Principal's Message
Together with our excellent teachers and superb support staff, Mr. Forsyth and I, welcome you to a new school year. We look forward to working with each family ensuring that all of our students are confident learners and caring citizens.
Once again, the school looks amazing! Even with the major renovations occurring on both floors of the building all summer long, Mr. Gillis and his team have worked very hard to ensure it is spotless and ready for learning upon your arrival in September.
When you arrive, you will notice a number of changes to our building. The Algoma District School Board has invested a significant amount of money to improve our school over the summer. These renovations included much needed upgrades to the Riddle Cafeteria ceiling lights and enhancements to the gymnasium change rooms. The majority of the funds were used to modernize our library into a 21st century learning commons, complete with improved technology, a student conference area and a comfortable reading space finished with a fireplace and 60 inch monitor in addition to better seating and work space areas. While the library renovations are slightly behind schedule it will be a stunning improvement to say the least! In the meantime, all library/learning commons classes will be scheduled into Room 213 (computer lab) until the new space is officially opened. The upper main entrance has also been improved with an extra catch basin and new pavement to improve access to the upper parking lot.
However, we remind all families, that for safety reasons, and to minimize congestion, please use the lower laneway next to the cafeteria for student drop offs in the morning.
In addition to these physical changes, we are also pleased to fully implement the EDSBY online communication tool this year to better support student learning and provide parents with an efficient method of contacting the school. As a result, it is very important that parents and guardians ensure that a valid email address is provided during registration as this will be the primary means of connecting to the EDSBY platform.
As well, for safety and security reasons, the Algoma District School Board is encouraging us to reduce the amount of cash and checks used at school. Therefore, for your convenience, ELSS will be implementing an online feature for registration and other school payments. Families are encouraged to take advantage of our SCHOOL CASH ONLINE feature to pay school fees prior to registering in person on August 29th. To access the system and get started today, please visit https://adsb.schoolcashonline.com , it only takes 5 minutes and is well worth the effort.
We are also pleased to announce that in response to student voice and to promote inclusivity and equity at ELSS, our school council will be revising the current dress code in order to better reflect and align with the Algoma District School Board’s commitment to supporting students in the domain of well-being (physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and self/spirit).
ELSS continues to provide a wide breadth of programming to ensure a pathway for every student. We offer courses for students preparing for university, college and the workplace. In addition, our specialist high skills major (SHSM) programs in construction and hospitality & tourism permit our students the opportunity to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills while earning a red SHSM seal on their diploma upon graduation. If you are interested in either of these programs please be sure to connect with Mr. Ryan or Mr. Landriault for more information.
If you are interested in workplace experiences, the cooperative education program can make connections in the community for the career of your choice. Our network of community partners is vast and our Co Op teacher, Mr. Naus, is experienced and knowledgeable in work related issues to ensure a successful and worthwhile job placement.
In addition, the student support services at ELSS provide timely and helpful assistance for those students requiring extra help. Please be sure to take advantage of the guidance office, resource room, student success room and the school counsellor whenever necessary.
ELSS is also fortunate to include an Indigenous Resource Center to further our understanding of First Nations, Metis and Inuit culture. It is located on the first floor in Room 122; be sure to check out this excellent resource.
We are very proud of our schools’ commitment to student learning and wellbeing. We work extremely hard to ensure everyone feels safe, welcome and is able to achieve success. Over the years we have noticed an increase in online bullying and a “fear of missing out” with students who excessively access social media. Please review the information for parenting students with electronic devices found on page 5 of this document and the WANT TO FEEL BETTER pamphlet included in this package. Please take the time to review all of the information found in this booklet.
ELSS offers a tremendous amount of support and opportunity and we hope that every student takes advantage of them. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please feel free to contact myself or Mr. Forsyth. We look forward to your arrival in September.
Mr. Juuti & Mr. Forsyth