e-bulletin Nov 3rd-7th

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.

Important Up Coming Dates:

• November 3-14th: Graduation photos in room 163B-Green Room , (appointments must be prebooked on www.focusimaging.ca). Please see flyers below on how to book appointments.
• November 12th: Post-Secondary Fair hosted by Bill Hogarth SS from 6-8:00 pm
• November 13th: Grade 8 Open House 6:30 pm—8:30 pm

Upcoming SHSM (Specialist High Skills Manger) Trips:

• Nov 4: Reach ahead and experimental learning field trip to Southlake Hospital-P.A.R.T.YProgram/Stop the Bleed, bus departing at 7:45 am and returning at 2:35 pm
• Nov 6:  Grade 11 Biology to the Toronto Zoo bus departing at 8:30 am and returning at 2:30 pm-Mr. Sewell
• Nov 14: Experimental learning Trip To Lip Lab bus departing at 8:15 am and returning at 3:00 pm-G. McGill and S. Bull
• Nov 20: Career exploration for the trades at the Tribute Communities Center, bus departing at 9:30 am and returning at 2:10 pm
• Nov 24: Mrs. Ahmed's SCH3UE to TMU SciXchange field trip bus leaving at 8:30 am and returning at 3:30 pm
• Nov 28: Centennial College Post-Secondary, experiential learning and career exploration field trip (Campus and labour tours, presentation, meet and greet, lunch followed by interactive workshops) bus departing at 9:30 am and returning at 2:55 pm

Other School Trips

• Nov 12: Classics Club to Havergal College 12:10 pm -8:45 pm

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  Announcements:

• Student’s Arrival

  The school office opens at 7:15 am.  Students who are arriving earlier than 7:15 am should be under the supervision of a teacher (eg. field trip, activity or class such as repertoire.)

• The MDHS Auto Shop would love to have your cast offs! We are looking for machines with gasoline engines for the students to practice with. If you are going to dispose of them anyway, we would love to accept (but not limited to): 

  ·         lawnmowers            ·         motor cycles           ·       snowblowers

  ·         small cars                ·         lawn tractors           ·       outboard motors 

  We prefer these in ‘not working condition’ but will take any that do work, too.  Also, we would take your old wheels (tires on rims) for practice.

  Please contact me at Andrew.macgregor@yrdsb.ca and we can arrange a time for drop off or pick up. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

• MDHS badminton team is excited to announce that we will be hosting tryouts in the following weeks! Students should go to Room 163 to scan the QR code to join the google classroom.-Mr. Kee

• Peer Tutoring- every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:15 pm, Room 104 (the classroom inside the Guidance office)-Ms. Filkas

  

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  Graduation Photo Information:

  

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 forms can be found in the family dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca.  Click on the arrow by your child’s name and select the start-up forms button. You can choose your language. Please follow these steps for each child.  Forms will automatically populate 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.

MEASLES IS SPREADING IN YORK REGION

While the provincial measles outbreak was declared over on October 6, 2025, York Region Public 
Health continues to respond to a local outbreak in Thornhill (City of Vaughan), with nine cases currently
linked to the outbreak. Since January 2025, there have been 13 cases of measles in York Region. 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain 
swelling, and even death. Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash. 
The best way to prevent the measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, 
Rubella (MMR) vaccine or Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine provide about 97% 
protection against measles infection. The vaccine is safe and effective. 

WHY AM I GETTING THIS LETTER?
Due to the ongoing outbreak, there is an increased risk of measles in York Region. All students 
need to have two doses of measles-containing vaccine to attend school in Ontario (or a valid 
exemption). If a measles case is identified in a child attending your school, anyone not fully vaccinated 
may need to stay home for up to 21 days to prevent this highly contagious virus from spreading. 
 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

Check immunization records to make sure you and your child(ren) is/are fully vaccinated 
against measles. Children in Ontario typically receive their first dose of a measles vaccine after their 
first birthday and their second dose between ages four and six.

WHERE CAN MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
York Region Public Health offers free vaccination clinics to all students in JK to Grade 12. 
Appointments can be booked here
Your health care provider, some walk-in clinics and travel clinics also provide these vaccines

REPORT YOUR CHILD’S VACCINATIONS
Report your child’s vaccinations to York Region Public Health. Doctors do not do this for you. This 
information is especially important in the event of an outbreak

PUBLIC HEALTH
1-877-464-9675

SEAS 2025 Networking Event

Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) welcomes you to join us at our first Networking Event of 2025 -2026 at Unionville High School. Bring your favourite Asian snack to share (optional) as we connect about our experiences as educators supporting East Asian students. We look forward to seeing you all.
 

Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Unionville High School
201 Town Centre Blvd, Unionville
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Please register using this form SEAS Networking Event - November 2025 for planning and communication purposes, or just show up!
SEAS is a group of educators and supporters who are committed to responding to the lived experiences of East Asian students by advocating for their improved achievement and well-being through equitable practices. Building relationships with students, families, educators, community members and partners is also a focus of our work. For additional inquiries: chien-ming.huang@yrdsb.ca, joanne.tang@yrdsb.ca or vincent.chow@yrdsb.ca