Watson Lake Secondary School

Welcome to the Home of the Bears

Get in touch
Three women are looking at a wall of mounted signs and plaques in an outdoor setting with trees and dirt ground. The signs include street names, state names, and various messages. The woman on the left has long dark hair and is wearing a light purple jacket and light-colored pants. The woman on the right has long dark hair and is wearing a gray hoodie and black pants. The third woman, who is partly visible, is pointing at the signs.
A white tent set up in a dense forest with tall trees. The sun is shining brightly through the branches, creating lens flare. There is a picnic table with a glittery tablecloth and a wire grill on the ground nearby. The scene suggests a camping or outdoor gathering.
A wooden sign for Watson Lake Secondary School with a mascot image of a bear and the text 'Home of the Watson Lake Bears,' decorated with balloons in black, red, and white, and surrounded by flowers and trees.
The Liard First Nation KASKA logo.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, play, and work on the Territory of the Liard First Nation.

“Our ancestors were here a long time before us, and we will be here to pass on what we know to our children and our children’s children. We are Kaska, we are strong, and we will continue to survive and endure on this land which we call home.”

- Former WLSS Teacher, Linda McDonald

School Growth Plan

  • Icon of an open book with three stylized human figures above, all within a circular teal background.

    Literacy

    Many WLSS Learners arrive with significant gaps in their literacy skill development.

    These challenges become exacerbated in Grade 10, when Learners begin earning high school graduation credits.

    We support literacy skills development through a rewards program, and professional development for our Learning Assistance Teacher and Educational Assistants.

  • A stylized dragon head with an orange background and white details, including fangs and rings.

    Whole Child

    Many Learners at WLSS struggle with mental health and wellness.

    To address the issues, we have prioritized a healthy food program, weekly in-person nurse visits, and trauma-informed practices for all staff.

  • A teal circular icon with white silhouettes of four people holding hands above a mountain and a flag on a hill.

    Land and Language

    As an FNSB school working in partnership with Liard First Nation Education, our mandate is to provide all WLSS Learners with land-based learning activities, culturally inclusive and locally relevant learning experiences, and the opportunity to learn the Kaska language.

  • A yellow circular logo with white stylized human figures and leaves arranged in a ring.

    Numeracy

    Gaps in numeracy skills mean Learners will struggle as they work towards their Dogwood Diploma.

    As with literacy, we will prioritize professional development for our staff and Educators working with Learners who may struggle.

Read WLSS's School Growth Plan
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School Calendar

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Watson Lake Secondary School

FNSB Calendar
WLSS Calendar

A word from our Principal

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At Watson Lake Secondary School, Learners, families, friends, and visitors are made to feel welcome and encouraged to be their authentic selves.

Welcome to Watson Lake Secondary School (WLSS), located on the Territory of the Liard First Nation and the Kaska Dena people. At WLSS, Learners, families, friends, and visitors are made to feel welcome and are encouraged to be their authentic selves.

Here, we value safety, respect, kindness, responsibility, communication and co-operation. We work together as a team, with Learners, families, and community members to nurture the growth and development of the Whole Child: academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally.

Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where all members of the school community can thrive within a framework of high standards and layers of support. Overall, we want WLSS Learners to feel empowered, prepared, and capable of contributing to their community, and walking the pathway of life with purpose and direction, knowing they are the centre of a strong circle of support.

Ryan Hewgill

Principal, Watson Lake Secondary School

A photo of Ryan Hewgill.

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