Week of January 26th-30th , 2026
(Friday January 30th is a PA Day-No Classes)
Student Examination Information is on the front page of our website under School News Exam Information Sheet
| Monday January 26th |
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| Tuesday January 27th |
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| Wednesday January 28th |
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| Thursday January 29th |
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| Friday January 30th |
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| Monday Feb 2nd |
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February 2, 2026-Exam Review Day (AM) and 1st Day of Semester 2 (PM)
Exam Review Day (AM)
Period 1 8:10 am – 8:45 am
Period 2 8:50 am – 9:20 am
Period 3 9:25 am – 9:55 am
Period 4 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Period 5 10:35 am – 11:05 am
Lunch 11:10 – 11:55 am (45 min)
Semester 2 (PM)
Period 1 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Period 2 12:35 pm – 1:05 pm
Period 3 1:10 pm – 1:40 pm
Period 4 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Period 5 2:20 pm – 2:50 pm
School Leadership Update
As we look ahead to Semester 2, we would like to share some updates regarding our school leadership team.
We would like to wish Charlene Civello, current Vice Principal, the very best as she embarks on her new role as Principal at Bill Hogarth Secondary School for the beginning of semester 2. Ms. Civello has made a lasting impact during her time at Markham DHS, and we are excited for her as she takes this well-deserved next step in her career.
We are pleased to welcome Marianne Hamilton to Markham District High School as our new Vice Principal, effective February 2. We look forward to the energy and experience she will bring to our school community.
PRO Grant Parent Survey
The Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants program provides funding to district school boards and school authorities to lead projects with a focus on the identification and removal of barriers that prevent parents and families from participating and engaging fully in their children's learning.
Our School Council would like your feedback in planning an event for the MDHS school community. Please complete the PRO Grant survey by Monday, February 2.
Up Coming Field Trips:
DECA-Feb 5 Bus leaving MDHS to Hilton Toronto Hotel at 4:15 pm . Leaving the Hilton on Feb 7 at 6:00 pm
Music Students - Feb 10 (7:30 AM-1:30 PM) & Feb 11 (7:00 AM-12:00 PM) to Chinese Cultural Centre
HOSA Field Trip-March 9 to The Metro Toronto Convention Center 7:45 am-5:00 pm
Vocal Music Trip-March 25 to O'Neil Collegiate 11:00 AM-4:30 pm
REMINDERS
Attendance:
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.
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.
Night School Registration Now Open on My Pathway Planner
Students who need or are interested in a course that is not available at [insert school] can register for a course for Remote Night School offered by the YRDSB. The Remote Night School program is delivered synchronously (Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:30-9:45). More information about this program, courses offered and how to register using My Pathway Planner is available on the YRDSB board website and in the Guidance google classrooms. Registration for Remote Night school is from December 15, 2025 - February 6, 2026, in My Pathway Planner. Students are encouraged to register early as course offerings are not guaranteed and are subject to sufficient enrollment.
Message from Our Trustee
February 2026
There’s a lot happening as we move into the second half of the school year, and I want to share some updates and opportunities.
Programs and Opportunities
Well done to all secondary school students who have completed their exams and are starting a new semester with new courses and teachers.
We encourage students to connect with their guidance counselors and to learn about the many secondary programs and courses available - programs that let students explore their interests, gain transferable skills and get hands-on experience that will benefit them in the future. Opportunities include earning college credits, workplace certifications, lifeguarding certifications and real on-the-job experience - all while earning high school credits.
Our elementary and secondary schools also offer a variety of clubs where students can meet peers with similar interests, take on leadership roles and try new things. Getting involved is a great way to build connections and skills.
We also regularly host events to help students and families learn about different pathways and programs and to bring communities together. Check your school newsletters and the Board calendar so you don’t miss these opportunities.
Black History Month
Throughout the Board and community, events are being held to celebrate Black History Month. We look forward to honoring the contributions of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for community to come together.
Kindergarten Registration is Open
Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.
Preparing Students for the Future
As a school board, we know that it is important that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. That includes preparing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, appropriately and safely. We are developing guidelines for educators, students and families to support responsible AI use. While AI can support student learning, it does not replace student work. We teach and encourage critical thinking and honesty when using these tools. More will be shared in the near future.
Student Trustee Elections
We are also in the middle of the student trustee elections for next school year. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Grades 5-12 to participate in the democratic process. Student trustees represent student voice at the board table, influencing discussions about policy, budget and more. The final vote takes place later in the month and students will receive an email to their GAPPs with information on candidates and how to vote.
York Region Presidents’ Council
Student Trustees work closely with the York Region Presidents’ Council. The council includes leadership from all secondary school student councils. All secondary school students are welcome to attend their meetings and receive invitations in their GAPPS email. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved and have their voices heard.
Wishing You Success
We wish all students and families the very best as we begin this second half of the school year and look forward to spring break ahead.
I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Ed Law, Trustee, Markham Wards 3 and 4
Community Events:
Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) Scholarship Application Workshop
Black students and their families are invited to attend a virtual edition of the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
This is a free workshop designed to guide Black students and their families on how to search, prepare, and apply for scholarships and bursaries.
Administrators are asked to share this opportunity with families.
For more information and to register please visit: Meeting Registration - Zoom
For more information about the workshop or the Black Foundation of Community Networks, contact Cheryl Yarde at info@bfcn.ca
**** Link to Register
Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) 2025 - 2026 Family Engagement Series
Pathway Planning and High School Course Selection Workshop Part 2
Families, parents, and caregivers are invited to join us for this Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Family Engagement evening to deepen their understanding of pathway planning and the course selection process in the Ontario Education System.
YRDSB Teachers and Guidance Counsellors will be delivering information focused on:
- Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements
- Exploring pathways and planning for post-secondary opportunities
- Navigating the high school course selection process in YRDSB
Date: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Unionville High School, 201 Town Centre Blvd, Unionville, ON L3R 8G5
The workshop session will be in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Please register by Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
For additional inquiries, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca, SEAS contacts Simone Chow at simone.chow@yrdsb.ca or Alice Chu at alicewan-ling.chu@yrdsb.ca