WELCOME BACK! Symmes - D'Arcy McGee Update - 8/22/25 - Symmes Junior & D'Arcy McGee High Schools

Dear Families,

WELCOME TO SYMMES!

I hope you all had a lovely summer. We are so excited to welcome our students back to school this week.

Here is some preliminary information to kick off the year:

Administration Team

Tara Laine – Principal – tlaine@wqsb.qc.ca
Kate Smith – Vice-Principal – students with last names A-L – katesmith@wqsb.qc.ca
Chris Byrne – Vice-Principal – students with last names M-Z – chrisbyrne@wqsb.qc.ca
Holly Richardson – Guidance Counselor – students with last names A-F – hrichardson@wqsb.qc.ca
Danielle Nikora – Guidance Counselor – students with last names G-M – dnikota@wqsb.qc.ca
Franny Maloney – Guidance Counselor – students with last names N-Z – fmaloney@wqsb.qc.ca

Opening Days

Thursday August 28^th – ONLY grade 7, 9 and 10 students as well as our PY1 and PY2 students (those following the work-oriented training pathway) will attend on this day – all other students remain at home
Friday August 29^th – ONLY grade 8 and grade 11 students as well as our PY3 students (those following the work-oriented training pathway) will attend on this day – all other students remain at home
Tuesday September 2^nd – ALL students attend school

When students arrive on their first day, they will be directed to the cafeteria to receive a hard copy of their schedule, their locker assignment and to receive further instructions from school staff
If parents are dropping their children off in the morning, please use our dedicated kiss-and-ride route at the front of the school (please DO NOT drop students off in the parking lots on either side of the school as this poses a safety risk) – school staff will be present to bring students down to the cafeteria to meet their peers
There will be LOTS of adults present to support and direct our students – they will be okay!
Students will follow DAY 9 of their timetable on their first day
Teachers will be focusing on building connections with their students as well as outlining our code of conduct and course expectations – there will also be time for FUN!

Transportation Information

Transportation information will be published to the parent portal and will be available until 9am on Friday August 29^th
I have attached the Parent Portal Guide to this email if you do not already have an account
If you are having trouble with the Portal, please email Ms. Anne Spear directly at: annespear@wqsb.qc.ca
Between August 29^th and September 12^th, the process time for new registrations or changes of address will be 10 days
After that time period, the process time will be 3 days

Suggested School Supplies

I have attached a list of suggested school supplies to this email
Your child’s teachers will let them know if they require additional materials
Generally, having a fully stocked pencil case and a binder with lined paper should be sufficient for the first few days

Cell Phone Ban

As you have likely heard, the Province of Quebec has mandated a complete ban of cell phones on school properties during the school day for students in the youth sector
Students will not be permitted to use their phones between 8:50am (first bell) and 3:33pm (last bell)
This ban includes lunch hour and breaks between classes
Students will be required to leave their devices in their lockers for the duration of the day
Here is a breakdown of consequences if the ban is not respected:

First infraction – student is required to turn over their phone which will be safely stored in the office, for the duration of the day
Second infraction – student is required to turn over their phone which will be safely stored in the office, for the duration of the day – parents will be notified
Third infraction – student is required to turn over their phone which will be safely stored in the office, until a parent can come to the school to collect it
If a student chooses not to relinquish their phone, they will be suspended from school
If a student is disrespectful or argumentative with a staff member, they will be suspended from school

This policy aims to limit distractions, enhance academic performance and encourage meaningful interactions
If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the main office (819-684-7472 ext 437006) and we will pass the necessary information to your child
If your child needs to reach you during the day, they are very welcome to use one of the landlines in the main office

Student Absences

If you need to report a student absence, please send an email to: sdmattendance@wqsb.qc.ca

Communication

You can expect to receive an email directly from me every Friday
You can also see important information posted to our website: https://symmesdarcy.westernquebec.ca/
Please note that we do not currently communicate via social media and the existing parent Facebook page is not monitored by school staff and is managed by someone not associated with our school

Annual General Assembly (AGA)

The AGA for Symmes parents will be in our auditorium on September 17^th at 6pm
The AGA for D’Arcy parents will be in our auditorium on September 24^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

School Photos

Baseball

The season will begin the week of Monday, September 8^th
All students interested in playing should sign up in the cafeteria at lunch on August 28^th and 29^th
Students can also contact Ms. Brown or Ms. Ray via Teams
Tryouts may be held August 31^st – September 3^rd, depending on interest

Running Club

The first practice for running club/cross country is Thursday September 4^th at 3:45pm – students will meet the coaches at the front door to the school

We can’t wait to get started! It’s going to be a great year.

Have a nice week and take care.