e-bulletin Dec 15th to 19th

ATTENDANCE REMINDER
Parents/Guardians are reminded to report all late or absent notices to the Attendance Office by emailing markham.dhs.attendance@yrdsb.ca or calling 905-294-1886, option 1. Please spell, first name and last names of your child and
indicate grade, period and reason for absence. Should your student be absent for 3 or more days, an extended absence form must be signed by each subject teacher, Parent/Guardian and the Vice-Principal prior to leaving for the absence. Forms are available from the attendance secretary or main office.

Week of December 15-19, 2025

SPIRIT WEEK

Announcements:

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SEMESTER 1 EXAMS** ALL Exams begin at 8:20 am

Please keep your calendars free of appointments and booking vacations. If you have any questions, please contact your students’ administrator. Charlene Civello (Last Name A – L) and Raymond Luong (Last Name M – Z).

YRT Bus Update and Parking Lot Safety Reminders:

Beginning on Monday, December 15 York Region Transit (YRT) will be using the bus stop on Church Steet to drop off and pick up students. School transportation will be using the bus loop. Students are reminded to use the cross walks and the sidewalks to access the Church Street bus stop.  

The parking lot at the front of the school (west parking lot)  is the only location to be used drop offs and pickups.

The fire routes/drop off area is a “no standing zone”. Please park in the parking lot if you arrive early. Vehicles should not be waiting in the drop off loop or in front of the school.

To avoid congestion and to increase the flow of traffic, please do not double park and keep all lanes open to allow cars to exit the parking lot. If you arrive early to pick up your student, please park in a spot in the parking lot to keep the lanes clear.

Please do not block the crosswalks as this is for pedestrian traffic and safe access to the parking lot.

Do not park in an accessible parking space if you or your passenger does not hold a valid permit. 

Be vigilant of pedestrians who are using the sidewalks at the school entrances/exits.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and keeping our students safe. 

LEAD Club: LEAD is partnering with 360°Kids for this year’s Angel Tree Initiative. Each class has someone they’ll be supporting, and we’re inviting everyone to help by donating items from their holiday wishlist. All donations are due December 15th!

Peer Tutoring: Every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:15 pm, Room 104 (the classroom inside the Guidance office)

2026 Graduation Date: Evening of June 23rd and will be held in the gym at Markham District High School. More information to follow.

MDHS’s DECA Club has partnered with Kernels Popcorn to fundraise for their upcoming Provincial Competition in February 2026. With 6 amazing flavours available, there's something for everyone, ranging from butter salt and white cheddar to dill pickle and ketchup. All proceeds will be used to fund the cost of attending the Provincial Competition (2-night overnight stay), as well as transportation to and from the event. 

Flavours include:

Butter Salt

Salt and Vinegar

White Cheddar

Dill Pickle

Ketchup

Low Fat Caramel

Popcorn will be ordered on January 10, 2026 and will be delivered to MDHS in 2-4 weeks for pick-up.

$3 a bag, purchase on SCO from Dec 1, 2025 to Jan 9, 2026.

Thanks for your support for the MDHS DECA Chapter!

Student Trustee Applications Open

If you will be in grade 11 or 12 next school year and are passionate about student voice, consider becoming a student trustee, and representing students across YRDSB.

Student trustees network with students, staff and the Board of Trustees to share information that gives students a meaningful voice. Learn more about the role and how you can apply at www.yrdsb.ca/studenttrustees.

Applications can be submitted between December 1-15. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

All students in Grades 5-12 will have an opportunity to vote for the candidate who represents our area of the Board. There are four areas of the Board (central, east, north and west). Once the four final candidates are announced, students can vote for two of the four candidates to represent them as student trustees in the 2026-2027 school year.

Students will receive information on how to vote in the election during the campaign and voting 

Link: Roles and Responsibilities Video

Arts Camp Application and Selection Process for Secondary Students

• Students/families should first download the 2026 Camper/Counsellor Counsellor-In-Training Application Information from the board website.
• The application process will be completed via this YRDSB Arts Camp 2026 Application Google Form. The link is also provided in the Application Information Package.  Applications open December 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. and close January 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.
• see YRDSB Link for more information

Contact Information

We ask families to ensure the school office has the most up-to-date contact information and address. This is important in case of emergency situations. If your contact information has changed, please notify the school office. 

School Start-Up Forms

• Parents/guardians received an email from YRDSB Update with instructions to complete start-up forms. It is important that these forms are completed as soon as possible at the start of the school year as they contain information and permissions. The form automatically populates with your child’s information through the Dashboard. Learn how to create a Family Dashboard account if you do not have one. 

  The forms are also available online at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca. You will need your child’s student number.  Tips are available on the Board website. Translation is also available on the website. Please note: You must complete a separate form for each child attending school.

  Secondary School Student Forms Secondary school students can complete the secondary school student form at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca/students. They will also receive the link in their student GAPPS account. Elementary school students do not need to complete these student forms.

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  Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session 

  Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

• Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools.  Please see our flyer for more information and the registration link.
• For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

    The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team

• Growing Together - Planning for Success
• Date: January 8, 2026
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket)
• The move to high school is a critical milestone, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels fully prepared and equipped for success.
• We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.
• This is a key opportunity for Black students and families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.

• For any questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

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• Adult Non-Credit English as a Second Language Classes
• The York Region District School Board, in collaboration with the Government of Ontario, offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) training for adults aged 18 and over. Programs are available from beginner to advanced levels, and registration is ongoing.
• Adult non-credit ESL Program - Key eligibility criteria
• Age: 18 years or older.
• Residency: A resident of Ontario.
• Immigration/Citizenship Status: Naturalized Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugee claimants and convention refugees whose first language is not English.
   

• For details on program offerings, locations, and schedules, please visit the https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/adult-learning/english-second-language page. For further assistance please contact uplands@yrdsb.ca or call 905-731-9557.