Welcome to Dr. J. M. Denison Secondary School.
Our school is a place where students, staff and families feel connected and work together to create a welcoming environment.
We want every student to feel a sense of joy, connection and opportunity when they walk through our doors. At Denison, we focus on helping students build strong connections and meet their full potential.
We offer a variety of courses, programs and extra-curricular activities that let students explore their interests, gain skills and experience, and build community. We are also a 1:1 school, which means each student uses a device to support their learning in the building.
Our school mascot, the Husky, reflects the spirit of our community: resilient, hard-working and loyal.
Dr. Denison
Dr. J.M. Denison S.S. is named after Dr. John Michael Denison.
Dr. Denison was a witty and ambitious doctor who was much loved and respected in and around the Newmarket area. His generosity and outstanding work with teenagers inspired the community to name the school after him, an honour seldom bestowed on a living person.
Hear From Our Students
Our School and Facilities
Dr. J.M. Denison S.S. opened in 1989, with additions placed on the original school in 1991.
We offer state-of-the-art learning spaces, including dedicated Art spaces, technology wing, an outdoor track with astro-turf field, a library and cafeteria, and much more. A child-care centre, Denison Child Care Centre, is also part of our campus, operated by Denison Child Care Centre.
Classrooms
Our well-equipped classrooms support hands-on and experiential learning across all subject areas, including
- science labs (biology, chemistry, physics)
- robotics and technology spaces that houses our robotics program
- dedicated arts spaces
- computer labs
- industrial kitchen that houses our hospitality program
- woodworking and construction shops
- full computer labs
- and more
The Arts
Students have many opportunities to participate in the Arts through courses and extracurricular Our dedicated arts spaces include:
- a drama stage
- a music room where students can participate in guitar, vocal and band programs
- photography and visual arts labs
Technological Studies Wing
Our state-of-the art technological studies wing gives students access to practical learning experiences with educators with backgrounds in the fields they teach. Facilities include:
- Construction and woodworking labs
- Fashion and sewing lab that houses our fashion program
- Design and technological lab that houses our robotics program
- Communications technology room
- Kitchen that houses our hospitality program
- Family studies lab
Health and Wellness
Student health and well‑being is an important part of life at Denison. Our health and wellness facilities include:
- A full gymnasium
- a well-equipped weight room
- an outdoor track and astro-turf field
Frequently Asked Questions
Parent(s)/guardian(s)/students age 18 and older, and students who have declared their independence, must report all absences, late arrivals and/or changes to departure plans to the school in a timely manner. Where possible, notify in advance by calling the school at (905)836-0021 and leaving a message on the answering machine or emailing the school at dr.j.m.denison.ss@yrdsb.ca.
Contact the Guidance Office after your child has been ill for at least 3 days. The secretary will co-ordinate the collection of work from his/her teachers. Please allow the teacher 24 hours to put the work together. 905-836-0021 ext. 126.
An automated call/email will go home to notify parents/guardians of any absences or lates that haven’t been approved. This call/email will also help as a reminder to guardians to please notify the school for any absences. An automated call/email will also go out at the end of the day for absences and lates that haven’t been excused for the day.
If a student has been marked absent because they were late in error, they should speak with their teacher to have it revised.
Extended Absence Form
If your student is going to be absent from school for three or more consecutive days an Extended Absence Form should be picked up from the Main Office. The student will take the form to each teacher to document the work and\or assignments they are responsible for during the time of the absence. The form is to be signed by the student and the parent(s)\guardian(s) and then returned to the Main Office. The form will be reviewed and signed by the Vice Principal. The attendance system is also updated accordingly. The student should pick up the form at least one week prior to the first day of their absence.
Please have your child pick up a green attendance absence form from the Attendance office, and ask each teacher to fill in what work needs to be completed. Once all teachers and a parent have signed the form, please return it to the Attendance office.
Exams are held in January and June. Details will be shared with students and families.
If school buses are cancelled Board wide due to weather conditions, exams from that day will be written on an alternate date.