Bi Weekly Bulletin : October 13 to October 23, 2026

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Members:

We hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend. This evening we have our School Council Meeting at 7:00 pm in the Learning Commons. This is an opportunity to hear about what is happening at Langstaff SS and to provide your input. Nomination forms are still being accepted and the election will take place during tonight's meeting. We encourage families to attend. 

On Thursday, October 15, we will be hosting our International Baccalaureate Programme Information Night and Open House. If you have a child who will be entering high school in the next few years, you are welcome to attend to find out more about this internationally recognized program. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews will be coming up on October 22nd. From 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm, teachers will be in the Learning Commons for a Meet-and-Greet, and interviews will begin at 7:00 pm. Please follow the steps outlined below to book your appointments. If there is a specific teacher that you would like to meet and there are no appointments available, please reach out to the teacher directly to make alternative arrangements. 

If you have not yet had a chance to visit School CashOnline to pay for the Student Activity Fee, please do so as it is an important source of funding for our student activities. Our goal is to provide the best experiences for our students, and the Student Activity Fee helps to support that. 

We look forward to connecting with families over the next few weeks, whether it's at School Council, IB Information Night, or at Parent-Teacher Interviews. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration. 

Ms. Gymnopoulos

Principal

School News

Very Important Reminder to Families Regarding Back-to-School Start-Up Permission Forms Completion 

Reminder to Families: If you have not already done so, please use the link below to complete this school year's Permission Forms for your child/children. 

Here is the Link: startupforms.yrdsb.ca using your child's student number.

For Paper Copies: Contact the main office, and we will send forms home with your child.

Student at the Age of Majority Consent Form

Once a student turns 18, it becomes more complicated for 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 Student at the Age of Majority Form. This form can be obtained from the Main Office. 

For any student who has not submitted this 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. 

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 in 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. You can print and complete the forms below as appropriate to your child and bring them to the main office: 

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis Health Care Plan

Asthma - Asthma Health Care Plan

Diabetes - Diabetes Health Care Plan

Epilepsy/ Seizure Disorder - Epilepsy Health Care Plan

Health Care (Other) -   Health Care (Other) Plan

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 Council Meetings

We encourage parents and/or guardians to become involved in the School Council. This will provide great opportunities to become an active and informed part of your child's school. 

The following are the 2026-2027 School Year School Council Meeting Dates.

Meetings start at 7:00 pm and are held in the Library. 

1. Tuesday, October 13, 2026
2. Monday, November 16, 2026
3. Tuesday, February 16, 2027
4. Monday, May 17, 2027

Parents' Night: Thursday, October 22, 2026

You will have an opportunity to meet your child(ren)'s teacher(s) in person and learn more about their course(s). Parents can use TeachAssist, an online platform, to schedule a meeting time with their children's teacher(s) on Parents' Night. 

All students in our school currently have a TeachAssist account to access information associated with their class assessments. 

Parents/guardians may access appointment bookings on Monday, October 5th through TeachAssist.

Parent Portal 

• Go to https://ta.yrdsb.ca/parents.
• Enter the email address shared with the school
• Leave the password blank to set up a one-time access link, or to reset a password that you've created. 

An email will be sent with a time-limited link that will look similar to this:

Once logged in, parents/guardians will have the option to set up a password. For instructions on how to book a parent-teacher interview through TeachAssist, please click here. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our main office. 

If you have any challenges with meeting in-person on Thursday, October 22, please contact your child's teacher to make alternative arrangements for another day. 

Langstaff Administration

School Cash ONLINE

Langstaff S.S. is accepting 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 who 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 on the next page to register and get started!

Step 1: Register

a) Please go to the School Cash Online parent site: 

https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/

b) Select the "Register" button

c) 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.

a) Select the School Name from the list

b) Enter student information: Student Number and Last Name

c) Select Confirm

d) On the next page, confirm that you are related to the child, and check in the Agree box and select Continue

e) 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.

YEARBOOK - 2026-2027 School Yearbooks Are Available for Pre-Order!

From first-day smiles to big games and classroom moments, our annual yearbook preserves all the highlight-reel memories your child will treasure for years to come. 

• Price: $35
• How to Purchase: Log into School Cash Online to place your order
• Important Note: Yearbooks are available by pre-order only

Don't let your student miss out on signing day! Order your copy on School Cash Online today to guarantee their copy.

Teacher advisor : Ms. Crognale

School Trip to Portugal - 2027

Hello Langstaff Families!

We hope that the first week was off to a smooth start and wish our students much success in the new school year. 

Once again, Langstaff Secondary School has planned a fantastic European experience for our students in grades 9 to 12. 

We are very excited to announce we will be visiting Portugal from April 7th to 16th, 2027! The parent information meeting will take place on Thursday October 1st at 7 pm in the library learning commons where details about the cost, itinerary, registration and any questions you may have will be discussed. 

If you have any questions, please contact sharon.romero@yrdsb.ca.

Hope to see you there!

Please see below for more information about the trip. 

Open To Grades 9 - 12 

Trip Price - $5,590.00 per student

Travel Details 

• Round Trip Flights - Toronto Pearson to Lisbon, from Porto to Toronto 
• 1st Checked Luggage included*
• Transportation included throughout trip (bus transfers, trains, and local transit) 
• Dinners included in-country for group nightly*

Accommodation Details

• 3 or 4 star hotel accommodations in city-centre locations
• 4 night accommodation in Lisbon
• 4 night accommodation in Porto 
• No bedsharing, free wifi, and breakfast at hotels throughout trip

Trip Inclusions**

• Guided tours, admissions & experiences
• Tips, taxes & fees
• Group support throughout the trip

Trip Highlights

• City Walking Tour
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Central Mosque of Lisbon
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Fado in Chiado Show
• Aveiro Day Trip 
• Águeda Day Trip
• LX Factory
• Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue
• Obidos Chapel & Gates
• Batalha Monastery
• Alcobaca Monastery
• Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima
• Chapel of Souls
• Porto Walking Tour
• World of Discoveries
• Porto Cathedral 
• Bolsa Palace
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Estádio do Dragão
• Jardim do Morro
• Cable Car at Jardim do Morro
• Monument to the Discoveries

For more information contact: Ms Sharon Romero at sharon.romero@yrdsb.ca or Dr Neil Orlowsky neil.orlowsky@yrdsb.ca

IB Program Information Night - Thursday October 15, 2026 7:00 pm 

Experience International Baccalaureate IB Program 

The International Baccalaureate IB Programme is an internationally recognized education program that encourages students to think critically, ask questions and understand the world from different perspectives. 

Successful applicants participate in an enriched course of study during Grade 9 and 10, and begin the IB Diploma Programme in their Grade 11 year. Students work towards earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma.

The IB Diploma Programme includes: 

• Six subject areas such as languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies and the Arts
• A core program that builds skills beyond the classroom: 

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge 

Extended Essay (EE)  - an independent research project

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - learning through real-world experiences

Why IB? 

• Graduate with an OSSD and the globally recognized IB Diploma
• Develop strong critical-thinking, research, and problem-solving skills
• Learn to connect ideas across subjects
• Be encouraged to be active, compassionate, and globally minded learners

Where is the program offered? 

Students apply to the IB school that serves their home address.

Alexander Mackenzie H.S. (Richmond Hill)

Bayview S.S. (Richmond Hill) 

Dr. G.W. Williams S.S. (Aurora)

Emily Carr S.S. (Woodbridge) Candidate School

Langstaff S.S. (Richmond Hill) Candidate School

Maple H.S. (Vaughan) 

Milliken Mills H.S. (Markham) 

How and when do I apply? 

Students apply in the fall of Grade 8. The application process usually opens in October. Please visit your IB school or the Board website for more information about the application process.

Please check the School Board Locator tool on the Board website in Fall 2026 to identify your IB school and where to attend the information session. 

Learn more about the IB programme in YRDSB.

Guidance News

Welcome from the Guidance Department!

We are excited to support you as you navigate your academic journey, plan for your future, and make the most of your high school experience. 

Our Guidance Department is a small team, with one Guidance Counsellor supporting our entire school community. While our team may be small, our commitment to supporting each and every student is not. We are focused on prioritizing student needs, providing support, and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and assisted. 

We look forward to working with you, supporting your goals, and celebrating your successes throughout the year. 

FAQs

1. Where do I submit my Community Involvement? : Main Office
2. Where do I submit private school registrations and final report cards? : Please have your school email Ms. Iacoucci (not Guidance) at nadia.iacoucci@yrdsb.ca OR hand in your report cards/letters in a sealed envelope to the main office. 
3. Where do I make a Guidance Appointment?: Please login to teachassist and scroll down to the Appointment Calendar. Search the appropriate date and time - please note that appointments are released on a weekly basis. If you are in crisis, please come to Guidance. 

Upcoming Events 

Grade 12 Post Secondary Planning and Applications Presentation 

When: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026, Period 2

Where: Library Learning Commons

Who: All graduating students 

Teachers have been notified to bring their classes and students with spares have received an email invite.

What: Guidance will review important dates, share information about scholarships and other opportunities, post secondary fairs, tips, and details around the application process and next steps. 

Seneca Experience Day

Guidance and Student Success are participating in a fun day of hands-on learning at Seneca-King Campus. Students will have the opportunity to tour the campus, explore classrooms, and join hands-on workshops. At King campus sessions would be in the Veterinary, Nursing, Police, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Behavioural Sciences. 

If you are interested in joining this field trip, please see Mme. Chidiac or Ms.Burley for the permission form.

Date: Dec 2, 2026, full day

There is no cost to students! :)

2026-27 YRDSB LOCAL POST-SECONDARY FAIRS

Explore your options, Meet representatives, Plan your next steps 

SAVE THE DATES!

October 14 - Unionville High School 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - In partnership with Markville Secondary School & Bill Crothers Secondary School

October 22 - King City Secondary School 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - For King Secondary School, Aurora High School, Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, St. Max & Sacred Heart

October 26 - Thornhill Secondary School 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 

October 29 - Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - For Newmarket-area schools: Sir William Mulock, Newmarket High School, Huron Heights High School & Sacred Heart High School

October 29 - Middlefield Collegiate Institute 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - In partnership with Milliken Mills High School

November 5 - Maple High School - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - In partnership with Hodan Nayaleh Secondary School, Stephen Lewis Secondary School & Westmount Collegiate Institute

November 12 - Emily Carr High School - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - In partnership with Woodbridge College & Tommy Douglas Secondary School

November 12 - Bayview Secondary School - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - In partnership with Alexander Mackenzie High School, Langstaff Secondary School, Richmond Green Secondary School & Richmond Hill High School

Save, Share, Plan Ahead

Check with your school's Guidance Department for additional post-secondary planning support.

Student Success News

Homework Space: Room 128 "Student Success" is open on Fridays at lunch for students to complete their homework and assignments with access to a Chromebook and support. 

Extra Help & Homework Space 

Mondays @ LUNCH : Peer Tutoring Room 123

Tuesdays @ LUNCH : Science Tutoring Room 230

Wednesdays @ LUNCH : Math Tutoring Room 164, Science Tutoring Room 230

Thursdays @ LUNCH : Science Tutoring Room 230, Peer Tutoring Room 123

Thursdays AFTER SCHOOL : Math Tutoring Room 161

Fridays @ LUNCH : Homework Space in Student Success Room 128

Assessment Completion Day: Our first Assessment Completion Day will take place today, Friday, October 9th, for students who have missed a test during class time in any period. This is a second opportunity for students to attain success after missing a test in their class. 

Healthy Snack Program: Our healthy snack program is very popular. Students can come by before first period and before lunch to access a healthy snack. 

Communication: Please join the Guidance and Student Success Google Classroom for leadership opportunities, information about volunteering and scholarships for post-secondary education. The class link is https://classroom.google.com/c/NjcxOTQwNzYzNDFa?cjc=4rjwryf and the code is 4rjwryf.

Co-op Education News

Cooperative Education Spotlight: Real-World Career Learning

Our Cooperative Education (Co-op) students are currently gaining hands-on professional experience across a wide range of industries in our local community. Through these immersive placements, students are applying classroom concepts to practical environments, developing essential workplace skills, and exploring potential career pathways.

Where Our Students Are Gaining Experience: 

• Legal & Real Estate: Interning at local law firms and real estate brokerages, students assist with client intake, document preparation, professional marketing, and office management operations. 
• Healthcare & Wellness: At pharmacies, dental clinics, and health clinics, students observe professional care standards, learn administrative procedures, and gain insight into medical and patient operations. 
• Business & Retail: Working alongside professionals in corporate business environments and retail management, students build skills in customer service, inventory systems, team communication, and digital operations.
• Education & Childcare: Supporting teachers in elementary schools, students mentor young learners, assist with classroom management, and gain direct leadership experience. 
• Hospitality & Culinary Arts: Placed in local restaurants, students learn commercial kitchen standards, front-of-house operations, team coordination, and customer relations under peak business conditions. 

Skill Development & Growth: Beyond sector-specific knowledge, all Co-op students are sharpening core employability skills—including problem-solving, professional communication, adaptability, and time management. 

A sincere thank you to all our community supervisors and partner organizations for providing these invaluable learning opportunities for our students!

Student Spotlight: Real-World Professional Experience Grade

Sophia recently gained valuable hands-on business experience representing Fridmar Professional Corporation at the Toronto Fall Home Show at the Enercare Centre. During the event, Sophia actively networked across the floor, connecting with local businesses to explain the firm's core legal services. Working alongside team members at the event booth, Sophia helped manage operations and engage with the public, sharpening both independent networking skills and professional teamwork capabilities. 

SHSM Update: Taking Learning to New Heights with Treetop Trekking

Our SHSM students recently took their learning to new heights during an exciting day of experiential learning at Treetop Trekking!

• Personal Growth & Resilience: Students stepped out of their comfort zones, conquered personal fears, and built confidence while navigating challenging aerial courses. 
• Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Working together high above the forest floor, students communicated, encouraged one another, and strengthened key leadership skills. 
• Industry Certifications: Participating students successfully completed training to earn two elective SHSM sector certifications, adding impressive formal qualifications to their high school resumes.

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