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 8th |
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Tuesday December 9th |
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Wednesday December 10th |
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Thursday December 11th |
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Friday December 12th |
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Announcements:
Peer Tutoring: Every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:15 pm, Room 104 (the classroom inside the Guidance office)
Holiday Assembly: Fri Dec 19-Period 1: Grades 10 and 12, Period 2: Grades 9 and 11
🌟 SPIRIT WEEK THEME DAYS
Monday, Dec 15 – Hat Day 🎩🎅
Wear a festive hat (Santa hat, toque, headpiece, etc.).
Tuesday, Dec 16 – Funky Sock Day 🧦✨
Show off your fun, colourful, or silly socks!
Wednesday, Dec 17 – Winter Gear Day 🎿🏂❄️
Dress up for après-ski or any winter sport of your choice.
Thursday, Dec 18 – Tacky Sweater Day 🎄👕🤶
Pull out your tacky, bold, or wonderfully ugly holiday sweaters!
Friday, Dec 19 – PJ Day 😴🛌✨
Get cozy and comfy in your favourite pair of PJs.
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!
MDHS Student Athletic Association (SAA) Presents...
Marauder Merch!
Bold. Stylish. 100% Marauder approved.
Whether students are heading to class, the field, rink, or out with friends, wear MDHS loud and proud. Grab your MDHS baseball cap and/or lanyard today! Sales end on Thursday, December 11th at 11:59 PM.
Plus: A portion of proceeds will go towards supporting SAA's Athletic Banquet and end of year athlete awards, helping us celebrate our incredible athletes.
Prices:
Lanyards - $8
Option 1 Hat - $18
Option 2 Custom Hat - $32
Combo (Lanyard + Option 1 Hat - Non-Custom) - $24
Personalization for Custom Hats
Custom hats allow for 10-12 characters MAX. If purchased, a google form will be shared with students to input custom name/sport/nickname etc. All personalization must be school appropriate; submissions will be checked.
2026 Graduation Date: June 23rd and will be held in the gym at Markham District High School. More information to follow.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.