TOMMY TIMES COMMUNITY - November 14, 2025

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Mid-Semester Update - Semester 1 at TDSS

Dear TDSS Families,

We have officially reached the midpoint of Semester 1, an important time for students to reflect on their progress and for all of us, students, families, and staff, to work together to support their success. Midterm report cards will be available from November 19-21, and we encourage you to review them with your student as a starting point for meaningful conversations about their learning.

At this stage in the semester, our students often fall into what I like to describe as “three children in the same family,” each with their own strengths, needs, and approach to learning:

Some students are thriving/child #1 
They are doing exceptionally well in their courses, staying organized, and keeping up with all expectations. Their progress reflects strong learning skills and consistent effort.

Some students are progressing well overall, but with ups and downs/child #2
They may be doing well in certain classes and finding others more challenging. These students benefit from reminders, routines, and encouragement as they work toward steady improvement.

Some students are struggling and may be feeling discouraged/child #3
They might currently be at risk of not earning a credit and may need additional support, structure, and reassurance to help them get back on track.

Every child’s learning journey is unique, and at TDSS, we are committed to supporting each student in reaching their potential.

How You Can Support Your Child

If your child is not currently achieving as expected, here are some helpful starting points:

• Review the midterm report together and discuss strengths, challenges, and next steps.
• Check TeachAssist and Google Classroom for up-to-date information on assignments, due dates, and assessment feedback.
• Encourage daily organization, such as using a planner or digital calendar to track tasks and upcoming assessments.
• Promote consistent routines for sleep, homework, and screen time.
• Encourage attendance and punctuality, as being in class regularly is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.
• Reach out to Guidance if your child needs additional support or you have questions.
• Visit the Student Success Room for extra help, guidance, or a quiet space to focus on overdue work.
• Access support in the Resource Room (for students with an IEP), where Special Education staff can provide targeted assistance and accommodations.
• Sign up for Peer Tutoring, where trained student tutors can help with specific subjects, study skills, or organization.
• Attend teacher help sessions, as many of our teachers offer extra support before school, at lunch, or after school.
• Maintain regular communication with teachers to ask questions, clarify expectations, or seek advice.  This can be done by the student and or the parent. 

Together, we can help your child finish the semester strong. Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support a positive and successful school experience for your student.

Regards,
MLJ
Proud Principal, Tommy Douglas Secondary School

SEAS 2025 Family Engagement Series Launch

Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) in partnership with Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invite students, families and staff to the SEAS 2025 Family Engagement Series Launch - Sharing Student Success & Pathway Planning. 

This Family Engagement evening will focus on understanding educational pathways and celebrating student success. English, Mandarin, and Cantonese sessions will be available. All are welcome to enjoy cultural performances, refreshments and a pathway information session. 

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Bill Crothers Secondary School.  

Please register by November 25, 2025.

For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.

Understanding and Navigating the Education System -Families of YRDSB Black Students November 2025 Information

Black Student Excellence​

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our flyer for more information. Registration is available online.

For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa with community,
culture, and connection. Enjoy storytelling, drumming, baking and arts that
honour the Seven Principles while uplifting unity, creativity and joy.
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Bill Hogarth Secondary School Cafeteria
100 Donald Sim Avenue, Markham ON, L6B 0R4
What to expect
• Opening welcome
• Drumming session
• Kwanzaa baking
• Arts and crafts
We look forward to celebrating this cultural holiday with you.

To Register
Please fill out a registration form by December 1, 2025.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

Winter Lights: A Unity in Diversity Celebration

Join us for a 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.

For any questions, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca. 

OSSLT - November 18 - 19, 2025

Students across Ontario are getting ready for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), and many students and families have questions. In the latest episode of Tune In YRDSB, YRDSB educators share tips and strategies to help you feel confident and ready. Listen to the episode now or watch on YouTube. 

Teachers have shared the following Google Classroom code with students who are writing the OSSLT next week - wr5gz6q. This site provides information about test day, presentations on test format and practice questions. Students have been strongly encouraged to attempt the practice questions in order to prepare for the upcoming test.

All the best Titans, you got this!

Adult Non-Credit English as a Second Language Classes

Dear Families,

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.

  Black Student Success Centre at McMaster University Annual Virtual Faculty Information Sessions

Dear Prospective Students, Community Partners, and Family Members,

The Black Student Success Centre at McMaster University invites you to our annual Virtual Faculty Information Sessions. This online webinar series is designed for prospective Black high school students, their friends, and families to explore McMaster's faculties, programs, admissions processes, scholarships, and student life. You'll connect with faculty representatives, hear directly from current students, and receive valuable tips to strengthen your university and scholarship applications. Review the schedule below and join the sessions that match your interests.

When: Wednesdays in November | 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm |  Virtual via Zoom

Session Schedule

Who Should Attend & What You'll Learn

These sessions are perfect for Grade 10–12 students, parents, guardians, family supporters, Black student groups, school staff, graduation coaches, and community educators who want to discover:

• Programs offered across McMaster's faculties
• Admission requirements and how to build a strong application
• Key deadlines and supplementary application details
• Entrance scholarships, awards, and strategies for competitive applications
• Co-op placements, internships, research opportunities, and study-abroad options
• Student life, campus supports, and the experience of being part of McMaster's Black community

Register Link: Guest RSVP: Virtual Faculty Information Sessions November 2025

Join Zoom Meeting Link:

https://mcmaster.zoom.us/j/95945905540

Meeting ID: 959 4590 5540 | Passcode: 925106

If you have any questions about these sessions or your transition to McMaster, don't hesitate to contact us at bss@mcmaster.ca or our Black Student Outreach & Transition Coordinator Efe Chehore at Chehoree@mcmaster.ca. We look forward to welcoming you to the Black student community!

Vaping and E-cigarettes

The Ontario Ministry of Education released Policy/Program Memorandum 128 in the fall of 2024, which included a directive to school boards to set out enforcement mechanisms to address the possession, use and provision of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, nicotine products, recreational cannabis, alcohol and illegal drugs. In support of a comprehensive approach, vape-detecting devices have been installed in all YRDSB secondary schools.  Please visit the YRDSB Caring And Safe School page for information on Substance Use and Misuse.
Our schools continue to provide education and support regarding the harmful impact of these products. Please see resources listed below. 

Resources for Families

QUASH 

A Logical Plan for Quitting

• free smoking and vaping cessation app (co-designed by youth for youth)
• School Mental Health Ontario
• Vaping: What you need to know
  • general information about vaping; outlines important facts, associated risks, and additional resources to support educators/families in having informed conversations with students

York Region Public Health (YRPH)

• Vape Facts: What You Need to Know
  • a website containing YRPH anti-vaping campaign videos and vaping facts
• Vaping and E-Cigarettes
  • a website continuing YRPH information on vaping and health risks

Canadian Lung Association

• How to Talk to Your Child About Vaping
  • a pdf guide for parents about talking with your child about vaping and the risks