce diagnosis delays, which often last years, educate on symptoms and promote better, faster treatment options.
5. World Water Day – March 22nd held annually since 1993, is a United Nations observance focusing on the importance of freshwater and advocating for sustainable management of water resources. The 2026 theme centers on “Water and Gender”, as too often, the systems that govern water leave women and girls out of decision-making, leadership, funding and representation. This makes the water crisis a women’s crisis. Learn more at https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
6. Water Rights Activist Highlight: Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation and an Indigenous Rights & Water activist whose journey for justice has made waves around the globe. Peltier captivated the world’s attention at the age of 12 when she confronted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at an Assembly of First Nations event for the choices he had made for her people and lack of support. She spoke her mind which led him to make her a promise, “I will protect the water.” It’s that promise to which she holds him accountable still today. At 13, Peltier spoke at the UN General Assembly. Amongst many accolades, she’s received the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism from the Governor-General of Canada and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Keep going, don’t look back, and if you have an idea, just do it; no one is going to wait for you or tell you what to do.”
7. Girls’ Rugby will have our first practice tomorrow after school. Reminder that you have to attend a certain number of practices before you are allowed to play in a game.
8. Jr. Boys’ Rugby practice starts this Tuesday. Dress warm and meet outside the boys’ changeroom at 2:30.
9. TRACK AND FIELD – As promised Eagles Track is back again Wednesday, that’s in two days March 25th is the first night to begin our pre-season workouts. Sign ups are posted outside the boys and girls phys-ed office. We have an event for everyone. There will be an information meeting today in the gymnasium at the beginning of lunch for those interested. If you’re interested bring a friend. (Mr. Willemse)
10. Any students or staff interested in being part of a teacher/student band for Relay for Life are asked to meet Wednesday at lunch.
11. Girls’ Soccer – Attention all girls’ soccer players, the 4 time defending LKSSAA champions will be beginning practices this week starting Wednesday and Thursday after school on the back field. New players are welcome to come out and play. Please dress for the weather and bring your cleats. There will also be a sign up sheet outside the girls’ Phys. Ed office for all interested players to fill out. Please see Mr. Wilson if you have any questions.
12. Jazz Band will not have rehearsal on Tuesday this week. We will practice on Thursday at lunch. Concert Band will continue with after school practices on Wednesday.
13. Junior Boys’ Hockey – Attention all Junior Boys hockey team members. There will be a brief meeting today at the beginning of lunch in the gym for all team members. We will be discussing our tournament tomorrow in Strathroy. All players must attend.
Important Dates:
-Badminton Tournament: March 25th & 26th
-Special Olympics Bocci Tournament: March 30th
-Literacy Test Writing: March 30th & 31st
-Blue Jays Game: April 1st