Bi Weekly Bulletin : December 15 to January 2, 2025

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Partners: 

This is it – the end of the school year for 2025 and just a few weeks away from 2026. I am always amazed at how time goes by so slowly and so quickly at the same time. It feels like it was just the start of the school year in September, and at the same time so much has happened at LSS since that first day. The students and staff are really looking forward to the final week of school before the holiday break. 

Our Spirit Committee has planned an exciting week of themed dress-up days, and we sure do hope that all students and staff will participate. On Monday, December 15th we will have "Tropical Day", and we hope to see everyone in Hawaiian shirts and other sunny-themed attire. Tuesday, December 16th will be "Wrong Shoe Day", and the expectation is for everyone to come to school in a mismatched pair of shoes. Wednesday, December 17th will be "We Wear Pink on Wednesdays" so the whole school should be flooded with pink attire. Thursday, December 18th will be our "Colour War" day. Each grade is assigned a different colour to wear; so, the Grade 9's are to wear Red, the Grade 10s are to wear Green, the Grade 11s are to wear Blue, the Grade 12s are to wear Black, and all Staff are to wear white. To end off the week, Friday, December 19th is Pyjama Day – a LSS student favourite! 

In addition, we are ending the 2025 school year with a special event; our first Annual "LSS Frost Fest" will take place on Friday, December 19th. On this day we are going to have an extended lunch period and shorten classes to allow for some special lunchtime activities. There is going to be a dance by the Cheer team, and musical performances in the cafeteria. Also, there will be a winter-themed craft activity, cookie decorating, a photo booth and sports in the Big Gym. This last day of school is shaping up to be a great way to say goodbye to 2025. 

In addition, we are very proud of all the work that the Humanitarian Outreach Club did to collect non-perishable food items for people in York Region who are experiencing some financial difficulties this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who donated to this very worthwhile cause.

This week our SHSM students participated in an Escape room challenge. 

Lastly, our library hosted a Maker Fair for many classes to enjoy a variety of investigative activities. Every student who participated in the Maker Fair really enjoyed this hands-on way of learning new skills and information. 

First semester exams will take place from January 22 to January 27. Our exam schedule will be out next week, so that students know exactly what days they have their exams. Please remember there is no missing any exams for any reason. Please don't book any vacations or any appointments for your children on an exam day. Any missed exams will result in a mark of "zero" on the exam. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us in the main office. Thank you to all the staff and students who put countless hours into planning events for the entire school to enjoy themselves, and to the parents/guardians who are supporting these events by encouraging their children to take part in something while in school and having to do all the drop-offs and pick-ups. 

As we head into Winter Break, a time when students and staff are celebrating with family and friends, we hope everyone will take the time to recharge, relax and enjoy each other's company so that we return in January well rested and ready to finish the first semester and prepare for the next one. We would like to wish the Langstaff school community a very happy holiday season, a restful break, and best wishes for the coming year. See you in 2026!

Chag Chanukah Sameach! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Pancha Ganapati! Blessed Bodhi Day! Feliz Navidad! Happy Winter Solstice! And Happy New Year!

Stay safe, and we will see you all back rested in 2026. 

Ms. S. Epstein

Principal

School News

Langstaff S.S. IB World School: The Journey Has Begun

We are thrilled to share exciting news with our community.

Langstaff Secondary School has officially been granted International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) Candidacy status!

This milestone represents a bold step forward for our students, our educators, and our shared vision of academic excellence.

Becoming an IB World School candidate signals our school and our teachers’ commitment to global-minded learning, innovative pedagogy, and a culture that encourages students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage with the world around them.

Throughout the year, our school will collaborate closely with the IB, teachers will be trained in the IB curriculum, and the foundation will be set to accept student applications in the fall of 2026.

Current grade 7 students will be able to apply next year for entry into the program in their grade 9 year starting in September 2027.

This candidacy energizes our current school mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in their postsecondary pursuits, in careers, and as active contributors to a more just and interconnected world.

We look forward to celebrating each milestone with you as Langstaff SS takes its place among the global community of IB schools!

Career Day

On Monday, December 2, Mrs.Flemming's Careers classes had the opportunity to meet with a panel of guest speakers from the Town of Richmond Hill Mentoring Plus Strategy Guest Speaker Panel.

The students prepared their communication and interview skills, as well as engaging in interest inventory activities designed to help them identify potential career pathways. 

This panel of mentors is proud of the lifetime of skills, knowledge, and experience they have built. Their goal is to strengthen their community and enrich the lives of students by helping them grow and prosper for their knowledge. 

The panel facilitated a speed-mentoring circuit, where students rotate through short, focused conversations with each mentor. This format allowed students to explore multiple career pathways, ask questions, and gain real-world insight in a fast-paced and engaging way. 

Students shared that the event provided powerful takeaways and new possibilities. Many noted how grateful they were for this experience that broadened their perspectives and inspired their next steps.

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.

Holiday Heroes

The Langstaff Humanitarian Outreach Club was busy all month collecting non-perishable foods for the Holiday Heroes initiative teaming up with the York Regional Police. We are proud to inform our Langstaff community that our school collected over 200 items for the local food bank!

Thank you to everyone who contributed and congratulations to the winning homeroom who brought in the most food, Mr. Krane's class who won a Tim Hortons breakfast.

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.

December - SHSM Update

Our SHSM students recently participated in an exciting experiential learning trip to Escape OK. During this hands-on activity, students worked together to solve challenges, strengthen teamwork skills, and apply real-world problem-solving strategies in a fun, engaging environment. 

In addition to the escape room experience, students also earned two elective SHSM certifications, contributing to their program requirements and helping them build valuable industry-relevant skills. 

It was a rewarding day that supported both personal growth and SHSM pathway development. 

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.

Frost Fest Music/Fun/Food - December 19th

STUCO PRESENTS … FROST FEST!

DIFFERENT EVENTS THROUGHOUT LUNCH 

• Drop-In Volleyball
• Cookie Decorating
• Musical Performance
• Arts & Crafts
• Polaroid Photo booth
• Cheer Performance

Attendance Reminder

Parents/Guardians are reminded to report all absences and/or late notices to the Attendance Office

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE by calling: 905-889-6266 extension 1: 

OR email: langstaff.ss.attendance@yrdsb.ca

Should your student have a planned absence for 3 or more days, an Extended Absence Form must be signed by each subject teacher, parent/guardian, and the Vice-Principal before leaving for the absence; Extended Absence Forms are available at the Main Office.

Age of Majority Consent

Once a student turns 18, it becomes more complicated for the School/Teacher to reach out and connect with you, either with specific concerns or to share information in general. In order for the school to maintain contact, your adult child (i.e., after their 18th birthday) must sign and return the Age Majority Consent Form. This form can be obtained from the Main Office.

For any student who has not submitted the form after their 18th birthday, contact between school and home ceases. If your child is turning 18 this school year, please discuss with them what will happen when they turn 18.

If you have any questions, please connect with the Main Office.

Student Parking

Langstaff SS has a student-designated parking lot, which is on the west side of the school.  To park there, students must come to the main office and pick up a student parking form and have it filled out and signed by their parent/guardian. 

School Bell Times

Yearbooks Now on Sale!

Don't miss your chance to reserve a copy of this year's school yearbook. Yearbooks are available for pre-order on School Cash Online for $35. Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee your child receives a yearbook, as only a very limited number will be available for purchase at the end of the school year. Thank you for your support! 

Communication with Home

At LSS we offer several methods of communication to share information on a regular basis with our parents’ and guardians’ homes.  A calendar of school events and our bi-weekly news bulletins are posted on our school website.

We also provide daily attendance reports to parents and guardians every day.  In order to provide you with up-to-date attendance reports and other information, we request that all parents and guardians submit current email addresses; these can be updated by sending your email address to: langstaff.ss@yrdsb.ca 

Allergies/Medical Conditions

If your child has a serious life-threatening allergy or medical condition, please let the Main Office know immediately and complete the appropriate medical forms.

There are students and staff members in our school who have life-threatening allergies to nuts and other allergens. If they smell or come into contact with these foods, they may have an anaphylactic reaction.

To help create an allergen-safe environment, do not bring nuts or nut products to school.

Please notify the school if your child has one of the following medical conditions:

• Anaphylaxis - Anaphylaxis Health Care Plan
• Asthma - Asthma Health Care Plan
• Diabetes - Diabetes Health Care Plan
• Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder - Epilepsy Seizure Disorder
• Health Care (Other) - Health Care Plan (Other) 

In addition to completing forms, please provide any life-saving medication your child may require at school (e.g., EpiPen, Inhaler/Puffer, etc.)

Thank you for your cooperation in helping ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.

School Activity Fee

We are thrilled to expand student clubs, sports, and events this year! 

To help make it happen, we encourage families to support through the $40 Student Activity Fee.

Payments can be made by going to School Cash Online, here is the link: https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/

To join ANY CLUB or SPORTS TEAM you MUST pay the $40 Student Activity Fee

You will also receive a:

Discount at School events (Dances, Semi-Formal & Prom)

Discount on Yearbook

If you DO NOT pay the $40 Student Activity Fee, you CANNOT join a CLUB or be on a SPORTS TEAM and you MUST pay:

FULL price at School events (Dances, Semi-Formal & Prom)

FULL price for Yearbook

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Student Council

Langstaff’s Student Council, or STUCO, is excited to be back in action this school year.  We have a lot of activities planned throughout the school year, such as:

· Holiday Candy Grams

· Battle of the Bands

· Fundraiser events

· Valentine's Serenades 

· International Food Festival

· And many more!

You can keep up to date with STUCO news and upcoming events via our Instagram: @yrdsb.schools also on: (@langstaffstuco)

Guidance News

Your Guidance Department Mission Statement

Support and promote students' interpersonal development, and career development in order to help them develop resilience and realize their potential (success) as individuals and as valuable members of society.

-Ontario School Counsellors' Association

Accessing Your Guidance Team

 Contact Information: Please note the Guidance Counselors below

         Stay Connected and in the “Loop”: Continue to stay up to date

 by following us on Instagram and LSS Guidance & Success Google Classroom 

Instagram: @lssguidance

Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/NjcxOTQwNzYzNDFa?cjc=4rjwryf

Guidance Appointments: can be made in person by coming to guidance. There is a red binder on a standing desk in the Guidance Office. Students can book with their respective counsellor, by alpha last name. The appointments are made available every Monday morning for the week.

Semester 2 Timetables

The course change request window will open from November 17 to Dec 19, 2025. All requests must be made by this date. Please note that changes are based on course availability.

GUIDANCE APPOINTMENTS- NEW!!!

Making guidance appointments has moved to an online sign up system. 

Steps to make Guidance appointments are as follows: 

Subheading "Appointment Bookings">Select a date>Select your alpha counsellor>Select a reason.

Appointment times are released on a weekly basis by end of day Friday. 

If you do not see availability, it means that the counsellor is already booked. 

If students are in a personal crisis, please encourage them to come to Guidance. 

Financial Need: 

If students are in financial need, there is support available related to the application fees. See a guidance counsellor if this applies to you.

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

Please check the Google Classroom for ongoing opportunities. 

NIGHT SCHOOL REGISTRATION (CONTINUING EDUCATION)

Night School courses are an opportunity for students to take a new course that is not available at their home school or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. 

Students may take only one Night School credit per semester.

Registration opens on myblueprint/mypathway planner on December 15.

The program will be delivered virtually in real-time (synchronous).

Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:45 pm. 

Semester 2 - Winter: February 12, 2026 to June 9, 2026

Course offerings (Grade 11 and Grade 12) are the same for both semesters. We encourage students to register early as course offerings are not guaranteed and are subject to sufficient enrollment. See more details, including course offerings, here

Post Secondary News

Please check the Google Classroom for previous and more information.

Flourish Career Development Program

South Asian Women's Collective is launching the second cohort of the Flourish Career Development Program in Markham from January to March 2026 and applications are now LIVE!

Flourish is a culturally responsive career development program designed for young South Asian women and gender-diverse individuals (ages 16-30) living or working in York Region. 

This program provides tailored support to help young racialized women explore career pathways, build essential skills, and connect with mentors and employers. 

Flourish will be offered in a hybrid format and aims to engage 50 participants through workshops, mentorship, coaching, employer and industry connections, and resources. 

All in-person events this year will be hosted at YSpace Markham.

Applications will be closing on December 19th, 2025 and the Flourish Team will be hosting virtual info sessions in the upcoming weeks for anyone interested in learning more about the program! 

If so, please email flourish@sawcollective.ca to learn more. 

Student Success News

Langstaff will be offering 2 After School Programs to help students who are struggling in their classes. These classes will be led by Langstaff teachers and are free of charge. There is a minimal fee for international paying students.

Numeracy: This program will help support students struggling in math in Grade 9 and 10. This program will take place every Thursday in room 155 from 2:45pm-4:15pm starting on October 30th and ending on Thursday January 15th. Please bring in your signed permission form which is attached. Submit your form to student success as soon as possible.

Numeracy Permission Form

Credit Success: This program will help support students struggling in all subject areas in Grade 9-12. This program will take place every Wednesday in room 132-Student Success starting Wednesday October 29th and ending on Wednesday January 14th. Please bring in your signed permission form which is attached. Submit your form to student success as soon as possible.

Credit Success Permission Form

If you have any questions or concerns, please see Ms. Starkman or Ms. Monroe in student success-room 132.

The Bear Den-our student success room 132 is open for students as a quiet place to work. Ms. Monroe and Ms. Starkman are available for support as needed. Students are welcome during their spares or if they have a form and teacher permission.

Please join the Guidance and Student Success Google Classroom for all important information, including volunteer and leadership opportunities, post-secondary, and more. Join code is:4rjwryf

Library Commons News

Langstaff Fall Maker Fair

The 2025 Langstaff Fall Maker Fair was an extraordinary success thanks to the outstanding leadership of Ms. Romero, Ms. Tang, and our Tech Department's Ms. Gerskup. Their vision, planning, and creativity, supported by an enthusiastic team of students volunteers, turned Langstaff's library into a dynamic space of innovation and hands-on exploration.

This year, we were especially thrilled to welcome our Grade 9 and Grade 10 Tech and Science classes, along with our Community classes, who brought tremendous energy, curiosity, and spirit to the event. 

Students rotated through an exciting series of stations that sparked problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. 

They sharpened their concentration in the Cub Copies Memory Challenge, measured applause and rhythm in the Clap-O-Meter Maker Den, and explored circuits and textures at the Thread Board Station. 

At the Friendship Bracelet Studio, students chose seven colourful strings to design their own keepsake bracelets, while the Cup Memory Challenge offered a lively test of recall and coordination. 

The Puzzle Section drew crowds as students worked together on a challenging holiday puzzle, celebrating teamwork and persistence. 

In the Book Art corner, old pages became beautiful wreaths and flowers through careful folding and sculpting. 

Meanwhile, the Green Screen Room introduced students to digital media techniques, letting them experiment with backgrounds and visual effects. 

Events like this embody the best of Langstaff : creativity, collaboration, and joyful learning. 

To our organizing staff, dedicated student volunteers, and all participating classes : thank you for making this year's Maker Fair an unforgettable community celebration.

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.

A special thank you to Mr. Zdanwoski’s class for helping bring our Library Learning Commons displays to life!

We loved all the learning and creativity that went into the Fall Pumpkin Book Art and the Kwanzaa Kinara and Mkeka (placemat) projects.

Your hard work truly shines.

Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.

A message from the York Region Public Libraries

Get a Library Card Today!

Empower yourself and community with membership at your local library! A library card grants you access to resources for learning, education and entertainment. 

Here are just some examples of what a library membership can offer you: 

• Access to thousands of titles from books, movies, board games and more!
• Learn a new skill with free access to various online learning platforms
• Attend programs and meet people in your community
• Create something personal and unique with various crafting machines

linktree.com/librariesofyorkregion

Italy 2026

LANGSTAFF BEARS! SPOTS ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY FOR THE 2026 ITALY ADVENTURE! DON'T MISS OUT — GO TO YOUR GAPPS ACCOUNT AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! LET'S MAKE ITALY YOUR CLASSROOM THIS SPRING!

School News

School Cash Online

Langstaff Secodary School accepts online payments through School Cash ONLINE!

School Cash Online is our preferred method of payment and provides the following benefits:

•   A convenient fee payment option can be made anywhere, anytime!

•   No need to send cash or cheques to school

•   A quick way to register. It takes less than 5 minutes to register

•     You can choose the language of your choice by clicking Google Translate! 

Parents that opt to participate will receive notification via email of student fees and can make secure online payments by credit card and receive a receipt.

Follow the easy steps below to Register and get started!

Step 1: Register

1. Please go to the School Cash Online parent site: https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/
2. Select the “Register” button
3. Enter your parent information to create an account. 

*For Security Reasons your password, requires 8 characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and a number.

 Step 2: Confirmation Email

A registration confirmation email will be automatically forwarded to you. Click on the link provided inside the email to confirm your email and School Cash Online account. The confirmation link will open the School Cash Online site prompting you to sign into your account. Use your email address and password just created with your account.

Step 3: Find/Add Student

NOTE: Enter Student Number (not OEN)

 This step will connect your children to your account. 

1. Select the School Name from the list
2. Enter student information: Student Number and Last Name
3. Select Confirm

4. On the next page confirm that you are related to the child, 

   check in the Agree box and select Continue

5. Your child has been added to your account 

Step 4: View Items or Add Another Student 

• If you have more children, select “Add Another Student” option in My Account/My Students and repeat the steps above. 5 children can be added to one parent account.
• If you do not wish to add additional children, select “View Items For Students” option.
• A listing of available items for purchase will be displayed.

Need Help?

If you require assistance, select the GET HELP option in the top right hand corner of the screen or contact School Cash Online – Parent Help Desk at 1-866-961-1803 or parenthelp@schoolcashonline.com.

Community News

YRES CAMPS 2026 - Volunteers Needed Sign Up Now!

Volunteer Training Required; earn 40+ volunteer hours!

P.A. Day Lego STEAM Camp 

January 16th & 30th,  June 5th & 26th  

Richmond Hill - 1595 16th Ave

Markham - 3100 Steeles Ave E

Weekend Lego STEAM Camp 

January 24th - June 14th

Richmond Hill - 1595 16th Ave

Markham - 3100 Steeles Ave E

March Break Sports Camp 

March 16th - 20th

North Richmond Hill - Redstone Public School (TBD)

North Markham - Stonebridge Public School (TBD)

South Richmond Hill - Doncrest Public Schoool (TBD)

Markham's Aaniin & Unionville Libraries

Weekend Sports Camp

May 2nd - June 6th 

North Richmond Hill - Our Lady Help of Christian CES

North Markham - Stonebridge Public School

Summer Sports & STEAM Camp

July 2nd - August 14th

North & South Richmond Hill

North & South & East Markham

Thornhill

North Scarborough/Toronto

JF&CS - Parenting For caregivers of children 13 - 18 years of age

Parenting group that provides parents with tools and strategies to reduce power struggles, promote calm communication, problem solving and empower parents to feel more confident in managing challenging behaviours while fostering a cooperative family environment. 

No Charge 

Sessions beginning Wednesday February 4 - March 11, 2026 6:30-8:30 pm via Zoom 

JF&CS strives for inclusivity in all its programs, serving community members of any income, family structure, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, level of observance, race, ethnicity, cultural identity and place of origin. 

For more information or to register, please call 416.638.7800 x 6234

York Region Volleyball Presents Winter House League

Start Date : The Weekend of January 10th

• Learn volleying, passing, hitting, and serving
• Develop skills through games and activities
• Play in a non-competitive environment that makes learning FUN!

What to expect: 

• Skill development + modified gameplay every session
• Using kid-friendly equipment for confidence and success!

$270 (+tax) Free t-shirt included

9 weeks of programs 

Saturdays | 9 am - 10:30 am | 8-11 years old

Saturdays | 10:30 am - 12 pm | 12-15 years old

Sundays | 10 am - 11:30 am | 8-11 years old

Sundays | 11:30 am - 1 pm | 12 - 15 years old

Location : 

Saturdays - Education Support Centre 

39 Dunning Ave, Aurora 

Sundays - École secondaire Norval-Morrisseau

51 Wright St, Richmond Hill

Contact us at (416) 258-8071 or email info@yorkregionsports.ca

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : November 3 to November 14, 2025  regarding the following flyers: 

Café EXTRA Ordinaire

YSSN -  Transition Planning Resource Days July 2025 - January 2026