J.L. Ilsley High

February 2nd, 2024

  • Want to play rugby? Come to a meeting today at lunch in the gym! Practices start Feb 5th! Talk to Ms.Campbell if you have any questions.
  • If you are interested in playing badminton there will be a quick meeting on Monday, February 5 at the start of lunch in the gym.
  • A rep from University of New Brunswick will be in the main entrance during lunch, Tuesday, February 6. If you are interested in learning more about their programs, applying to the university, or curious about what they offer, we would encourage you stop by and chat with them.
  • Attention Health Action Team! There will be a last minute meeting today at lunch.
  • “Apuknajit,” the month of February named after the “Spirit of Winter,” is traditionally the hardest month of the year for hunting, gathering and surviving. To appease “Apuknajit,” we leave an offering of food out on the eve of the first of the month to invite safe passage into Spring.
  • Mi'kmaw oral traditions and legends describe "Apuknajit" as a Mi'kmuesu, a Mi'kmaw wizard and shapeshifter that can take on the appearance of any animal to collect his offering. This winter offering to animal life is integral to the Mi'kmaq, not only as a spiritual offering but also to ensure the survival of the ecosystem.
  • Some Mi’kmaw communities leave "Apuknajit" an offering on January 31, some on February 1, while others leave an offering on January 28, either way “Apuknajit” is upon us so don’t forget to leave out an offering.
  • Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year in the lunar calendar which is a calendar based on the moon’s cycles. The new lunar year and celebrations for it begin on the first new moon of the lunar year and the festivities end on the full moon, lasting around 15 days. Its date on the Gregorian calendar varies because of its dependence on the moon, but it usually falls from January 21 to February 20. People celebrate this holiday over the 15 days in many ways, meeting with family, paying tributes to ancestors, watching fireworks, eating delicious and special foods as well as carrying out other traditions. On the final and 15th day of the festival, lanterns are lit to promote peace for the following year and lion or dragon dances are performed alongside parades with fireworks.
  • The Quebec City Mosque Attack was one of the most violent mass shootings in Canada. It was an act of terrorism, Islamophobia, and racism, causing 6 people to die. Khaled Belkacemi, Azzeddine Soufiane, Aboubaker Thabti, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Abdelkrim Hassane, and Ibrahima Barry are all victims to this event. Please pay respect to them. You can learn about who these people were on the wall the ramp near the Music room.
  • "As we embark on the month of February, we are thrilled to kick off Black History Month—a time to honour, recognize, and celebrate the incredible contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Join us in commemorating this significant month as we learn about Black culture, history, and achievements. Throughout February, our school and your teachers will host projects, lessons and thought-provoking discussions that highlight the profound impact of Black leaders. This month is an opportunity for all of us to learn, grow, and foster a deeper understanding of the diversity within our community. Let's come together to appreciate the richness of Black history, celebrate the accomplishments of Black trailblazers, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Stay tuned for announcements and updates. Together, let's make this Black History Month at J.L. Ilsley High School a time of reflection, education, and celebration. Thank you for joining us in honoring this important month! You can start by checking out the display of Black artists and their work on the second floor by the learning center."