A Welcome to South Grenville DHS
Welcome South Grenville. It is with immense pride that I take this opportunity to write this message to you. I want everyone to know that I truly believe that South Grenville is the finest school in the world. Ever since I roamed the hallowed halls of this school back in the ‘70s as a student, my heart has pumped green and gold. With you, I am committed to upholding this vision of our school.
I am very proud of the start we have had to this school year. We have seamlessly and successfully transitioned to a 7-12 school. The opportunities which have been availed to our students due to this transition are endless and we have just begun. Our teachers, 7-12, are committed to providing the best education and to creating the best atmosphere possible to ensure success for all of our students. We are a team whose sole commitment is to our community. I am proud of our team. I believe in this commitment and I know that we will deliver. And I pledge my undying commitment to the success of this school, our students, and our community.
Like all of you, I want South Grenville to be that school where possibilities are limitless for our students. I want our school to gush with pride and excellence each and every day. And if we work together, we have the potential to make that dream a reality. I believe that our students are number one and we are proud to serve them.
Unfortunately, there is a disease simmering at the under belly of South Grenville that gravely concerns me. Please understand that what I am going to share with you at this time does not reflect what the greater majority of our students believe or feel. But these are symptoms steadily seeping into the culture of our school which threatens to destroy our dream. If we are to confront and destroy these symptoms, we must recognize them. The following is a list of the underlying forces which I believe we must eradicate:
1. A feeling that just “getting by” is good enough.
2. A sense that receiving a passing grade in a course is a right rather than something which must be personally achieved.
3. A refusal to take responsibility for one’s own failures – “if I fail it is the Teacher’s fault”.
4. A belief that attending classes is optional.
5. A belief that whole school celebratory activities – assemblies, sporting activities, etc – are really just times to take the day off.
6. A belief that showing respect is something earned rather than a way to act at all times.
7. An acceptance that the partaking of illegal drugs and alcohol is a way of life for our students.
My challenge to you is to take up arms with us against these underlying symptoms present in our community. We must work together to help all to realize that permitting our world to be characterized by the above symptoms will only lead to failure and disappointment.
My challenge to you is to work with us to restore our South Grenville to the one that lives and breathes in our hearts. Let us once again make South Grenville a place of Giant opportunities, a safe place to send our students, a place committed to excellence, and a place filled with pride and enthusiasm for learning. To begin this initiative I would ask that you please read and discuss with your son and/or daughter the accompanying document entitled “The Attributes of a True Giant”. This document will be placed in a prominent location in each room in the school and will represent the expectations held for every individual associated with South Grenville. I have the utmost confidence that together we can make our dream our reality.
Go Giants Go!!!!
Roy Lalonde – Principal
THE ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUE GIANT
A true Giant is recognized as an individual who is committed to:
1. Demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour regardless of the circumstances.
2. Learning while building a strong sense of caring for all.
3. Creating a safe, secure and positive school environment for all.
4. Striving to create an environment that fosters mutual cooperation, emotional support and personal growth.
5. Supporting others in a positive manner to grow physically, socially and morally.
6. Promoting all individuals to think positively, optimistically, and confidently.
7. Creating a meaningful link between school and community.
8. Serving as a positive role model for others.
9. Acting and reacting fairly, compassionately and equitably at all times.
10. Celebrating and supporting diversity.
11. Setting high standards and continually striving to attain these standards.
12. Striving to create a positive school image which exudes pride.
13. Demonstrating and sustaining consistent attendance, punctuality, and maximum effort.
14. Creating and sustaining a strong culture of accountability.
15. Creating a positive culture within the school which serves to support a positive moral standard.
16. Creating a safe atmosphere in which all are willing to take risks in order to improve learning experiences.
17. Encouraging all to contribute to positive change in the school.
18. Working toward making South Grenville a school of excellence.