Bi Weekly Bulletin : September 14 to September 25, 2026

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Members: 

On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to welcome both our returning families and those joining our school community to the 2026-2027 school year. It has been lovely seeing our hallways and classrooms buzzing again and I know staff and students alike are looking forward to a remarkable year of growth, achievement and connection. 

The Community Bulletin will be shared with families bi-weekly; it is our primary way to share news, events and important information to support student success, achievement and opportunities. 

We were very excited to host our newest students during their dedicated Grade 9 Orientation Day and it was great meeting many of our new families during the Parent Meeting. 

Last week our students also engaged in the Club Fair which highlighted the cocurricular groups from clubs, councils and teams. Encouraging your child to join at least one opportunity is a fantastic way to fluid community and leadership skills. 

A reminder to families that school Start-Up Forms are to be submitted by this Friday, September 18th. Please also log into School Cash Online to submit the annual school fees which support the student activities throughout the year. 

I hope to meet many of you at our first School Meeting of the year which will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 pm in the Learning Commons. Information on nomination forms is attached to this bulletin as a separate attachment. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making our school a dynamic, engaging and rewarding environment for every student. Wishing everyone a successful year ahead. 

Ms. N. Gymnopoulous

Principal 

School News

Friendly Reminder : Back-to-School Start-Up Permission Forms Due

Dear parents/guardians, 

Please complete the annual back-to-school forms for each of your children as soon as possible. 

How to Complete:

• Family Dashboard: Log in at family.yrdsb.ca, click the arrow next to your child's name, select Back-to-School Forms, and choose your language. 
• Online Alternate: Complete them at startupforms.yrdsb.ca using your child's student number.
• Paper Copies: Contact the main office if you prefer paper forms or need assistance. 

Note for Secondary Students: Secondary Students must review key policies and can complete the secondary student form at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca/students. They will also receive the link in their student GAPPS account. 

Thank you for helping us keep student records up to date!

For additional help, visit the Board website under Family Resources (click on the "Need Help" link) for Back-to-School Forms. 

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 instructional 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.

Langstaff Secondary School Daily Bell Schedule

The school day at LSS starts at 8:25 a.m., and we suggest that all students arrive by 8:15 a.m. so they can visit their lockers and get organized for the day before period one starts at 8:25 a.m. Students should be in their classroom just before 8:25 a.m., when the period 1 bell rings. 

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 completed and signed by their parent/guardian. 

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. 

Communication with Home

At Langstaff SS, we offer several methods of communication to share information on a regular basis with our parents/guardians. A calendar of school events and our Bi-Weekly New Bulletin are emailed to families and posted on our school website. 

We also provide daily attendance reports to parents/guardians every day. In order to provide you with up-to-date attendance reports and other information, we request that all parents/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 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.) 

School Council 

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 first meeting for the 2026-2027 school year will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, at 7:00 pm. Elections will be held at our first meeting. Nomination form is attached with this Parent Bulletin.

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

1. Tuesday, September 22, 2026
2. Tuesday, October 13, 2026
3. Monday, November 16, 2026
4. Tuesday, February 16, 2027
5. Monday, May 17, 2027

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.

Portugal School Trip - 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.orrlowsky@yrdsb.ca

Guidance News

Welcome from the Guidance Department!

Welcome back to a new school year! 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. 

At the beginning of the school year, there may be times when we are managing a high volume of requests and appointments. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work through requests and prioritize students based on their individual needs and timelines. 

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

Wishing everyone a wonderful, successful, and positive school year ahead! 

Timetable & Course Change Requests

Students were emailed on September 4th with important information and instructions on how to submit a Timetable & Course Change Request. 

If your child requires a timetable change, please ensure that they review the email and complete the request form following the instructions provided by Monday, September 14, 9 am. 

Please keep in mind that not all timetable changes are possible. Changes depend on course availability, class sizes, and where courses are scheduled within the timetable. 

To ensure that we are supporting students with the greatest academic need, priority will be given to students who are missing compulsory courses required for graduation. 

Please note that we are unable to accommodate requests based on teacher preference, requests for spares, or requests to change semesters. A change from one period to another does not affect the course itself, and we will make adjustments where possible when an appropriate section is available. 

Night School Information

Night School Registration Now Open on My Pathway Planner

Students who need or are interested in a course that is not available at LSS can register for a course for Remote Night School offered by the YRDSB.

The Remote Night School program is delivered synchronously (Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:30 pm - 9:45 pm) with an in-person exam in January at a secondary school in Aurora. 

More information about this program, courses offered, and how to register using My Pathway Planner is available on the YRDSB board website and in the Guidance google classrooms. Registration for Remote Night School is from August 24 - September 14, 2026, on My Pathway Planner. 

Classes run from September 22, 2026 to January 21, 2027 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm - 9:45 pm. 

Please note that these courses are intended for courses not available in your day school. 

Upcoming Events - Grades 10, 11, 12

Join Us at the Ontario Universities' Fair: September 26 - 27, 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

Student Success News

Hello to the Langstaff Community, 

Welcome back! It is my pleasure to be the Student Success teacher at Langstaff while Ms.Starkman is on leave.

This week, we've been working hard to welcome back our students, adjust to the new Student Success room and assist students with their schedules and other needs. 

We will be continuing the Healthy Snack program this year and today, Friday we are having the Clubs and Teams' Fair at lunch in order to inform students of the many activities we will be running this year at school. 

It is important for students to get involved in extracurricular activities to make the most of their time in high school, meet new friends and foster a sense of belonging. 

Thank you, 

Ms. Burley

Library Commons News

Tuesday, September 8th was Grade 9 day, and the Langstaff Library Learning Commons was thrilled to welcome all grade 9 bears during our library workshop! Students had the opportunity to get to know each other and learn about our library space through our "Find someone who has ..." BINGO. 

They also participated in a practice "how to open your lock" activity in preparation for the lockers they have been assigned, a student even set a record after opening their lock in just 14 seconds! We wish all our bears an exciting and rewarding school year ahead and look forward to meeting with them again in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for more library updates!

Community News 

JF & CS Family Services: Groups & Workshops FALL 2026

Jewish Family and Child Services (JF&CS) is a multi-service agency supporting individuals, children, and families in the Jewish community and beyond through more than 30 programs across the GTA. Groups and workshops are offered In-Person and via Zoom. Registration is required; see individual listings for details. Many of the workshops are free while others offer sliding scale fees for eligible participants. 

FAMILY SERVICES SUPPORT & RESOURCES GROUPS:

Jewish Rainbow Alliance In Partnership With PJCC And VJCC (SRC) - Monthly Group Meetings

Drop-in support groups for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Available at two locations. 

Monthly Sessions - Registration Required

Vaughan JCC (SRC) - September 10,  October 8, November 12, December 10 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Miles Nadal JCC - September 9, October 7, November 11, December 9 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Roots, Ruach, & Resilience - For Jewish middle and high school students

Connecting youth, their families, and community to help build Jewish pride, togetherness and well-being. This program will touch on mental health, wellness and cultural identity coupled with fun programming including: games and activities, expressive art and community connection. 

4 sessions - Free - In Person

For TDSB: Contact JF&CS Intake to request a group. 

For YRDSB: Contact your school administrator to request a group. 

Parenting Children With ADHD

This psychoeducational group helps parents better understand how ADHD affects their child's behavior, while learning practical, evidence-based strategies to support executive functioning, emotional regulation, and everyday success. 

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - 6 sessions - Free - On Zoom

Parenting Workshop - For parents and caregivers of children ages 7 - 12 years old

Learn essential tools to reduce power struggles, foster calm communication and problem-solving, and build confidence in managing challenging behaviours —  supporting a more cooperative family environment. 

Contact Intake to be placed on the waitlist - 6 sessions - Free - On Zoom

Parenting Workshop - For parents and caregivers of children ages 13 - 18 years old

Build skills in parent-teen communication, conflict management, and setting realistic expectations. Explore peer pressure, substance use, dating, sexuality, and the importance of youth mental well-being. 

Contact Intake to be placed on the waitlist - 6 sessions - Free- On Zoom

BECAUSE YOU MATTER

Gain practical tools and skills to recognize, communicate with, and support adults in your community who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Designed for anyone who works with or engages adults (25+), including group and spiritual leaders, educators, social workers, community staff, peer supporters, and others interested in making a meaningful difference. 

Participants will: 

• Recognize, understand, and respond to adults experiencing mental health challenges
• Engage in supportive, non-judgmental conversations and understand the distinction between mental wellness and mental illness
• Build confidence in identifying signs of mental distress and supporting appropriate next steps
• Strengthen knowledge of practical skills and resources to support adult mental health

Contact Shirley Shedletsky at SShedletsky@jfandcs.com to book a workshop 

BECAUSE YOUTH MATTER - For adults who interact and/or work with youth and young adults ages 12-24 years old

Gain practical tools and skills to recognize, communicate with, and support youth (ages 12-24)  in your community who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Designed for adults who work with or engage youth – such as youth group and spiritual leaders, camp staff, educators, social workers, community agency staff, peer supporters, and anyone committed to supporting young people's well-being. 

Participants will: 

• Engage in supportive, non-judgmental conversations and understand the distinction 

      between mental wellness and mental illness

• Build confidence in recognizing signs of mental distress in young people and supporting 

  appropriate next steps

• Strengthen your knowledge of practical skills and resources to effectively support youth mental health

Contact Shirley Shedletsky at SShedletsky@jfandcs.com to book a workshop

Changing Family Groups & Workshops: 

(Sliding scale fees available for eligible participants)

Looking Ahead - Life After Separation

Navigate life's transitions with support and confidence in this engaging weekly program. Explore ways to cope with change, manage feelings of anger or loss, and address loneliness while building a fulfilling new routine. 

Starting : Wednesday, October, 28, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - 6 sessions - On Zoom

Successful Step Parenting 

Designed to reduce isolation for blended families navigating complex dynamics. Participants connect with others, share experiences, and gain practical strategies to strengthen relationships and build realistic expectations for a cohesive family. 

Starting : Thursday November 5, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - 4 sessions - On Zoom

Mastering Your Separation 

This supportive group explores the challenges of separation, including emotional triggers, self-worth, and self-awareness. Learn practical strategies for emotional regulation, clearer and more constructive communication, and building a grounded sense of self. Gain insight into different perspectives, develop a personalized mindfulness toolkit, and better understand the distinction between legal and emotional separation. 

Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, 2026 - 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

High Conflict Divorce

A workshop for parents seeking strategies to manage high-conflict situations and reduce their impact on children. This workshop is not suitable for individuals in abusive situations. 

Monday, November 16, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - On Zoom

1 Family 2 Homes - For parents and children ages 5 - 13 years old 

Designed for families navigating separation or divorce. Parents and children participate in separate groups that run at the same time, with children placed in age-appropriate Sessions. 

Starting: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm  - 6 sessions 

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre

Family Violence And Relationship Wellness: 

Here To Help

A psychoeducational group for children, teens, and their mothers to begin healing from experiences of domestic violence in a safe and supportive environment. 

Starting : October 2026 - 8 sessions

JF & CS - Parenting Children with ADHD

This 6-week psychoeducational group is designed for parents of children with ADHD who want to better understand how ADHD affects their child's behaviour. 

Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support executive functioning and emotional regulation, reduce everyday challenges, and build on your child's strengths. Connect with other parents in a supportive environment while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support your child.

6 sessions beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm via Zoom 

Registration Required - Cost: Free

JF & CS - Rebuilding After Spousal Loss — Ages 50 - 69 

For men and women, ages 50-69, who have lost a spouse or partner within the last 5-24 months. 

To provide participants with an opportunity to explore within a safe and supportive environment, withdrawing their emotional energy from their grief and reinvesting it in other areas of their lives, such as relationships and/or activities. To give participants educational material and strategies that focus on rebuilding and help them to move forward. 

Objectives:

• To understand and normalize rebuilding one's life while managing other aspects of the grieving process
• To provide a mutually supportive setting that enables participants to examine their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours
• To help participants find new meaning and foster an environment to live purposefully while rebuilding

8 In Person Sessions from Wednesday September 23 - November 25, 2026 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

4600 Bathurst St. – Lipa Green Centre 

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

The Jewish Rainbow Alliance

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

Free - Pre-registration is required 

For more information, please contact Shirley Shedletsky at 416-638-7800, ext. 6260 and register online at https://srcpjcc.clubautomation.com/ for the SRC and https://www.mnjcc.org/ for the MNJCC

Please register for each session individually.

Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spanida Ave, Toronto) from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on the following Wednesdays : 

September 9, October 7, November 11, December 9

Schwartz/Reisman Centre (9600 Bathurst St, Vaughan) from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on the following Thursdays : 

September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10