TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Feast of the Wedding of Cana
The transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John
Lincoln Alexander Day
The first Black Canadian member of Parliament (1968), Cabinet minister (1979) and lieutenant-governor (Ontario, 1985), he advocated for the equal treatment of black Canadians. In recognition of his many important accomplishments, January 21st has been celebrated as Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada since 2015
Toronto Auto Show – if interested in attending the Toronto Auto Show on February 19, you must see any technology teacher to obtain a permission form. Cost is $30 using school cash on line. First come first serve.
Sparta-bots - There will be no robotics after school this Tuesday January 21.- Instead the room will be open the mornings of Wednesday January 22, & Friday January, 24 from 8:00-11:00am. Sorry, but Sparta-bots members only. Any questions see Mr. Jenkins.
Soccer Intramurals - Congratulations to Team 2 who scored two goals in the Championship game! Team 1 finished 2nd and Team 3 finished third. Thank you to all the players that participated!
Senior Boys Basketball
Practice today at 2:10 PM in the Main Gym. All team members please respond through Google Classroom by 9 AM so we can get accurate numbers of who can attend practice.
Main Gym
Today is the last day the Main Gym will be open for free play during lunch. The Main Gym will be closed during FCA Days. It will be available again starting Semester 2. We wish you all the best in completing your FCAs as we come to the end of Semester 1. Finish strong Spartans!
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Martin Luther King Jr Day
This day commemorates the leader of the Civil Rights movement in the USA. People of all races and religions have benefited from the sacrifices and accomplishments made by this great man. He was a Nobel Prize winner (Peace Prize 1964) and a prominent advocate of nonviolent protest. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968
Yearbook - Spartans this years yearbook is now officially on sale. The yearbook is $55 and can be purchased at the main office. If you have any questions please see Mr. Ricci or the main office for information.
Art club is running today after school in room 1073.
The swim team is reminded of their practice after school today. This is the last practice until the start of second semester.
Soccer Intramural @ Lunch The Soccer Intramural Finals are TODAY! Team 3 vs Team 6 is playing for 3rd place @ 10:55 AM in the Main Gym, followed by Team 1 vs Team 2 playing in the FINAL game! Teams, be sure you are on time and each player is to check-in with Ms. Devereux BEFORE the game begins. Spectators are welcome to view the games from the stage. Spectators, please be aware of your surroundings. It is expected that spectators continue to remain off the floor and stay behind the netting. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining player and spectator safety!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
Yearbook - Spartans this year's yearbook is now officially on sale. The yearbook is $55 and can be purchased at the main office. If you have any questions please see Mr. Ricci or the main office for information.
STUDENT COUNCIL - Join us for Stick Mr. Stickney to the Wall today at lunch in the gym. It’s $1 per piece of tape. Come and have some fun! See you there!
Westlane Healthy Schools Club Sip & Study - Are you looking for a way to prep for your upcoming exams and need a little help? Healthy schools club will be hosting a Sip & Study in the cafeteria today from 2-4! Be sure to check it out.
Toronto Auto Show –to secure your spot in this trip, please return the consent form & pay online ASAP.
The swim team is reminded of their practice after school on Monday. See you then.
Soccer Intramural @ Lunch - There is no intramural soccer today at lunch. Ms. Devereux will tally the points and determine which intramural soccer teams will be participating in the championship matches. These will be posted on the Main Gym doors at the end of the school day. Teams should be prepared to play on Monday.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
STUDENT COUNCIL - Join us for Stick Mr. Stickney to the Wall tomorrow at lunch in the gym. It’s $1 per piece of tape. Come and have some fun! See you there!
Westlane Healthy Schools Club Sip & Study - Are you looking for a way to prep for your upcoming exams and need a little help? Healthy schools club will be hosting a Sip & Study today and tomorrow in the cafeteria from 2-4! Be sure to check it out.
Toronto Auto Show – if interested in attending the Toronto Auto Show on February 19, you must see any technology teacher to obtain a permission form. Cost is $30 using school cash online. First come first serve.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
TODAY’S NEWS
Boys Hockey - Yesterday, your Spartan Hockey Team faced the undefeated Centennial Cougars in a very tough match. Centennial scored the first two goals of the game, but our Spartans showed incredible resilience and kept battling until the final whistle. Despite creating a few great chances, we couldn't get one past Centennial's goalie. A huge shoutout to our own goalie, Noah Gray, who made some crucial saves to keep us in the game. The Spartans will be back on the ice on February 6th as we take on the defending champions, EL Crossley. Mark your calendars and come out to support your team.
STUDENT COUNCIL - Join us for Stick Mr. Stickney to the Wall on Friday at lunch in the gym. It’s $1 per piece of tape. Come and have some fun! See you there!
Westlane Healthy Schools Club Sip & Study - Are you looking for a way to prep for your upcoming exams and need a little help? Healthy schools club will be hosting a Sip & Study starting today through Friday in the cafeteria from 2-4! Be sure to check it out.
Toronto Auto Show – if interested in attending the Toronto Auto Show on February 19, you must see any technology teacher to obtain a permission form. Cost is $30 using school cash on line. First come first serve.
Art club- art club is running today after school in room 1073. New members welcome!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE - Thai Pongal A three-day rice harvest festival in South India is celebrated with a cultural evening of song and dance.
Mahayana - Buddhist New Year
Mahayana New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon of January
Makar Sankranti
The transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is known as Makar Sankranti. The days gradually lengthen in the northern hemisphere
New Year (Orthodox Calendar)
The Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, according to the Julian calendar is on January 14.
STUDENT COUNCIL - Join us for Stick Mr. Stickney to the Wall on Friday at lunch in the gym. It’s $1 per piece of tape. Come and have some fun! See you there!
Westlane Healthy Schools Club Sip & Study - Are you looking for a way to prep for your upcoming exams and need a little help? Healthy schools club will be hosting a Sip & Study starting tomorrow through Friday in the cafeteria from 2-4! Be sure to check it out.
Toronto Auto Show – if interested in attending the Toronto Auto Show on February 19, you must see any technology teacher to obtain a permission form. Cost is $30 using school cash on line. First come first serve.
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Lohri - A traditional winter Punjabi folk festival, celebrated primarily by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from the Punjab region to mark the harvest season in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, on January 13 of every year.
Maghi - Maghi is the occasion when Sikhs commemorate the sacrifice of the forty Sikhs, who fought for Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Maghi means primarily the festival at Muktsar, a district town of the Punjab, in commemoration of the heroic fight of the Chali Mukte, literally, the Forty Liberated Ones, who laid down their lives warding off an attack by an imperial army marching in pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh.
TODAY’S NEWS
Semi-Formal Announcement - Spartans, get ready to dress your best at this year's Sweetheart Semi-Formal! On February 20th, at Club Roma, doors open at 5:30pm, and dinner is at 6pm. Tickets are available now on school cash online, but DON'T WAIT to get your ticket because the last day to buy is February 9th. And TICKETS ARE LIMITED!!! No ticket, no semi. We hope to see you on the dance floor!
STUDENT COUNCIL - Join us for Stick Mr. Stickney to the Wall on Friday at lunch in the gym. It’s $1 per piece of tape. Come and have some fun! See you there!
Westlane Healthy Schools Club Sip & Study - Are you looking for a way to prep for your upcoming exams and need a little help? Healthy schools club will be hosting a Sip & Study from Wednesday, January 15th to Friday January 17th in the cafeteria from 2-4! Be sure to check it out.
Toronto Auto Show – if interested in attending the Toronto Auto Show on February 19, you must see any technology teacher to obtain a permission form. Cost is $30 using school cash on line. First come first serve.
Art club- art club is running today after school in room 1073. New members welcome!
Diversity Club is meeting today at lunch in room 2010. Bring your lunch and feel free to bring a friend! New members are always welcome.
Homework Help is running Wednesday and Thursday this week. Stop by the library on either of these days from 2:15-4:00 if you are looking for a space to work, peers to collaborate with, or teachers to help you as you finish up Semester 1.
Swim team meets today afterschool. Please meet by the front doors by 2:15pm.
Basketball
Good luck to our Junior and Senior boys’ basketball teams as they face West Niagara at home after school today!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
Ekadashi (the giver of sons) is one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar. The Ekadashi fast traditionally spans over three days. Couples fast on this day and worship the god Vishnu for a good son.
TODAY’S NEWS
New in the cafeteria. Students are now asked to leave their backpacks on the table inside the cafeteria doors before entering the servery area.
Swim Team: Reminder that there is swim practice Monday after school.
Soccer Intramurals at Lunch - Soccer Intramurals continue today at lunch in the Main Gym at 11:00 AM. Please check the schedule posted on the Main Gym doors to see when your team plays next. Spectators are welcome to view games from the stage.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Please wish our head caretaker Mr Bacon a very Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do Mr. Bacon.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
MYAC - Hey Westlane! From now until January 13th, MYAC is holding an eco art competition, with our two categories being visual arts/photography and fashion. Submissions are due on January 13th, and those who enter their artwork have a chance to win a 100$ visa gift card and MYAC merch for winning their category. More information and the submission link can be found on the MYAC Instagram account
SPORTS
Senior Boys Basketball - Yesterday, the Senior Boys Basketball team kicked off the Welland Tribune with a hard-fought win over St. Mikes 58-54! The action continues tonight as our boys face off against Myer in the Quarterfinals at 6:30 at Notre Dame. Reminder, team: we are having a quick meeting at the start of lunch today in Room 1096.
Soccer Intramurals @ Lunch - Soccer Intramurals begin today at lunch in the Main Gym at 11:00 AM. Please check the schedule posted on the Main Gym doors to see when your team plays next. Spectators are welcome to view games from the stage.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025
STUDENT COUNCIL - Hot Chocolate-Student council will be selling hot chocolate today at lunch in the front foyer for $1 each. We will continue to sell hot chocolate this Friday and the following Wednesdays and Fridays throughout January. Cash only please.
Art Club - Art club is running today after school in room 1073. New members are always welcome.
SPORTS
Athletic Transfers - If you are interested in participating in Spring Sports like badminton, soccer, Ultimate, track & field, baseball, or slo-pitch and have attended another high school other than Westlane or have recently arrived to Canada, then you MUST complete an OFSAA Athletic Transfer. Please see Ms. Devereux or Mr. Coull in the Phys Ed Office as soon as possible to get your application started.
Varsity Boys Rugby - There will be a meeting today at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Rugby this spring. See Mr. Howard for details.
Spring Football - There will be a meeting today at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Spring Football. See Mr. G for details.
Senior Boys Basketball - Good Luck to our Senior Boys Basketball team as they travel to E.L. Crosley today for Day 1 of the Welland Tribune Basketball Tournament, where they play St. Michaels at 2:10 pm. Teachers, please excuse the team at the end of third period.
Soccer Intramurals - 6-on-6 Soccer Intramurals will begin on Thursday in the Main Gym during lunch. Get your team together and sign-up on the sheet posted on the Main Gym doors. Maximum 7 people per team. You cannot play for more than one team. See Ms. Devereux if you have any questions!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Feast of the Nativity/Orthodox Christmas
The feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the most joyful days of the Orthodox Church and is seen as the day that Jesus became a man into the world as a saviour. Eastern Orthodox Christians recognize this day as Christmas - 13 days later - because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar
CLUBS
Reach Club: Reach club is happening today, if you are interested in trivia or expanding your worldly knowledge, come out to room 2029 at lunch.
SPORTS
Athletic Transfers - If you are interested in participating in Spring Sports like badminton, soccer, Ultimate, track & field, baseball, or slo-pitch and have attended another high school other than Westlane or have recently arrived to Canada, then you MUST complete an OFSAA Athletic Transfer. Please see Ms. Devereux or Mr. Coull in the Phys Ed Office as soon as possible to get your application started.
Varsity Boys Rugby - There will be a meeting Wednesday at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Rugby this spring. See Mr. Howard for details.
Spring Football - There will be a meeting Wednesday at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Spring Football. See Mr. G for details.
Soccer Intramurals - 6-on-6 Soccer Intramurals will begin on Thursday in the Main Gym during lunch. Get your team together and sign-up on the sheet posted on the Main Gym doors. Maximum 7 people per team. You cannot play for more than one team. See Ms. Devereux if you have any questions!
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
He was the 10th and last living Guru of the Sikh faith. He founded the 'Khalsa' brotherhood where the initiated adopted the five 'K's: Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelets), Kirpan (sword), Kaccha (pair of shorts), and Kesh (long hair)
Feast of the Epiphany/Dia de los Reyes
Christians worldwide celebrate the three Wise men's journey following the star of David to Bethlehem offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus.
Volunteer
For those students that volunteer for Niagara Falls Ringette Scorekeeping, new games have been added to the schedule. Please check your email, or go to the shared document to sign up and earn more volunteer hours!
Art Club - There will be no art club running tonight! See you afterschool on Wednesday!
SPORTS
Varsity Boys Rugby - There will be a meeting Wednesday at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Rugby this spring. See Mr. Howard for details.
Spring Football - There will be a meeting Wednesday at lunch in the Conference centre for anyone interested in playing Spring Football. See Mr. G for details.
