SHS Update - While in Emergency Remote Learning

SHS Update - While in Emergency Remote Learning (Updated June 24, 2020)
Posted on 06/22/2020

LDSB regularly posts updates to their website. We will not duplicate that information here.  Please also refer to the LDSB Q&A for answers or to submit a question. 

June 24, 2020
Year End Broadcast Message

This message contains 6 important year end messages. 

First, the final opportunity for retrieving personal items will be Tuesday, June 30th. Please email Sandra Sands, our office manager, using our general school email, [email protected], to arrange a time. All items remaining in lockers after June 30th will be donated.


Second, students wishing to return textbooks, novels, other learning materials, and chromebooks and other devices (that are no longer needed because you are moving on) may do so on June 30th between 8 am to 6 pm. Returning students needing a device in the fall, may keep the devices they have. We are hoping to recover as many textbooks as possible to avoid a delay in distribution in September. Please use the main entrance and follow all the safety and screening protocols. Another date will be available in late summer.


Third, the deadline to order a yearbook is June 30th. Follow this link and enter code 13190220.


Fourth, Report Cards and student schedules will be mailed the second week of July. If your address has changed recently, please email Sandra Sands, our office manager, using our general school email, [email protected]. In mid-August, instructions on how to make a Student Services appointment for changes to timetables will be posted to the school home page, when we know more about the 2020-2021 school year.


Fifth, we encourage you to complete the LDSB Return to School Survey for Families. Your input is valuable for planning. A link to the survey is available on the LDSB website or by clicking here


Finally, in mid-August, we will begin communicating about the start-up of the 2020-21 school year, in a variety of ways: Our Twitterfeed, @sydenhamHS_LDSB, which you can access on the school homepage if you don’t use Twitter, broadcasts to your home, and updates posted under News on our homepage. If you have questions, you can email us using our general email, [email protected].


Have a safe and healthy summer. Thank you.



June 22, 2020
Thank you to everyone who made it in last week to retrieve personal items. If you still require access to your items, email Sandra Sands, Office Manager at [email protected] to book a time.

We will open Tuesday, June 30 (time TBA) to allow for the return of learning materials (e.g. novels, textbooks, devices) not needed over the summer.  Families may enter through the main doors, leave items, and exit thru door B.  All persons entering the building, must follow all safety protocols, including active screening.  Returning textbooks now, will assist with the timely distribution materials in the fall.  


June 16, 2020
Summer Session
LDSB summer session now includes junior 55 hour upgrade courses in mathematics and English.  Click here for registration information.


June 15, 2020
Lockers
We added another date for students to retrieve items 
by appointment only - this Wednesday, June 17 from 1 - 7 PM.  You can book up to fifteen minutes before the appointment itself, if needed.  Message Paul Roantree, VP at 613-561-5382 for special arrangements or booking concerns.  To make an appointment, use this link.

You may also return textbooks and technology that are no longer needed, library books, uniforms, and any other school items. 

Instructions for how to use the on-line appointment booking platform are available to support you, and please review the information about the retrieval process in advance. If parents are booking the appointment, you will need to know which floor your child's locker is on. 

Contact information, if needed, is available at the bottom of the bookings instruction page.

Personal items that are not retrieved from lockers will be donated, when it is safe to do so, unless we hear from you.


 
June 08, 2020
Athletic Presentation and Retrieval of Personal Items Broadcast
First, the annual celebration of our athletes will be done by slideshow since we aren’t permitted to gather. The link to the Athletic Banquet Slideshow will be available on the school homepage, thru this update, on Tuesday, June 9th, at 4pm. Please gather virtually to celebrate the accomplishments of our student athletes. 

Lockers
The second and final item is the retrieval of students’ personal items. A process, consistent with public health requirements, is in place for students to access their lockers and retrieve items by appointment only from Wednesday June 10th to Friday, June 12th, from 8 am to 12 noon each day. This is also an opportunity to return textbooks and technology that are no longer needed, library books, uniforms, and any other school items. To make an appointment, use this link. Instructions for how to use the on-line appointment booking platform are available to support you, and please review the information about the retrieval process in advance. If parents are booking the appointment, you will need to know which floor your child's locker is on.  Personal items that are not retrieved from lockers will be donated, when it is safe to do so, unless we hear from you. Contact information, if needed, is available at the bottom of the instruction page.


May 22, 2020
Yearbook 2019 2020
Yearbook sales are now available online until June 30, 2020.  Click here to place an online order.  Delivery will be the last week of August 2020.  If you are not sure if you ordered a book in the fall, email Casey Gibson at [email protected] to confirm.  


We are continuing to accept photos from semester one and remote learning to include in our remote learning pages.  So far, we have had some fantastic remote learning submissions.  Thank you!  


This yearbook will capture a significant time in the history of SHS - order your copy now! The cost is $40. Email Casey Gibson if you would like a book and require financial assistance. 


Grad 2020 - Broadcast Reminder

A reminder broadcast was sent Wednesday, May 20th reminding Grade 12 graduates to complete the Grad 2020 Card.

May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020 Broadcast Message from LDSB

Thank you to everyone who completed the recent LDSB survey.  We will share survey results when they become available.

Summer Session (Online Courses and Co-op)
Registration is now open for Summer Session. Visit the Summer Session registration page for details and to register online.

Are you working this summer?  Students who are working can earn summer school credits in co-op. Visit the Summer Session registration page above. 

Contact Ms. Fraser ([email protected]) or Mr. Sanderson ([email protected]) if you have any questions about summer session.   

We will post information about any new Ministry of Education summer initiatives, as they become available. 

May 11, 2020 Broadcast
GRAD UPDATE - May 11, 2020

An important message for the graduating class of 2020. This is the time of year when Student Services staff begin to collect information for graduation. While we wait for direction from public health and school officials regarding alternatives to large gatherings, Student Services staff are moving ahead with as much planning as possible. This afternoon, an important Grad Update was posted to the What’s Happening at Sydenham section in the center of the Sydenham High School home page. Look for the cap and gown graphic. Please read the update promptly, beginning with the Letter to Graduates, because some of the items require a response by May 22nd.  Thank you and take care.


May 07, 2020
Lockers
At this time, we are not able to allow students access to lockers.  When we know more, we will update you.

SHS Graduation Information

Please see below a message from Deb Rantz, Director LDSB.  SHS staff are working with an LDSB team to find ways to honour graduates during the provincial emergency.

Starting next week, graduates should routinely check their limestone emails for requests specific to graduation (awards, recognition information and other items). We are creating a separate news story just for SHS Grads that will include: a graduate instruction letter, a required grad card (due May 22), and live links to SHS award applications, to name a few.

Please read below.

Broadcast Message from LDSB

Grade 12 Graduation Ceremonies
In a little more than one month, Grade 12 students will graduate from the Limestone District School Board after the culmination of many years of hard work. 

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and physical distancing requirements, the Board cannot hold large, formal graduation ceremonies in June as planned.

We know this is incredibly disappointing. We know that graduation is a milestone moment in the lives of students and their families, but keeping everyone safe must be our top priority.

The Board and its secondary schools are investigating various options to honour our Grade 12 graduates and celebrate this significant accomplishment in a different way.

Over the coming weeks, we will seek feedback from students and families. Any opportunity to celebrate our graduates will involve consultation with public health and municipalities to ensure we are meeting health and safety directives.

In the meantime, we encourage graduates to review the Grade 12 website and reach out to your Guidance Counsellors if you have any questions.

We know that these are strange and difficult times. Please know that we are here to support you through these uncertainties.

May 03, 2020
Broadcast Message from SHS
Mid-term Marks for Grades 9 to 11
This message is about mid-term marks for students in grades 9 to 11. 

Teachers have submitted mid-term marks. These marks reflect a level of achievement based on student work and observations completed prior to March 13th, and may include some summative tasks completed after April 6th if that work improved the student’s mark at the time of school closure.  Students can raise their mid-term mark by completing assignments and tasks between now and the end of the semester.

Where achievement was difficult to assess at mid-term, students received a grade of 50.  No report cards or progress reports are being issued, so please contact teachers to discuss progress. 

If students are struggling with their course load, help is available. Reach out to teachers or student services staff to let them know what is manageable. Teachers will work with students to determine what is in their best interest. No student will lose credits. 
 
Students are encouraged to engage in learning because it provides a positive connection to teachers and peers. Teachers are focused on key ideas that support learning in the future. Again, student engagement in learning from home can improve the final grade.  

Please visit our school website for contact information listed under the Our Staff tab. Teacher emails are available from students’ LDSB email accounts, searching with last name.  
Thank you and take care. 

April 28, 2020

Broadcast Message
First, applications for the three LDSB Student Trustee positions are available on the LDSB website. Applications are due on May 1st.  


Second, we are looking for a student who is in grade 10 or 11 next year, self-identifies as Indigenous, and looking to be involved as a leader, to represent SHS in the Indigenous Student Leadership Circle being facilitated by Gillian Mundell, a teacher-consultant for LDSB. The commitment is one meeting per month starting immediately and next school year. Email Principal Saunders now to express your interest.


Third, we are processing refunds for spring athletics, and a few winter sports, that have been cancelled due to school closure.  Casey Gibson will be in touch directly with each family directly soon.  Please email Roxanne Saunders, if you have any questions or think we missed your refund. 


Fourth, work continues on the 2019 2020 school yearbook.  Capturing memories of this school year provide a memento in the years to come.  We ask students and families to contribute photos from the entire year and Learning at Home (from April 6 onward)To submit photos, go to Google Classroom, hit the + sign, select "join" and enter class code 4psmdgh.


Finally, Student Council has arranged for the purchase of SHS Golden Eagles 2020 sweatshirts. There is a bonus offer if you purchase your sweatshirt by midnight tonight.  Go to www.gradwear.ca, enter Sydenham High School, select your style and then colour.  You don’t have to be a grad to purchase these sweatshirts.  Remember 2020!


April 24, 2020
LDSB adds Grade 12 Information Website
Submit a question, see updates from University, Colleges - much needed info, all in one place!

Grade 12 Students - Broadcast - Important Action Required

Midterm progress reports have been sent to Grade 12 students' LDSB email. Only grade 12 students are receiving progress reports. Please note the dates in the body of the email. For students graduating and applying to post secondary institutions in Ontario, these midterm marks will be uploaded to the Ontario College and University Application services on May 1st.

Please review these marks carefully. If you have questions about your mark, please contact your teacher by April 29th. If you have questions about your college or university application, or you would like to drop a course prior to the upload, please contact Mr. Sanderson at [email protected] no later than April 30th.


April 20, 2020
Devices were distributed again on April 16, 2020.  Please email Office Manager Sandra Sands at [email protected], if you still require a device for learning.  We will do one more pick-up Wednesday, April 22, 2020 by appointment only. If you require delivery of a device, please indicate this when emailing Ms. Sands.

 April 20, 2020 Broadcast Message
Grade 12 Mark Reporting

This message is for students currently in grade 12. There are some important dates that may require your action, so please read the whole message. Teachers are currently entering marks for midterm reports. Marks are based on student work completed or in progress on March 13th. Final marks will be based on the midterm mark, and the summative activities provided during school closure, if the evaluation of that summative work improves the student’s mark.
 
Midterm reports will be sent to student’s LDSB email beginning April 24th. For students graduating and applying to post secondary institutions in Ontario, these midterm marks will be uploaded to the Ontario College and University Application services on May 1st. Please review these marks carefully. If you have questions about your mark, please contact your teacher. If you have questions about your college or university application, or you would like to drop a course prior to the upload, please contact Mr. Sanderson at [email protected] no later than April 30th. 
Thank you.


April 10, 2020
Devices were distributed to students April 9, 2020. 

Students still needing a device (or missed their appointment on April 9), may email Sandra Sands, Office Manager at [email protected].  Sandra will contact you April 14 to schedule an appointment for pick-up (at SHS) April 15.  

At this time, students are not able to retrieve items from lockers.  We will update you when this changes. 

Parents looking to discuss their student's current program (assignments, work load, special needs, other) are encouraged to make contact with the student services support staff person by grade.  This information can be found under "Our Staff" on this website.  We know one size does not fit all right now, and we are here to help.  Please let us know what needs adjusted.  

April 8, 2020
A message went home to all families today. For a copy of that message including info about flexibility for course work, click here.