A Message from your Administrators
Dear Langstaff Families and Community Partners:
We hope that 2026 is off to a great start for our students and families. We hope that your Winter Holidays were relaxing and enjoyable for all your friends and families. Now that we have returned to school, things are moving very quickly as our first semester exam period is beginning on January 22, 2026. More information about exams, including our exam schedule, is included in this e-bulletin.
Students and staff are working hard to wrap up courses and complete culminating activities during this final stretch of the semester. Like every school year, the start of a new semester brings us hope, excitement and anticipation of new students, courses, teachers, routines and most importantly, new learning. Please note that Semester II begins on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Not only is a new semester around the corner, but it is also at this time that we start to think about the 2026-2027 school year. Since November, I have been going out to all our Elementary schools to share information about our wonderful school. During the school day visits, with Ms.Chidiac from Guidance and LSS student ambassadors, we have been sharing important information about course selection, and what it is like to start high school. I absolutely love doing these visits. It is great meeting the Grade 8 students, our future Bears. This is an important milestone for students and families, and the excitement is palpable and contagious. We will be visiting all the elementary schools again in January to help the students with course selection.
The Guidance Dept. is also planning a number of course selection visits to meet students currently at LSS. During the presentations and classroom visits, we will share with them what courses will be available next year and how the course selection process is going to occur this year. Course selection information will begin in early February with the start of the new semester. It is important that all students and families understand that we use the student course selections to create the timetable for next year. If students do not choose courses then we cannot offer them. The timetable is created based on what the students say they want to take the next year.
Please join us at our next School Council meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm in the library for a very special evening. This School Council meeting will be all about High School requirements and pathways to College and University. This special event will be hosted in partnership with our community partners and offered in a variety of languages, including Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Ukrainian/Russian and English. This is going to be a wonderful event, and we hope to see you there. We will also be inviting all our Grade 6, 7, 8, future Bears in our Elementary Partner Schools. So please feel free to bring your neighbours, friends and relatives who live in the LSS catchment area.
We continue to strive to bring you up-to-date information as soon as it becomes available. We want to thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we deal with unforeseen challenges. We have all become quite adept at going with the flow and making things work!
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns. We love hearing from our parents and community members.
Ms. S. Epstein
Principal
School News
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.
Yearbooks Now on Sale!
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.
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
| Staff Member and Contact Information | Staff Member and Contact Information | Staff Member and Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
Ms. R. Chidiac Alpha: A-R |
Mrs. L. Rico Guidance Secretary
| Ms. S. Starkman Alpha: S-Z |
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 closed on Dec 19, 2025. Guidance will be supporting students who may need to make timetable changes due to semester 1 results.
Guidance Appointments
How to make a Guidance Appointment:
- Students will log in to TeachAssist
- Please plan accordingly to ensure you do not have an in-class
assessment - Book with your alpha counsellor
- If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, click "cancel."
- Appointments are released on a weekly basis
- If you don’t see availability for the day selected within the week, it means
we are fully booked. We open appointments on a weekly basis, check at
the end of the day Friday or the weekend for the following week - If you are in a personal crisis, please 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)
NEW: For semester 2, Credit Recovery for MPM2D, MTH1W, SNC1W, and SNC2D will be offered. The credit recovery sessions will run from Feb 12 to April 21, 2026 (55 hours).
This is intended for students who are not successful and recommended to Credit Recovery Reinforcement by their teacher.
Night School for New Courses :
Night School courses are an opportunity for students to:
- Take a new course that is not available at their home school.
- Retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark.
- Students may take only one Night School credit per semester.
Registration opened 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 p.m.
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
A reminder that Ontario University applications are due on Jan 15, 2026 and Ontario College applications are due on Feb 1, 2026 (for equal consideration).
Please encourage your child to avoid leaving the application to the last minute.
Please check the Google Classroom for previous and more information.
Post Secondary Events | Date | Time | Location |
| Ontario Colleges | The Ontario College Fair will not take place in 2025. Students are invited to attend one of the College Information Program opportunities offered at colleges and polytechnics throughout Ontario All Ontario colleges and polytechnics offer a wide range of in-person and virtual options to connect with students, families, and educators — including Open Houses, campus visits, school presentations, webinars, and one-on-one advising, including offering a comprehensive College Information Program. We encourage you to reach out directly to the colleges and polytechnics in your region or visit ontariocolleges.ca/events for more information. | ||
Aquatics Leadership Program Parts 1 and 2
Part 1:
- Healthy Living and Aquatic Activities, Grade 10 Open (PAQ201) is a hybrid (online and in-person) Healthy Active Living Education course
- Class instruction takes place at the Health and Active Living Plaza, Town of East Gwillimbury.
- Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, starting February 17 to June 4, 2026.
- Students will also earn The Lifesaving Society's Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C Certifications which are embedded in the course.
Part 2:
- Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership, Grade 12 University/College (PLF4M1) is a hybrid Health and Physical Education course
- The course is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30 - 8:30 pm in Aurora and 5:00 - 8:00 pm in Richmond Hill running from February 9 to June 22, 2026.
- The course is also offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 - 8:00 pm in Markham, and Vaughan running from February 10 to June 9.
- The Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard Certification and the Lifesaving Society's Swim and Lifesaving Instructor Certifications are embedded in the course.
See below for the link for the Aquatic Leadership Program:
Aquatic Leadership Program / York Region District School Board
Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.
Student Success News
Student Success Update
Study Strategies That Really Work! A Student Success Workshop to help you prepare for exams/culminating activities
We are commencing our Exam Preparation workshops to all grade 9 homerooms this week. See below for a copy of the slideshow and important dates and exam information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3VMFTpMH4ZT2Bh5-TB5KEcj0GwsG0_d/view
Student Success - Room 132 will be open all day, every day during exams. Students are welcome to come to study, get work done, and get support with any of their courses.
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 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
School News
Hello Families,
Semester one at Langstaff Secondary School is coming to an end soon, with exams starting on Thursday January 22nd and finishing on Tuesday, January 27th. Students should complete the final assignments for their courses in the remaining few weeks, with teachers providing the individual course due dates. We will be having our exam review day on Thursday, January 29th, with the modified schedule for the day provided below. Students should talk to their teachers if they have any questions or concerns. We hope that all of our students do well on their exams and are successful in all of their courses. Good luck!
Exam Review Day - Thursday, January 29, 2026
Period: | Time: |
1 | 8:25 am - 9:03 am |
Break | 9:03 am - 9:08 am |
2 | 9:08 am - 9:45 am |
Break | 9:45 am - 9:50 am |
3 | 9:50 am - 10:28 am |
Break | 10:28 am - 10:33 am |
4 | 10:33 am - 11:10 am |
Lunch | 11:10 am - 11:50 am |
Please refer to the Exam Schedule sent out to students digitally or parents via INFORM.
Krispy Kreme Donuts - Best Buddies Prom!
Support the Best Buddies Prom!
Community Classes are excited to host a Krispy Kreme fundraiser in support of this year's Best Buddies Prom —and we'd love your help!
Treat yourself (and your family, friends or students!) to delicious Krispy Kreme donuts:
- $16 per dozen
- $8 per half-dozen
How to order:
Place your order through School Cash Online.
Donut delivery: March 25
All proceeds will go directly toward creating an unforgettable Best Buddies Prom experience for our Community Class students.
Thank you for your support!
1st Annual Frost Fest
The First Annual "LSS Frost Fest" which took place during lunch on Friday, December 19th was a huge success! Students participated in a variety of activities such as cookie decorating, building gingerbread houses, sports in the Big Gym, musical performances, winter themed craft activities. A great time was had by all!
Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.
Library Commons News
Hanukkah Puzzle
Kasra and friends spent the last couple of weeks working on the 1000-piece Hanukkah Cookies puzzle. Kasra placed the last few pieces today, and it's officially finished. Congrats to everyone who contributed!
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!
Please see Ms.Romero in the library for more details.
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
- Please go to the School Cash Online parent site: https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/
- Select the “Register” button
- 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.
- Select the School Name from the list
- Enter student information: Student Number and Last Name
- Select Confirm
On the next page confirm that you are related to the child,
check in the Agree box and select Continue
- 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
JF&CS - Because YOUth Matter Workshop
Let’s Talk About Mental Health. Let’s Learn How to Help. Every Conversation Counts. Every Skill Helps.
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Lipa Green Centre
#BellLetsTalk, #Because YOUth Matter, #TalkListenSupport
Learn the tools and skills needed to help identify, communicate with, support and provide resources for youth within your community who may be experiencing mental health issues.
For adults who interact and/or work with youth (ages 12-24) such as youth group leaders, spiritual leaders, camp counselors and staff, peer engagers, teachers, educators, social workers, community agency staff or any group of interested adults.
This workshop will help participants identify, understand and respond to youth who are struggling with their mental health and wellness.
Goals:
- Participants will engage in supportive and non-judgmental conversations about why mental wellness is important and the difference between mental illness and mental wellness.
- Participants will feel more confident in recognizing signs and symptoms of mental distress in young people and providing support for next steps.
- Participants will have increased knowledge of skills and resources needed to support young people and their mental health.
This workshop is free of charge! For more information to register, please contact Shirley Shedletsky: sshedletsky@jfandcs.com
Please include a phone number and email address where we can reach you. We will be in touch with you shortly to finalize the booking process.
Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : December 15 to January 2, 2025 regarding the following flyers:
YRES Camps 2026
JF&CS - Parenting For caregivers of children 13 - 18 years of age
York Region Volleyball Presents Winter House League
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