I was welcomed back to campus this weekend with the crisp November air, some light flurries on Friday night, and a heavy frost waking up on Saturday morning. I missed the last of Fall’s glorious colours, as the trees stand in waiting for the inevitable arrival of winter.
Walking the campus, it was fantastic to reconnect with some students and staff who were out enjoying the weather. Checking in on the RLC Recreation Center proved that we remain on time for a December 9, 2024 completion date, as the tradespeople were progressing as per schedule.
Great things are on the horizon for RLC.
Having spent almost three weeks away from campus, it allowed true reflection time, and solidified the three distinguishing features I shared with prospective students, families and recruitment agents during the tour, of why our school stands out.
Location - we are unparalleled in our natural beauty and the incredible property we are fortunate to have.
Size - remaining under 150 students allows us to enjoy an authentic, sincere community focusing on relationships.
Wellness - we strive to continue to find the right balance between academic rigour, ensuring students can migrate to whatever career path they choose while they find the time to be grounded, joyful, and engaged during their RLC experience.
It is great to be home, and I am so excited to move into the winter season, ready to enjoy the outdoor adventures and all that RLC has to offer.
Sincerely,
Dave Krocker
Head of School
In this issue
Parent-Teacher interviews
Treaty Week
Holiday Sweater design revealed!
This week at RLC
Monday OFSAA XC in Ottawa
Head's Lunch
University of Guelph at RLC
The 2024 RLC Holiday Sweatshirt! And the winner is ... We polled the students on the design of the holiday sweatshirt, and the resounding winner was ... drum roll .... The Log Cabin! We are now accepting orders. These sweatshirts are RLC spirit wear, and can be worn on spirit days as well as the last week of school prior to the holiday break. They are awesome, and all proceeds from the sale of this sweatshirt will be used to fund a special campus holiday treat. They are available in white with a classic, timeless varsity design. Click here to place your order.
Upcoming events
Paint with artist Jessica Vergeer Saturday, November 23, 9:30am to 12pm Join landscape artist Jessica Vergeer in the Upper RAC to paint a classic RLC scene. This class is open to everyone—students, parents, staff, friends. Jessica leads you step-by-step through the process of painting this view of our Chapel Point in acrylic on canvas. All painting supplies are provided, and you leave class with a finished 11x14 painting, great for gifting. For details and to register, click here. There are just 30 spots, first come first served.
Rhythm for Rosseau Saturday, December 7, 1pm to 4pm As Mariah Carey says, "It's time!" The holiday season will soon be upon us. Rhythm for Rosseau is a vibrant music event showcasing student talent, live performances, and community spirit. In addition to music, there will be activities, a visit from Santa, and an opportunity to explore the campus trails. All are welcome. Proceeds from this event are used to support the work of the Ruth Dare Health Clinic.
Academic advising Important dates, events, and deadlines
Please click on the buttons below that apply to you. At these links is information about upcoming postsecondary visits, Ontario postsecondary fall campus open houses, summer enrichment programs, and much more.
Academics Building relationships with our families Fostering a collaborative learning community
Ali O'Marra-Armstrong
Assistant Head of School, Academics
Next week marks a meaningful milestone in the 2024-2025 school year at RLC: Parent-Teacher Interviews on November 5-6.These conversations serve as a vital checkpoint in students' learning journeys, allowing teachers to share formative assessments that highlight each student’s growth and progress toward learning outcomes. Importantly, these months have given us time to build understanding, both inside and outside the classroom.
In many ways, RLC functions as a microcosm of society, where students develop essential skills and interactions that prepare them for life beyond school. We learn, play, share meals, and, for many of us, even live together—facing challenges as a community. But as parents, what insights are we really seeking? And what value does this shared time offer for us as a parent-educator team? I say “us” because I too am a parent, and share many of the same questions and inquiries as you do about the growth and development of my own children.
So, from experience, I know that parents may be asking themselves: What are my child’s strengths and areas for growth? Are they feeling under-challenged or overwhelmed? Are they working well independently and demonstrating responsibility for their learning? How does my child respond to feedback, and are they setting personal goals for improvement? Most importantly, are they happy? So, how can we collectively support their growth, recognizing they are still learning to step into their future roles as citizens and adults.
In turn, from experience, I also know that educators may be asking themselves: What do parents truly want to understand beyond grades? How can I best communicate each student’s strengths and areas for growth? What support can parents provide to enhance their child’s learning experience? Do they have a sense of what it’s like to be a learner in my classroom? What if the news is tricky to deliver? And how can we find a way forward together?
So, what is the value of Parent-Teacher Interviews? This time together is truly invaluable. Supporting each student effectively requires a collaborative effort between us. As educational researcher and advocate for social-emotional learning Thomas Hoerr explains, “students learn best when caregivers and educators communicate effectively with each other and collaborate to produce positive outcomes. This synergy doesn’t occur by accident or without intent.” Hoerr underscores that effective communication isn’t just about asking questions or delivering progress updates; it’s premised on essential relationship skills—empathy and clarity.
As we prepare for these interviews, I ask one small favour of both educators and parents alike: over the weekend, take a few moments to note what you would like to know, understand, and share about your child, and our students, so we can learn from one another. Learning isn’t formulaic; it’s deeply personal, uniquely individual, and best supported through a collaborative approach focused on each child’s needs. This brief conversation is only the first step toward what can be an open, ongoing relationship throughout the year. Let’s talk? Have you booked your interview yet?
Seven Generations This is Treaty Week
Dawn Tabobondung Indigenous Seven Generations Program Coordinator
Aanii Boozhoo
Treaty Week, also known as Treaties Recognition Week, was established by the Ontario government in 2016 to honour the historical treaties between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. This annual event takes place during the first week of November, aiming to increase awareness about the importance of treaties and their impact on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
During this week, students on campus will have the opportunity to learn about treaties through various activities during Wednesday afternoon programming. Daily teachings at assembly will be provided by the students who are in the Seven Generations Committee. The highlight of the week will be Chief Warren Tabobondung from Wasauksing First Nation, where he will share his knowledge about the Covenant Chain and remind everyone that "we are all treaty people" here on Turtle Island.
By participating in Treaty Week, we can foster greater understanding and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and work towards reconciliation.
For those interested in learning more about Treaties, here's a formatted link: Treaties Recognition Week. Start your learning journey today and join the conversation on Treaties Recognition Week!
Photo of the week
I took the photo below, and I don't for a moment suggest it's an artful shot. It isn't. But I include it for what it shows, not for the quality of the photo. The students are gathered around the big drum learning the travelling song from Rodney Stanger. Rodney is a renowned drummer, singer, and knowledge holder. Shown with him are students from literally around the world. Rodney is also joined by students from the surrounding First Nation who he shares his knowledge with, and they come to help.
When I took this photo, I had been doing a tour of the campus and we could hear the drumming and singing. This is a co-curricular program from the Seven Generations Program, and the group meets once a week. The sound of the drum is exceptionally impressive. The guests I had with me had never experienced anything like it before. I had nothing to do with what was happening, of course, but I felt such pride. I wondered, how many schools do this? Where else could you experience this, in this way? When we arrived Rodney was teaching the song by writing it out on a whiteboard. Then he sat down, setting the tone, and they all drummed together.
I'd love to hear from you
Email me with thoughts, questions, clarifications, or anything you'd like to see in upcoming issues of the Beacon. You can reach me at glen.herbert@rosseaulakecollege.com.
Best,
Glen Herbert
Director, Marketing & Communications
Rosseau Lake College
Click here for the full calendar of events. 
As Mariah Carey says, "It's time!" The holiday season will soon be upon us. Rhythm for Rosseau is a vibrant music event showcasing student talent, live performances, and community spirit. In addition to music, there will be activities, a visit from Santa, and an opportunity to explore the campus trails. All are welcome. Proceeds from this event are used to support the work of the Ruth Dare Health Clinic.
Ali O'Marra-Armstrong
Dawn Tabobondung
