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.
December 22-Jan 2nd
Winter Break-No classes-School Closed
Have a safe and Happy Holidays!
Week of January 5-9th , 2026
Monday January 5th |
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Tuesday January 6th |
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Wednesday January 7th |
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Thursday January 8th |
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Friday January 9th
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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).
| Period 1 Classes | Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| Period 2 Classes | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| Period 5 Classes | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Period 4 Classes | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| Period 3 Classes | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 |
Exam Feedback Day (AM ONLY) (Attendance will be taken) | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
Thank you to our incredible school community for your generosity. Thank you to the School Council and volunteers for setting up and organizing the Staff Appreciation Tea this Thursday. Our staff appreciated the kindness and their hearts were full.
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.
Lost and Found: If your child has lost keys, jewelry, air pods, glasses, debit cards or presto cards please ask them to come to the main office reception desk.
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!

Youth in Policing Initiative
In collaboration with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, York Regional Police offers teenagers an innovative employment experience within a safe and healthy work environment.
See Link for more information-Applications will be accepted from January 5 to 30, 2026: Application Form
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


Dear Families,
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.
Event: Growing Together - Planning for Success: A High School Transition and Pathway Planning for Black Students and their Families (Child Care will be provided)
Date: January 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket)
Please complete this Google Form to register. Attached you will find a flyer for the event.