Symmes – D’Arcy McGee Update – 9/11/26

Dear Families,

I hope you are doing well.

Here is some information for this week:

Annual General Assembly (AGA)

• The AGA for both Symmes and D’Arcy McGee parents will be in our auditorium on September 16^th at 6pm
• Our student council will be hosting a bake sale during this event so please bring some cash to purchase a treat and support our school!
• 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

COBALT Emergency Communication

• All WQSB schools are using a new platform to send text messages to parents in case of an emergency
• Please note that my regular communication remains the same (weekly emails, website updates)
• You will only receive a message from me via Cobalt if I am unable to access my email or in the event of an emergency where I need to reach out entire community very quickly
• Occasionally, the WQSB will send a text or email from their office which will come from notifications@wqsb.qc.ca – please note that any documents or attachments will be in the form of a secure link which are safe to open
• In order to test the new system, I will be sending out a message shortly that indicates a test – there is no emergency and no need to attempt to reply

Grad Hoodies

• Grad hoodies are available to purchase from Ms. Lisa Richarson in room 318
• Hoodies are $50, cash only and include personalization on the sleeve
• Sizes range from XS to 5XL and the following colours are available:

• If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Richardson directly at: lrichardson@wqsb.qc.ca
• The deadline to order is Friday September 25^th and payment must be received prior to the order being placed

2026-2027 Health Forms

• I have attached a fillable health form to this email
• Please send your completed form directly to mmacdonald@wqsb.qc.ca
• Your child can also drop off a hard copy to the main office at school

School Fees

• Starting on September 8^th, school fees can be paid online through the parent portal
• You can see online payment instructions as well as other school fee information here:  https://symmesdarcy.westernquebec.ca/about/school-fees/
• Please note that have shifted completely to online payments and we do not accept payments in-person at the school

Special Education Advisory Committee

• Please see the attached SEAC flyer
• If you are interested in putting your name forward for this committee, please complete the following form: https://westernquebec.ca/26-2027-seac/
• The form will close at midnight on September 30^th, 2026

Upcoming Dates

• September 14^th – Course Change Deadline – forms in Student Services Centre
• September 16^th & 17^th – School Photo Day
• September 18^th – PD Day
• September 30^th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Orange Shirt Day
• October 5^th – PD Day

Have a nice weekend!

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