William Dale
Published online May 6, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
SHAWVILLE — Pontiac High School (PHS) opened its doors to prospective students and the community April 30, offering a detailed look at the academic and social direction of the school at 455 Maple St.
The evening featured an auditorium presentation for grade 6 students followed by student-led tours, highlighting the school’s renewed “education project” focused on safety, security and student success.
Principal Luke McLaren said the school’s academic performance remains strong, pointing to honour roll results from Term 1, including 32 Grade 7 students and 27 Grade 11 students achieving averages of 80% or higher.
“Our teaching staff is second to none,” McLaren said, adding the school’s mission centres on growth for both students and staff.
In addition to its core academic program, PHS offers three pathways: a regular stream leading to a high school diploma; a modified program combining Grades 7 and 8 that leads into the Work-Oriented Training Path (WOTP); and a life skills program designed to support students with diverse learning needs.
Safety remains a priority for the administration. Grade 7 and 8 students will use separate upstairs washrooms and are required to remain on the 10-acre campus during lunch hours. To help prevent bullying, the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) and the school’s governing board have also approved the installation of cameras in lower-floor hallways near student lockers, expected to be in place by fall 2026.
Families were introduced to Kelly Conley, a WQSB specialist in drug and alcohol prevention who supports both students and parents. The school is also expanding its peer mentoring program to strengthen social supports.
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Panther Passport, an initiative led by the peer mentoring program under the guidance of Ms. Richardson. The passport encouraged incoming students to visit key areas of the school — including the welding shop, science labs and music room — to collect stamps.
“The goal of peer mentoring is to provide a positive role model and help bridge the gap between students and adults,” Richardson said. Mentors will play a key role during orientation day on August 27, which is reserved for Grade 7 and new students to help them become familiar with the school before the full student body returns.
As parents and students moved from the auditorium to classrooms, the message from staff was clear: PHS aims to provide a supportive environment focused on helping students succeed throughout their high school years.
Photo 4 – PHS principal Luke McLaren welcomes Grade 6 students to the open house, April 30. (WD)
