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 1st-5th, 2025
Monday December 1st |
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Tuesday December 2nd |
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Wednesday December 3rd |
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Thursday December 4th |
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Friday December 5th |
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Up Coming Events:
Dec 8: Music Holiday Bash 3:00-5:00 pm in the cafeteria- Tickets on sale on school cash on until Dec 1st- $16
Dec 11: HOSA is hosting a winter social next week on December 11th. Come join us for a fun time with free hot chocolate and snacks, and earn volunteer hours through writing cards!
Announcements:
Peer Tutoring- Every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:15 pm, Room 104 (the classroom inside the Guidance office)
2026 Graduation Date: 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!
Message from Our Trustee
December 2025
As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need.
Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.
There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them.
Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future.
We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed.
A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being
We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities.
As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break.
Ed Law, Trustee, Markham Wards 3 and 4
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.
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.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Students, families and staff, please join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa!
This special event will honour African heritage, unity and culture and will be a time to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy cultural traditions and foster community spirit.
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Bill Hogarth S.S., Cafeteria. (100 Donald Sim Ave, Markham)
To assist us with planning the event, please register by December 1, 2025 using this registration link. Dinner will be provided.
Please see the flyer invitation or the www event link for more information and registration.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on 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.
Administrators, please share the www link to this board event with students, families and staff.
For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
Save the Date! The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff.
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.
More information and registration will be available shortly.
For any questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
In celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, the Network for Educators Supporting Jewish Learners (NESJL) is excited to invite all YRDSB students, staff, and families to a joyful and inclusive community gathering.
YRDSB Hanukkah Community Celebration
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Rosedale Heights P.S.
Registration: Please register online if you wish to attend. To assist us with planning the event, please tell us the number of attendees, including yourself, who will be attending.
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights. It is a time for community, joy, light, and togetherness.
This event will highlight the traditions and significance of Hanukkah through interactive activities for all ages. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy cultural learning, crafts, music, and festivities that honour Jewish identity and community. Refreshments and treats connected to the holiday will be provided.
The College and University Mini-Dialogues
- YRDSB students and families are invited to attend an evening session:
- Tuesday, December 9, 2025
- 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre
- 8500 Warden Ave., Markham, ON L6G 1A5
Throughout the evening, families can visit a variety of college and university exhibits, ask questions, and speak directly with Ontario college and university representatives. This interactive session will help ensure families are informed, supported, and feel confident as they help their child plan for their future pathways.
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.