A Message from your Administrators
Dear Langstaff Families & Community Members:
We are almost at March Break, and with the very cold temperatures we saw at the beginning of this week, it is hard to imagine that spring could be around the corner.
I want to share with you some of the wonderful student-driven activities that have taken place recently at LSS.
We held Pink Shirt Day on February 25. Our school was filled with Pink, which shows the school's commitment to being kind to one another and standing up against bullying. During the lunch hour, we had some great activities, including friendship bracelets, colouring, acrostic poems, guess the candies in the jar, and kindness notes. The students and staff really enjoyed this day, and we have included the "winning" acrostic poem in this e-bulletin by one of our Grade 12 students. There are also some pictures from this day in the e-bulletin as well.
I just want to remind our school community that we have a multi-faith space for those students. This can be used by those who wish to pray during Ramadan. The prayer room is located in the library. Students are free to access this space when they need to throughout Ramadan or any time of the school year. We wish all those honouring and celebrating Ramadan a Ramadan Mubarak.
Next week, our Student Athletic Council has planned three days of "March Madness" lunchtime sports events on March 11, 12, and 13. Our students love to participate in lunchtime activities, and sports events are probably the most popular of all the lunchtime fun!
Right after March Break, all Interim Report Cards will be available to students and families on March 23. Report Cards will be emailed to students' GAPPS accounts and will also be available on the YRDSB Family Dashboard. Our Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interview Night will take place on Thursday, March 26, and this Interim Report Card will be a great indicator in your child's courses. More information about the Interview Night will come out soon.
We are also gearing up for "Relay for Life" this year!! For those who have participated in our "Relay for Life" events in the past, you all know how inspiring, fun, and meaningful this event is for each of us as individuals, but also as a school community. For those who are new to "Relay for Life" you are in for a great time! Relay for Life is our big fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society that we do every other school year. To help the LSS community start to get excited for this year's event, we are going to hold "Relay for Life" Spirit Assemblies on Wednesday, March 25 – it is time to get into the "Relay for Life" frame of mind!
Have a wonderful weekend and a restful March Break!
Ms. S. Epstein
Principal
School News
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.
From the Graduation Committee...
This is an IMPORTANT message for the Graduating Class of 2026!
We're thrilled to announce that Graduation Awards and Class Valedictorian applications will open on Monday!
The link to the application will be posted on the LSS 2026 Graduation Classroom on Monday, March 9 and the DEADLINE is April 2.
Please take the time to go through the application and be thorough with your answers.
Tell us about ALL the amazing things you have done to contribute to the LSS community! Join the classroom: jjrfl5yz
Thank you!
The Graduation Committee
Graduation Photos
This is a final reminder that Pegasus will be in the building one last time on March 24, 2026.
To book your appointment, please visit their website: https://pegasus-si.com and click on “Book Your Grad Photos” at the top of the page.
Please note that appointments must be booked online.
Please see the flyer below for more information on how to book your Grad Photo:
Preparing for your Grad Portraits!
BOOK YOUR GRADUATION PORTRAIT SESSION ONLINE!
To BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT:
www.pegasus-si.com and click on "Book Your Grad Photos" at the top of the page
School Code: 02LAN2674
it is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
i. Type in the access code
ii. Select an available date & time for your portrait session
iii. Confirm your personal information
A sitting fee is required to book your portrait sessions. The fee provides you 10 different poses during the session, with variety of backdrops that are available for purchase online, and an 11" x 14" Composite of your graduating class in a keepsake folder.
To avoid a RESCHEDULING FEE, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel/reschedule your appointment if necessary. No exceptions. This allows us to offer the time slot to another student in need of our services.
YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL ONCE YOUR APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN BOOKED.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to the photo studio set up at your school which will be set up at your school.
All graduates should come wearing a white dress shirt with a crisp collar. Neckties are optional for any graduate wearing dress shirts to complete a formal appearance. Please arrive to the studio fully dressed and prepared.
Your hands will show in some poses, so clean & presentable nails and your favourite ring will enhance your portraits.
GUESTS, PETS, AND GROUP PHOTOS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
ONCE THE PHOTO SESSION IS COMPLETE: A few weeks after your portrait session you will receive an e-mail with your secure login information and a link to the Pegasus proofing and ordering website. Once online you can view all your poses, order photo packages and create custom portrait products using your poses. You can select which poses you wish to order.
If you have any questions you can contact customer service at: 1 (800) 461 6575 or info@pegasus-si.com
PINK Shirt Day at LSS
Each year, Langstaff Secondary School participates in acknowledging PINK Shirt Day. This day, which takes place on the last Wednesday of February each year, is a day when we show up in Pink to show support for those who are victims of bullying and harassment. And like last year, LSS didn't disappoint!
Our school was flooded with Pink!
PINK Shirt Day began in a small town in Nova Scotia by a group of very caring teens. A group of teenage friends organized a protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The teens took a stand when they protested against the harassment of the Grade 9 student by distributing pink t-shirts to all the boys in their school. The teens had gone to a local discount store and bought 50 tank tops. They sent out a message to their schoolmates, and the next morning the boys stood in the front foyer all in pink to welcome all the students into school. The boy, who had been bullied, was delighted to see so many supporters at his school. The bullies were never heard from again.
We know that bullying continues to affect people in schools, workplaces, and homes and in digital spaces. On PINK Shirt Day, wearing pink is a visible way to show that bullying is not tolerated and to reinforce this message amongst our students. Showing support matters, and even small actions, like wearing pink, can send a powerful message that victims of bullying are not alone and support is available. Langstaff SS commits to creating safer spaces and addressing all instances of bullying.
To acknowledge this day, we had several lunchtime activities in which our students could participate in. We had friendship bracelet making, Kindness poster colouring, Kindness poem writing, leaving Kindness notes, and guess the pink candies in the jar. Our students really enjoyed these activities. In this e-bulletin we have included some pictures from the day, plus the winning poem entry. We are very proud of all our students and staff who participated in this day.
Please refer to photos sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.
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 | Staff Member and Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Ms. R. Chidiac Alpha: A-L |
Mrs. L. Rico Guidance Secretary
| Ms. S. Starkman Alpha: M-R |
Ms. A. Sitt 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
Semester 2 News:
We welcome Ms. Sitt to Guidance! Please note the new alpha split above.
Guidance Appointments
How to make a Guidance Appointment:
- Students login 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 end of day Friday or the weekend for the following week.
- If you are in a personal crisis, please come to guidance.
Course Selection - Verifications
After the March Break, on March 23, students will receive a copy of their Course Selection Verification.
Should students require a course change or correction, this will be their opportunity to make the request.
Course Selection Verification Deadline : Friday, March 27
A reminder to parents and guardians that the course selection window has closed. Please check your email to see your child’s course selection.
Should students require a change or to correct an error, Course Selection Verifications will be shared with students after the March Break. This will be their opportunity to correct any errors.
More details to follow after the March Break, during the week of Mar 23, 2026 .
POSTSECONDARY NEWS
A reminder to parents/guardians and students that most Ontario Colleges and Universities host Open Houses during the March Break.
We encourage grade 10, 11 and 12 students to discover more and/or confirm their choices.
Please check the Google Classroom for previous and more information about postsecondary information.
PATHWAY PLANNING
Grade 11 Pathway Planning Assembly - Degree Panel
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Period 3
This informative and engaging Degree Panel will host representatives from various Ontario Colleges, including Centennial, George Brown, Georgian, Humber, Seneca and Sheridan.
Schools will present an overview of what Colleges/Polytechnics are all about with a specific focus on their college-university Degree Programs.
They will cover how they teach, types of programs, what classes are like, services available to students, pathway opportunities and steps of the application process.
Time will be provided at the end for students to connect with each representative and ask more questions. Post-Secondary pamphlets and some giveaways will be provided.
THE CENTRE FOR BLACK STUDENT EXCELLENCE
Understanding and Navigating the Education System : Families of YRDSB Black Students - Virtual Information Session
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Virtually
Please refer to the flyer below for more information:
Families, parents, caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meetings where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools.
Agenda : Summer Programming in YRDSB and Community
- Inclusion Activity
- Presentation on YRDSB Summer Programs and Community Programs from NACCA, MACCA and YRAACC
- Upcoming Programs and Events
- Question and Answer Session
Please register to receive the virtual link for this meeting.
Let us come together to empower our students and build a stronger community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Contact
For more information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
Please check the Google Classroom for ongoing opportunities.
Community Involvement - New Update From The Ministry Of Education
If students go above and beyond their volunteer work during high school, they can earn a Minister's Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when they graduate. This new certificate celebrates their dedication to helping others and for completing more than 50 volunteer hours during high school.
Please refer to photo sent in the bi-weekly bulletin to families.
If students would like to submit hours beyond the 40 required, they have the opportunity to do this asap.
Grade 12 students: A firm deadline of April 1, 2026 is required in order to order the certificates for graduation. Please plan accordingly.
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.
Community News
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario
Free webinar series for parents/caregivers: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario
School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side Learning Hub. This series is designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.
This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:
✅ balanced device use
✅ vaping
✅ body image
✅ anxiety
The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can share ahead of the webinar, so even more practical guidance is offered.
📅 Sessions run March to June
We warmly welcome all parents and caregivers to participate in this informative series.
Please see the flyer below for more information :
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario
Want to know more about how to support your child's well-being?
Free webinar series for parents and caregivers
Join us for conversations on important mental health and substance use health topics identified by parents/caregivers in Ontario.
4 webinars/Subject matter experts/ Q & A
Webinar 1 - March 5: Conversations about balanced device use
Webinar 2 - April 10: Conversations about vaping
Webinar 3 - May 7: Conversations about body image
Webinar 4 - June 5: Conversations about anxiety
Community News
York Region REP March Break Volleyball Camp
Date: March 16-20
OVA CERTIFIED COACHES /*FREE T-SHIRT*
Full Day 9 AM - 4 PM - $325
Half Day 9 AM - 12 PM / 1 PM - 4 PM - $250
Who It's For : Players Ages 10 - 15 with competitive or school experience, ideal for current rep or school athletes
What To Expect :
- High Intensity Reps & Drills
- Advanced Skills & Game IQ Development
- Position-Specific Coaching
- Competitive Game Play
Register Online : www.yorkregionsports.ca
Age & Locations
10 - 12 Holy Jubilee CES - 400 St. Joan of Arc, Maple
13 - 15 St. Charles Garnier CES - 16 Castle Rock Dr, Richmond Hill
JF & CS - 1 Family, 2 Homes
A program for parents and children experiencing separation and divorce.
Sessions for Parents Will Include :
- Tips for keeping kids out of conflict
- Learn how to actively listen to your kids
- Impact of separation and divorce on children
Sessions for Children Will Include:
- "Do other children going through divorce feel the same way I do?"
- "How do I make myself feel better?"
- The myths about divorce
In this six-week program, parents and children will participate in separate, concurrently run groups. Children will be placed in age-appropriate groups.
$150 for one parent or $200 for one parent and child
6 sessions beginning Tuesday April 14, 2026 6:30 - 8:00 pm at JCC Campus, Lipa Green Centre 4600 Bathurst St. North York
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
Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : February 9 to February 20, 2026 regarding the following flyer:
JF & CS - High Conflict Divorce
Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : January 26 to February 6, 2026 regarding the following flyers:
YRPH Flu Season Parent Letter
JF & CS - Parenting for Caregivers of Children 7 - 12 Years of Age
Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : December 15 to January 2, 2026 regarding the following flyers:
YRES Camps 2026
JF&CS - Parenting For caregivers of children 13 - 18 years of age
Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : November 3 to November 14, 2025 regarding the following flyers:
Café EXTRA Ordinaire