Bi Weekly Bulletin : September 28 to October 9, 2026

A Message from your Administrators

Dear Langstaff Families and Community Members:

The school year is off to a busy start. While students are engaging in exciting new learning opportunities in the classroom with things like Grade 9 Science classes testing rotocopters to French classes focusing on speaking skills through collaboration, teachers are also engaging in professional learning opportunities through the International Baccalaureate program. 

Teachers are planning experiential learning; for example, students in the Autism class are going Apple Picking next week, and students in the SHSM program have an opportunity to go Tree-Top Trekking this week. Our annual Club Fair highlighted lots of cocurricular opportunities, including Student Council Elections for grade 9 students, clubs, councils and athletics. We encourage all students to get involved and explore their interests. 

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. 

Langstaff's Student Council will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 pm in the Learning Commons. Please consider nominating yourself for a position on this year's Council. Nomination forms are included below. 

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 

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

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. 

The school's daily timetable is as follows: 

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. 

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.orrlowsky@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. 

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

Timetable & Course Change Requests

All Timetable Course Change Requests have been processed. Timetable changes for semester 1 have closed. A window to make changes to semester 2 will be shared at a later date. 

Upcoming Events - Grades 10, 11 and 12

The Ontario Universities' Fair: September 26-27, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, daily, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

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

Students are welcome to work in Student Success throughout the day with permission from their teacher after the lesson has been taught. They will then return to class with a signed form and discuss the work completed in Student Success with their teacher. The Snack Program is back with healthy choices provided before period 1 and during lunch. The Student Success room is available at lunch on Fridays for students to complete their homework in a warm and welcoming environment. 

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

Library Commons News

Great news! 

In collaboration with the Social Cubs, Wellness Wednesdays will be happening in the library learning commons during lunch on the first Wednesday of each month, starting on Wednesday, October 7. 

Join us for board games, puzzles, trivia, maker space activities, and more! 

You are welcome to bring your lunch, but you must clean up!

Community News

Please refer to the Bi Weekly Bulletin : September 14 to September 25, 2026 regarding the following flyers: 

JF & CS Family Services : Groups & Workshops Fall 2026

JF & CS - Parenting Children with ADHD

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

JF & CS - The Jewish Rainbow Alliance