Lasalle Secondary School

Home of the Lancers

At Lasalle Secondary School we believe the overall purpose of education is to help individual learners to achieve their potential in physical, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and moral development.

We strive to help young people search for many dimensions of learning in an inclusive environment. Providing a variety of courses, we encourage students to participate in activities that include co-curricular, athletic, social, and cultural pursuits. Our school community strongly believes in community service and citizenship. As such we have a strong partnership with Finlandia Village. Our work with Finlandia encompasses academic and cooperative education as well as fundraising to support seniors’ health and wellness.

We firmly believe that students who are involved are students whose lives are enriched. They are happier, more committed, and tend to have a much more positive outlook towards school, family, and their own place in the world. Soft skills are at the forefront of employers’ thinking when hiring. Involved students strengthen their communication and time management skills, team building, and leadership skills. They come to a better understanding of themselves and of others.

Arts-based technological courses have exploded in interest in recent years at Lasalle Secondary School. With state-of-the-art presentation, animation, digital photography, and film labs, high-end film editing computers are also available to our students.

Our large music, arts, and drama department run an exemplary program. Our many bands and ensembles consistently win gold and silver medals at the city and provincial competitions.
Our math and science departments consistently participate in and win competitions. Our progressive math department brings the ‘thinking classroom’ to life and assists students in preparing for the workplace, college, and university pathways (Advanced Placement Calculus included).

Our poets and literary scholars speak well for our English department, recently winning best in poetry. Our French Immersion and modern languages students enjoy many cultural experiences from the community and participate in field trips which add to their appreciation and understanding of diverse ethnicities.

The Social Sciences department teaches students history, geography, law, sociology, and psychology. The various field trips, both locally and internationally, add to a wealth of knowledge the students receive in their understanding of world issues.

The physical and health education program is large and diverse. In addition to physical education classes, Lasalle offers specialized classes such as yoga, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and outdoor education program within the Rainbow District School Board.

Our technological program is second to none providing students with industry-standard training and learning opportunities in woodworking, drafting, welding, machine shop, automotive, and newly added truck and coach as well as a millwright program.

We are proud to commit to Truth and Reconciliation. At Lasalle Secondary we offer large and diverse class options in indigenous studies. Ojibway classes are very popular at the school. Students are also supported by a full-time indigenous support worker. Prior to the pandemic, Lasalle welcomed its inaugural pow wow.

The Co-Operative Education and Apprenticeship Education (OYAP) programs are growing at a tremendous rate due to the high level of commitment from staff and with the generous support of our community members.

Lasalle Secondary School’s special education program provides instruction and support to students who have identified learning difficulties and special learning needs in a classroom environment which allows for more individualized instruction. The Resource Department is well-equipped with computers and specialized software to assist in supporting those students with reading and writing difficulties.

The Students Services department is open to all students seeking assistance in the areas of educational, career, and personal counseling. Advice and information are available to students and to parents regarding the courses best suited to the needs, interests, abilities, and career goals of each student. A full-time social worker compliments the work of our guidance department, providing the professional experience to work with students seeking mental health support.

Specialist High Skills Majors
Lasalle Secondary School is proud to offer one of the highest offerings of Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in our community: Business, Sport, Energy, Construction, and Transportation. These certificate programs are a Ministry-approved specialized program designed to allow students to focus on knowledge and skills in a specific industrial sector. Students can obtain certifications recognized in this sector as they work towards meeting the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students who graduate with a SHSM designation on their diploma are prepared for success in the sectors of business, sports, energy, construction, or transportation. The student experience in these programs prepares them for the post-secondary destination of their choice, whether it be apprenticeship training, a college or university program, or the workplace.

Sports and Healthy Active Living Program (SHAL)
Lasalle Secondary School provides a specialized learning opportunity to maximize human potential in sport, fitness, and academics. The Sport and Healthy Active Living Program is offered to all students in the Lasalle Secondary School area and focuses on three strands – Elite Athlete Development, Healthy Active Living, and Sports Administration.

This program will appeal to strong, academically minded Grade 8 students who have a keen interest in all things related to and around sports. Interested students will benefit if they are athletes, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, or have a keen interest in the fields of sports journalism, and sports medicine. The major focus is on sport, fitness, and healthy active living. The program includes accommodations for elite athletes as well as intensive leadership and skill development.