Bi Weekly Bulletin : November 17 to November 28, 2025

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Partners:

We have just about reached the halfway point of the first semester. It is truly remarkable how many incredible things go on in this school.  It is nice to see both the staff and the students engaged in teaching and learning each and every day. 

November is a time of reflection and remembrance. Last week, we acknowledged Holocaust Education Week. To do this, we had most of our Grade 10 students visit the Tour for Humanity Bus. Approximately 120 students were able to attend an in-school field trip on the bus to learn about the Holocaust and begin the conversation on why such atrocities were able to take place. This is of utmost importance at this time in our world. Special thanks to Ms. Romero for organizing this Holocaust Education event. 

For Remembrance Day, all LSS students attended a Remembrance Day Assembly to recognize the importance of November 11th in Canada’s History.  Mr. Barrow, Ms. Taylor, and Ms. Burley worked with our amazing Drama and Music students to develop and then perform a very impactful Remembrance Day assembly. This assembly included music, dance, poetry, theatre, and meaningful formalities. It was clear that our students found the variety and content of the information meaningful and relevant to their lives and their learning. Huge thanks to our wonderful staff for taking the lead and organizing this event. Most importantly, thanks to our talented LSS students who worked very hard to create this event for their friends and peers.

Last week, we hosted our Open House for all Grade 8 students and their families. We had an amazing turnout and loved meeting our future Langstaff families.Our attendees asked very good questions, and the enthusiasm was contagious. Our LSS staff and students did an outstanding job of highlighting LSS and all our wonderful attributes. We look forward to working with these Grade 8 students and their families over the next few months to get everyone ready to come to High School. 

If you have any issues or concerns, please feel free to connect with us – we always like to hear from you! 

Ms. S. Epstein 

Principal 

School News

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test will take place on Thursday, November 27th during period 1 and period 3 in the library. Students who are writing the literacy test have been informed, and parents/guardians have also been sent an email. If students or families have questions, they can reach out to their teacher or guidance counsellor. 

School Start-Up Forms – Completing Online

Families who have not yet completed the important ONLINE School Start-Up Permission form are urged to complete this form. 

Here is the link: https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca/

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.

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.

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

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.

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 

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:

· Halloween pumpkin carving competition

· Global Bears orientation

· 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. 

How to make a Guidance Appointment: 

1. Students will log in to TeachAssist
2. Please plan accordingly to ensure you do not have an in-class
   assessment
3. Book with your alpha counsellor
4. If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, click "cancel."
5. Appointments are released on a weekly basis
6. 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
7. 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. 

Post-Secondary Information

Please check the Google Classroom for previous and more information.

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

School News

From the CO-OP Department

My Co-Op Experience at SickKids Hospital 

Hi! My name is Lya, and I'm a grade 11 co-op student in SHSM for Health and Wellness and currently completing my placement at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Cardiovascular Department! During my placement, I get hands-on experience in the surgical research lab that focuses on congenital heart surgery. Every day brings something new, whether I'm helping prepare 3D-printed heart models, learning about the anatomy of the human body, or observing surgical innovations that are shaping the future of medicine. It's an incredible opportunity to learn directly from professionals who are so passionate about what they do. 

This co-op has given me a real-world understanding of how science and healthcare connect, far beyond what can be taught in a classroom. This experience has changed how I see my future in science and medicine, and I've developed skills I know will guide me through university and beyond. 

What I love about the co-op program is that it's for anyone eager to learn through experience. Whether you're interested in business, technology, trades, education, healthcare, or more, co-op helps you discover what you love (and sometimes what you don't!). 

Hoping to see you in the co-op classroom!

Warmly, 

Lya Reyes

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

Grad Pictures

Dear Graduating Parents/Guardians, 

Graduation photos for Langstaff will take place from November 24 to November 28, and then from December 8 to December 12, by appointment only. 

Bookings are now open. Please refer to the flyer below for detailed information on how to book your appointment and how to prepare for the session. 

All appointments must be made through the Pegasus website:
www.pegasus-si.com.

Payment for the session fee is required at the time of booking; please note that cash payments are not accepted. 

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide a 24-hour notice. You can reschedule by emailing info@pegasus-si.com or
by calling 800-461-6575.

Please note that this information has also been shared with the grade 12 graduating students via their school email addresses. 

Thank you.

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

Library Commons

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 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

Grade 10-12 Students : Explore McMaster University Program

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 

Wednesday, November 12, 2025  

Faculty of Humanities: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, DeGroote School of Business: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Arts & Science Program: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Faculty of Engineering: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Faculty of Social Sciences: 5:00pm - 6:00 pm, Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Studies: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm 

Wednesday,  November 26, 2025 

Faculty of Science: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Faculty of Health Sciences: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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! 

Tim Horton's Smile Cookie Campaign November 17th-23rd

Holiday Smile Cookie

NOT YOUR AVERAGE COOKIE

The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie isn't just baked to taste good — it's baked to make a difference. Every purchase helps fund student nutrition programs. Let's give all children a chance to focus on learning, not hunger, by buying a box (or more) of cookies. 100% of proceeds are donated.  

One box of Holiday Smile Cookies = 12 breakfasts served!  November 17-23, 2025  At all Tim Hortons restaurants located in Vaughan and Richmond Hill

DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 23,500 children live in a food-insecure household in York Region? 

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/node/133

Please fill out a registration form by December 1, 2025.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to Blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca

JF&CS - The Jewish Rainbow Alliance

A monthly support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ individuals

Cost: Free 

Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register online, please visit srcpjcc.clubautomation.com

Schwarz/Reisman Centre from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on the following Thursdays: December 11, 2025

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. 

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

JF&CS - Mastering Your Separation, Successful Step-Parenting, High Conflict Divorce

YSSN - What's Next? Life After High School Fall 2025, Transition Planning Resource Days July 2025 - January 2026

C.I.C.E. & CVP College Presentations 

Café EXTRA Ordinaire