Principal's Message
A Great Start to October!
Dear TDSS Families,
We’ve had another amazing week at Tommy Douglas Secondary School! The weather has been beautiful, and the school year is progressing smoothly with lots of positive energy and engagement from our students and staff.
Fall sports are well underway, and it’s been incredible to see our student-athletes participating with enthusiasm and pride. Whether on the field, court, or track, our students are doing an outstanding job representing our school, community, and their families, win or lose, they are showing great sportsmanship and leadership.
On Friday October 3rd we held our Club Fair during both lunch periods. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the many clubs and extracurriculars available at TDSS. We encourage all students to get involved, it’s a great way to build connections, pursue interests, and make the most of the school year.
On October 2nd, we proudly recognized National Custodial Workers Recognition Day. Our amazing caretaking team is an essential part of the TDSS family. We are so grateful for their hard work, dedication, and care in keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming every day. Their contributions are deeply valued, and it was a pleasure to celebrate them.
As we move into the heart of the fall season, we are reminded each day of the strength, kindness, and community spirit that make TDSS such a special place.
Let’s continue to support one another, lead with kindness, and make this school year one to remember.
Regards,
MLJ
Proud Principal of Tommy Douglas Secondary School
Accelerated OYAP & Apprenticeship Information Virtual Open House Information
- Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
- Registration for this Open House is now open - Registration Form
- A link to the virtual open house will be provided after registration.
Information about the Open House
- This is a multi-board event where families can go to specific Training Delivery Agents (TDA) (i.e. Centennial College or Carpenters Union) to hear about their programs.
- It is a virtual event
- This event will be of interest to:
- Students in Grade 12 who are interested in applying for one of the Accelerated OYAP Level 1 Training programs (note: students must have 4 credit Co-op/ALEP on their timetable in semester 2 and have completed 26+ credits towards their OSSD)
- Students in Grades 10-12 who are interested in learning more about apprenticeship and OYAP programming and
- Parents/guardians/educators who want to learn more about OYAP and Accelerated OYAP opportunities.
Information regarding OYAP for all other Grade 11 and 12 students can be found at Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Accelerated OYAP is for students in Grade 12 who are in full day Co-op/ALEP in semester 2. Please visit Dual Credit Accelerated OYAP Program for more information.
Terry Fox Run - Finish It!
This year marks the 45th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run. FINISH IT is a reminder of Terry Fox’s ultimate goal to finish cancer. Terry’s Marathon of Hope started when he was 18 years old and united a country and highlighted his values of determination, perseverance, and empathy. At the age of 22 cancer stopped Terry from being able to finish his journey across Canada, but once again we will do our part to keep Terry’s legacy alive and participate in our own Terry Fox Walk on Thursday, October 9.
- Students and Staff at Tommy Douglas will walk a 1.2 kilometer route in our community to raise cancer awareness.
- Gr 11 and 12 students will walk during part of period 1and Grade 9 and 10 students will walk during part of period 5.
- Please click on permission form to grant your student permission to participate in TDSS’s Terry Fox Walk.
Before his death, Terry reached his goal of one dollar from every Canadian and set in motion an event that would continue to work towards raising cancer awareness and funds for cancer research. We would like to continue to make a difference in the fight against cancer by raising “a toonie for Terry”.
You can also donate directly to the Terry Fox Foundation through our school’s fundraising page. Donations of $20.00 or more will be receipted immediately by email from the Terry Fox Foundation.
Tommy Douglas Secondary School – fundraising page - TDSS Terry Fox Fundraising
Together we can make a difference in the lives of so many.
Virtual Tenant Rights Workshops
Parents/Guardians are invited to the free Virtual Tenant Rights Workshops for October and November 2025, offered in partnership with Inclusive School and Community Services and the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights.
Administrators, please share the flyer or the www link to the event with both families and staff. Please post the flyer on community bulletin boards located at your school, where possible.
For any questions, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Applying to Post Secondary
On Monday October 6th from 6-7 p.m. the TDSS Guidance Department will be hosting a parent presentation on Applying to Post Secondary. The presentation will take place in the cafeteria. Topics to be covered will include apprenticeship, college, university applications, supplemental and international and out of province applications. There will also be a section on scholarships. Hope to see you there!