Principal's Message
Warm Winter Break Wishes from TDSS
Dear TDSS Families,
As we come to the end of the calendar year and prepare for the Winter Break, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our parent and caregiver community for your ongoing support, partnership, and care for our students. This has been a strong semester, and our collective success is a reflection of the collaboration between home and school that supports student learning and well-being.
I know the pace of the past few months has been full for students and families alike, and this break is well deserved. I hope the Winter Break provides time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments that bring you joy—whether that means spending time with family and friends, slowing down, or simply enjoying a change of routine.
Thank you for all that you do to help make Tommy Douglas Secondary School a supportive, welcoming, and thriving community. I wish you a happy, healthy, and restful holiday season, and I look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready in 2026.
Regards,
Meshell Lynch-James
Proud Principal, Tommy Douglas Secondary School
Our Student Wellness Committee shared wonderful words of encouragement with our grade 12 students as they work hard in their final year of high school and plan for the future. See images below.
Aquatic Leadership Program
The Aquatic Leadership Program allows students who have strong Swimming and Leadership skills to pursue their Life Guarding Qualifications at a reduced cost. Students who meet the eligibility requirements will also earn high school credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Registration is now open and details about the program are found in each link below. Part 1 of the program is offered at Health and Active Living Plaza, Town of East Gwillimbury . Part 2 of the program is offered in Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan .
Fees and Fee Exemption for International Visa Students
The cost for International fee-paying students is $1000 per course. International students may be eligible to be exempt from fees to attend Night School and/or Online Learning. Please refer to the International Student Fee Exemption Continuing Education Course Form for more information.
Growing Together - Planning for Success - DABRS Event
Save the Date! The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff.
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.
More information and registration will be available shortly.
For any questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
Bus or School Cancellations
With winter weather here, we want to share some important reminders for families.
When an inclement weather or extreme cold day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. If you drive your child to school, or your child takes alternate transportation, you must make arrangements for your child to get home at the end of the day. Please call the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.
There may be rare instances when emergency winter events occur and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure.
Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, board and school websites and on X @YRDSB.
Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlined in the board’s Severe Weather policy.
2026 York Regional Police Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) Information
YIPI supports youth with leadership potential facing barriers, offering mentorship, job skills, and inspiring careers in policing while strengthening community-police relationships.
For more information, go to YRP's website linked here.
https://www.yrp.ca/en/community/youth-in-policing-initiative.asp
Engagement Matters: Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PEAC) Advisory Committee Newsletter - Winter 202
- Spotlight on Redstone Public School
- Artificial Intelligence: An Overview with More to Come
- Cyberbullying: What Students and Families Need to Know
- Cyber Awareness Month: Discover Cyber Security Basics, AI, Digital Wellness & Your Online Community
- Did you Know? Feminine Hygiene Products Now Available in Schools
- Policies Under Review: Seeking Your Input
Spotlight on Redstone Public School!
Redstone Public School in Richmond Hill was very excited for our second annual family wellness night called R.I.S.E. at Redstone - Relax - Inspire - Support - Empower.
Who and what was involved?
Families came together on Thursday, November 13 from 5 to 7 pm for a wide range of fun, relaxing and interactive workshops. The goal was one of inclusion, to bring families together to reduce isolation and engage students and their families in wellness activities organized and run by Redstone staff. Participants were welcome to drop in to a variety of 20-minute sessions, a mix of activities that addressed physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Parents and students enjoyed these fun activities together: yoga, mindful colouring, fitness class, drumming circle, puzzle and board game cafe, reading by flashlight, karaoke party and a dance workshop.
RISE at Redstone was conceived and planned by teachers Alessandra Pignatiello and Victoria Parolini, along with a group of student leaders known as the Youth Space Team. The group initially sought input from staff on their vision of a community-based wellness event and what types of activities would both appeal to families and provide fun, engaging and health-related benefits. Staff members were encouraged to sign up to lead an event based on these criteria and their own skill sets, which created the framework for RISE. Teachers and support staff signed on to run dance, fitness, yoga, singing, gaming and other wellness events, and families had the opportunity to explore any and all activities. Representatives of community agencies such as Richmond Hill Public Library, mental health services and local seniors’ and recreation centres were also invited to set up booths in our gym to share information and resources about their services, and our school council had a space to inform and invite parents to learn more about the role of council and volunteer opportunities at the school.
What impact did it have?
Feedback from students, parents and staff was so positive from our initial event that it compelled us to plan a subsequent RISE this year. Formal feedback from parents indicated that they felt more connected to the overall school community, they appreciated the dedication and passion shown by our planning group and staff activity leaders, and they felt a sense of inclusion. Students reported the event as being welcoming, active and fun! Some were also joyfully surprised to see their teachers in a new role: dance instructors, singers, or fitness experts.
What lessons were learned?
As this was our second year of RISE, some reflection on the successes and challenges of our inaugural event helped to strengthen this year’s initiative. The primary challenge from year one was coordinating the scheduling of families into certain events at specific times. Coordinating the registration for events and distributing schedules proved to be quite overwhelming for both volunteers and families, so we opted in our second year to allow families to have free range on any and all events, to try a little of everything, or to explore a new activity of interest. The result was favourable, as the flow of participants throughout the building was relaxed and open ended, very much in keeping with the spirit of the event! Based on our great success, we look forward to seeing our school community come together again next year in another evening of fun, togetherness, and wellness - let's RISE at Redstone!
A special thank you to Doug Inglis for sharing details about this wonderful event with us
Artificial Intelligence: An Overview with More to Come
During our local school council forums this fall, we had a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), presented by our Digital Literacy team in YRDSB. The presentation emphasized the evolving partnership between families, educators and AI in education, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to students’ learning experiences. It traced the history of technology in schools, contrasted past fears with today’s practical uses, and shared data showing widespread student adoption of AI tools for tasks like writing, research and personalized learning. While AI offers benefits such as improved outcomes, engagement and accessibility, the presentation also addressed concerns about academic integrity, critical thinking, bias and privacy. Key messages urged parents to become informed co-learners, set boundaries and foster critical thinking at home, while educators are encouraged to maintain human oversight and prioritize equity, inclusion, and data privacy. The overarching message was that responsible, collaborative engagement with AI—guided by ethical principles and ongoing dialogue—will best support students in navigating the digital future. Watch the yrdsb.ca website for soon-to-be-released AI guidelines and supports for families sometime in Spring 2026.
Source: Kevin Ko, Principal, Curriculum and Instructional Services, Digital Literacy & Engagement, Parent Engagement, Learning Resource Services, Museum & Archives
Cyberbullying: What Students and Families Need to Know
In the last Ontario Parenting Involvement Committee meeting, where groups like PEAC from across the province meet to hear and share important topics, best practices and views, cyberbullying was discussed as it remains a pressing concern for youth, families, and educators in our digital age. The linked presentation explores the complexities of online cruelty, its impact, and practical strategies for prevention and support. Drawing on the latest research, it highlights the importance of empathy and ethical digital citizenship.
- Cyberbullying often involves both targets and perpetrators, with incidents occurring across social networks, games, and messaging platforms.
- Vulnerable groups include youth with disabilities, racialized youth and those identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+.
- All parties—targets, witnesses and perpetrators—can suffer negative mental and physical health effects.
- Prevention focuses on open communication, clear household rules, emotional skill-building and empowering witnesses with supportive actions.
- Legal frameworks, such as Ontario’s Safe Schools Act, address online behavior and offer protection.
Parents can support their children by curating their online world, being a media coach and having open communication. By fostering empathy, setting clear expectations, and encouraging supportive responses, we can help youth navigate digital spaces safely and respectfully. For more information, see their presentation slide deck and visit the MediaSmarts website to access many resources.
Source: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts
Cyber Awareness Month: Discover Cyber Security Basics, AI, Digital Wellness & Your Online Community
October was Cyber Security Month and valuable information was shared with our students. As parents, guardians and community members, it is important to support this learning and best practices at home, and you are not alone. Access great resources such as the program guide for parents and guardians available at www.k-12cyberawareon.ca/ to strengthen your awareness and web-healthy habits.
Did You Know? Feminine Hygiene Products Now Available In Schools
YRDSB schools now provide free feminine hygiene products in school restrooms. This is an important and equitable initiative for several reasons:
- Promoting Gender Equality: Access to free feminine hygiene products ensures that students who menstruate can attend school comfortably and without disruption. It promotes gender equality by removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent students from accessing these necessary products.
- Reducing Stigma and Shame: Lack of access to menstrual products can lead to embarrassment and stigma. Providing free products helps normalize menstruation and reduces the stigma around it, creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
- Improving Attendance: When students have access to menstrual products, they are less likely to miss school due to their periods. This can lead to improved attendance and academic performance.
- Supporting Staff: It's not just students who benefit. School staff members may also need access to these products. Providing them helps ensure that everyone can work comfortably and effectively.
- Emergency Situations: Having free products available in school restrooms can be a lifesaver for students who unexpectedly start their periods while at school and may not have products with them.
Source: Hello Flow
