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 November 24-28th, 2025 |
Monday November 24th |
|
Tuesday November 25th |
|
Wednesday November 26th |
|
Thursday November 27th |
|
Friday November 28th |
|
Announcements:
STEM Opportunity Fair
STEM club is organization an Opportunity Fair event to offer students valuable advice and information about applying to University, connecting them with different summer programs and opportunity to advance their learning. The event will bring together several university booth's, organizations, and student-led initiatives, who will share their experiences, opportunities and provide guidance to the attendees. This event presents a unique opportunity for aspiring to learn more about post secondary and find relevant opportunities they can participate in! Location-Blue Zone 3:00-4:00 pm
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.
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.
Families of YRDSB Black Students
Monthly Information Session
Monday, November 24, 2025
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Families, parents, caregivers, please join us
for our monthly virtual meetings where
families with Black children come together
to learn about resources and upcoming
programs for Black students in both
elementary and secondary schools.
Agenda: Navigating New Narratives
with Nobility and Notion
• Welcome and Engagement Exercise
• Presentation on Well-Being
• Upcoming Programs and Events
• Question and Answer Session
Please register ASAP.
A virtual link will be sent after registration
Winter Lights: A Unity in Diversity Celebration, a YRDSB community event that will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Thornhill Secondary School.
This celebration is open to all students, families, and community members from across the region, honouring the richness of cultural diversity through the shared symbolism of light during the winter season.
Our theme this year, “Unity in Diversity: Light Across Cultures,” reflects the universal symbolism of light as a source of hope, wisdom, and renewal. Across cultures, light represents reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, values that unite us beyond boundaries and remind us of our shared humanity.
We look forward to celebrating this with you and making it a truly memorable event.
Please register for this event using this registration link.
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.
Administrators, please share the above information with your community.
For more information, please contact the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.Evening Session for YRDSB Students and Families:
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.