Symmes – D’Arcy McGee Update – 8/23/24

Dear Families,

Only a few days left before the start of school!

Here is some information for the first week back – please note that most of this information is a repeat of what was sent to families earlier this week.

Opening Days

• The first day of school for grades 7, 9, 10 and our PreWork Year 1 and Year 2 students is Thursday August 29^th
• Please note that grades 8, 11 and PreWork Year 3 students DO NOT attend on August 29^th
• The first day of school for grades 8, 11 and our PreWork Year 3 students is Friday August 30^th
• Please note that grades 7, 9, 10 and PreWork Year 1 and Year 2 students DO NOT attend on August 30^th
• ALL students are expected to be at school on Tuesday September 3^rd
• On their first day, students will be greeted in the cafeteria where they can collect a hard copy of their timetables
• There will be LOTS of adults present to support our students during these first few days

Supplies

• I have attached a list of suggested school supplies to this email
• Individual teachers will inform students of any additional items they may require
• If you need support in purchasing any items, please reach out to me directly for confidential assistance

Transportation/Electronic Timetables

• Student school bus information will be available on the Parent Portal between August 23^rd and August 30^th
• I have attached instructions to the portal to this email – please reach out to Ms. Anne Spear at annespear@wqsb.qc.ca if you require support
• We expect that our student timetables will be loaded onto the portal by the end of the day on August 28^th
• Please note that it is typically not possible to accommodate teacher or friend requests

Parent Communication

• You can expect to receive a weekly information email from me every Friday
• You can also access these communications and other important information on our website:

Admin/Guidance Support/Attendance

• Vice-Principal Kate Smith – responsible for students with last names A-L:  katesmith@wqsb.qc.ca
• Vice-Principal Chris Byrne – responsible for students with last names M-Z: chrisbyrne@wqsb.qc.ca
• Guidance Counselor Holly Richardson – responsible for students with last names A-F: hrichardson@wqsb.qc.ca
• Guidance Counselor Danielle Nikota – responsible for students with last names G-M: dnikota@wqsb.qc.ca
• Guidance Counselor Franny Maloney – responsible for students with last names N-Z: fmaloney@wqsb.qc.ca
• Please remember to report all students absences by emailing: sdmattendance@wqsb.qc.ca

Fall Baseball

• Our Symmes and D’Arcy Baseball fall season starts the first week of September
• Students who wish to participate in our fall season will be able to sign up in the gym hallway on August 29th and August 30^th
• Tryouts will be open to all students and practices may take place over the long weekend 
• Coaches will look to fill a 12-14 person roster for each team
• Students and parents can also email Ms. Brown for additional information:  slbrown@wqsb.qc.ca 

Annual General Assembly (AGA)

• The AGA for Symmes parents will be in our auditorium on September 18^th at 6pm
• The AGA for D’Arcy parents will be in our auditorium on September 25^th at 6pm
• The purpose of the AGA is to inform parents of the structures and routines of school as well as to elect the parent representatives to our Governing Board
• I have attached information about Governing Boards to this email for your information – it’s a great way to get involved!
• At the AGA, we will also be taking names for potential spots on the WQSB Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
• Parents will also have an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher and tour the school

Upcoming Dates

• September 13^th – PD Day
• September 18^th – AGA Symmes
• September 25^th – AGA D’Arcy McGee
• September 30^th – National Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day)
•  

We are very excited to welcome our students back to school next week!

Take care,

Tara Laine Directrice Principal Symmes-D’Arcy McGee High School