CARL HAGER – LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – Pontiac High School opened its doors to the next group of grade seven students at its annual Open House, April 18; over 150 people attended. The event highlighted the programs and activities the school offers its current 425 students. Teachers stationed in their classrooms welcomed students from as far as Fort-Coulonge, Campbell’s Bay and Quyon and gave brief explanations of the programs.
Principal Terry Burns participated in a presentation in the auditorium, noting PHS offers a safe and secure environment for learning success, and that parents can have a voice in the activities of the school by becoming involved in the consultative governing board.
Erica Tomkinson, who spearheads the Drug Awareness Resource Team (DART), emphasized the role her department has in helping students with substance abuse; alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs. Tomkinson is employed by the Western Quebec School Board and is responsible for a number of Pontiac schools. “We’re here to help students make good decisions. Our help includes prevention activities, interventions which include discussions with parents, and our work is always confidential,” Tomkinson said. “When students discuss issues with us, we want them to feel safe and realize their full potential,” she added.
Vice Principal Luke McLaren noted all teachers at PHS are qualified, unlike many other high schools in the province. The school offers an enriched French program, welding class, visual arts, music and drama. Each day begins with an advisory session where students and their advisor-teacher discuss issues of the day. The school also has counselling support to help students with academic support, career planning, time management and mental health concerns.
PHS offers a gamut of activities in clubs and sports at the junior and senior levels. These include rugby, canoeing, volleyball, track and field, badminton, boxing, cross country running, and outdoor education excursions.
Teacher Lindsay Woodman noted that graduates are eligible for thousands of dollars in awards and bursaries every year.