Back to School – Sept 2024!
Dear Jackson Families,
Welcome back to school! Hopefully you all enjoyed a restful summer filled with quality family time. My name is Mr. Gord Ritchie and it’s my privilege to be the Principal of J.L. Jackson Secondary School. On behalf of myself, Vice Principal, Mrs. Gloria Cox, and our entire staff, we are excited for you to be joining our learning community this September.
The privilege of teaching, caring, and supporting children requires a great deal of time, energy, passion, and conviction. After a much-deserved summer break, our staff is gearing up for another successful school year.
Below is some important information regarding the start of school. Please don’t hesitate to call or stop by the school from Aug 26-Aug 29 (8:30am-3:00pm) if you have any questions or concerns.
First Day of School
The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4 and will be a half day starting at 9:14am with dismissal at 12:30pm. Thursday September 5 will be a full day of school, starting at 9:14am with dismissal at 3:30pm.
Students should come to school on the first day with some basic supplies for the day:
- A three-ring binder
- Lined loose-leaf paper
- Pens/pencils/eraser
When students arrive, there will be Block A Class Lists posted in the main foyer. Students are to double check these lists to ensure they know which location to go to for Block A.
During Block A, students will be provided with plenty of information about our school, including locker assignments and student schedules. Students will then rotate through their remaining first semester courses, meeting each of their teachers, and finding out more information about their classes (including additional supplies that may be required).
9:14am – 10:15am Block A (61 min)
10:20am – 10:55am Block B (35 min)
10:55am – 11:15am Break (20min)
11:15am – 11:50am Block C (35 min)
11:55am – 12:30pm Block D (35 min) / Dismissal
12:35pm Buses begin to transport students home
Student Schedules & Course Changes
We have been busy over the summer working on the school timetable and hiring fantastic new teachers. Due to the evolving nature of this work, some student schedules may have changed. Students will receive an updated paper copy of their final schedule on the first day of school.
If you have any questions or concerns about the schedule you received in June, please contact one of our counsellors via email, or set up an appointment by phone (250) 832-2136.
Heather Buikema hbuikema@sd83.bc.ca (Last names A to K)
Jehane Johnson jejohnso@sd83.bc.ca (Last names L to Z)
Counsellors will be in the school from 8:30am to 3:00pm Tuesday August 27 to Thursday August 29 to assist those students who would like to request course changes. Please note that due to scheduling constraints, we may not be able to accommodate all course change requests and we cannot make course changes based on teacher preference or friendships.
School Tours
On Thursday August 29, at 1:00pm and 1:30pm, we would like to give new students the opportunity to come have a tour of Jackson. If you would like to attend one of these tours, please contact the school at (250) 832-2136.
Locks and Lockers
Lockers and locks are provided to students wanting one. Only SD83 assigned locks are allowed to be used on our lockers. Lockers will be assigned during Block A.
Pick-up and Drop-off
Please note that the Fairfield Hotel parking lot, across the road from Jackson, should not be used for drop-off or pick-up. The hotel parking lot is private property and intended for hotel guests only.
School Communication and Information
We utilize our website (www.jlj.sd83.bc.ca) to publish up-to-date news items and information. At times, we will also send short, topic-specific emails or electronic newsletters. If you would like to follow us on Facebook, please use the link below:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JL-Jackson-Secondary-104563572387511
Food Services and Water
J.L. Jackson is extremely fortunate to have an outstanding Lunch Program that offers daily hot lunches from $3 to $7 brought to us by the Local Shuswap Food Action Society and Shuswap Community Foundation. This program will begin with a free lunch on Friday September 14 (orders must be placed in advance through the Lunch Program Website). Regular service beginning on Tuesday September 18. Also, please remember to bring a water bottle to school as our water fountains have been replaced with water bottle filling stations.
School Wi-Fi and Office 365
Student permission forms need to be completed to take advantage of our Wi-Fi and Microsoft Office 365 cloud services. Information on how to complete these forms will be provided on the first day of school. We recommend students have this set up as soon as possible.
School Photos
School photos will be on Monday, September 9. Please be sure to dress in your favourite outfit and put on your best smile.
SD83 Bus Transportation
Only registered student riders are allowed to ride a school bus. Please contact School District No.83 Transportation with any questions or concerns: (250) 832-9415
Fall Sports
Tryouts and start-up practices for our fall sports begin with the start of school. Students are encouraged to listen to the daily announcements and check the Athletics page on our website during the first week of school for more information about Football, Volleyball, and Cross-Country Running meetings/practices.
Cell Phone Policy
As supported by Ministerial Order No. 89 and SD83 Board Policy, the use of cell phones is not permitted during instructional time. This policy aims to create a more focussed, respectful, and engaging learning environment by limiting distractions and the negative impact cell phones can have on student’s mental health.
Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance and punctuality is critical to student success. It is important that parents communicate with the office to let us know if your child is arriving late, leaving early, or unable to attend school for any reason.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Wednesday September 4th at 9:14am. Enjoy your last week of summer vacation!
Sincerely,
Gord Ritchie Gloria Cox
Principal Vice-Principal
gritchie@sd83.bc.ca gcox@sd83.bc.ca