Athletic Council
The Athletic Council is hosting a Flag Football buy-in during Period 5 on May 7th. Tickets are sold for $3.00 to watch and $5.00 to play.
Students can purchase tickets on April 22-24 and April 30-May 1 at “The Den” during periods 2, 3, and 4.
Students can also compete in a 4X100m relay race at half-time for $4.00.
Students that purchase Buy-in tickets must attend their Period 5 class on May 7th for attendance and to pickup ticket.
Show Your Spirit!
April 29: School Colours Day!
Deck yourself out in Black, Grey, or White.
Exams
Please note the exam schedule was created to accommodate Grade 9 EQAO scheduling requirements as well as Grade 12 marks reporting timelines in preparation for graduation on June 24, 2026.
The semester two examination period will occur June 17 -June 23. T
June 16 – Period 3 - Grade 12 courses and grade 12 students in a grade 9-11 period 3 courses.
June 17 – Period 1 (Grades 9-12)
June 18 – Period 2 (Grades 9-12)
June 19 – Period 4 (Grades 9-12)
June 22 – Period 5 (Grades 9-12)
June 23 – Period 3 (Grades 9-11)
June 24 – Exam Review Day/Promotion Meetings
Husky News
Our spring sports are getting ready for games to start in the coming weeks. Come out to support our Huskies in their home openers!
Girls Soccer - Monday April 27th vs Newmarket HS at 3:45 pm
Flag Football - Tuesday May 5th at 9 am, 12:40 pm and 3:10 pm
Ultimate Frisbee - Thursday May 7th at 3:30 pm and 4:30
Track and Field North Qualifier at Denison - Wednesday May 13th
For more information on schedules and results, visit YRAA.com and follow Denison_Athletics on Instagram.
Denison's Coffeehouse and Art Show - May 6th
The Denison Music Council is hosting its annual Coffeehouse and Art Show on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm in the school cafeteria. Tickets will be available at the door or during lunch in the main foyer for $5.00. We will have a wonderful display of student art work and a great line up of musical acts to entertain people of all ages! We will also be serving complimentary hot and cold beverages and delicious baked treats prepared by our hospitality classes. Come out and support Denison's talented students and the Music Council.
Denison Music Spring Concert - May 25th
The Music Department is proud to present SOUNDS OF SPRING 2026. Our annual spring concert will be held on Monday, May 25th at 7:30pm at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre. This concert will feature the grade 10-12 guitar class, Jazz Band, Denison Singers, the Concert Band and the Wind Ensemble.
Music students will be participating in a rehearsal at the theatre during the day on May 25th.
Reserved tickets for this concert will be available on April 27th through the theatre box office for $15.00/adults and $12.00/students, seniors and children. Use this link to access the online box office. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear the “Sounds of Spring” from our talented Denison musicians!
Donate Your Old Records!
Do you have vinyl records gathering dust? Help the Prom Committee give them a new life! We are collecting 250 records to use as event decor and, ultimately, as one-of-a-kind autograph guestbooks for our students.
Please drop off any donations at the Main Office by May 15. Your old favorites will help make our students' night unforgettable!
Mid-term Report Cards
Mid-term report cards will be available April 29 – May 1
Electronic distribution of student report cards to all students is available via Student Gapps accounts. Parents/Guardians will be able to view their child’s report card via the Family Dashboard.
Full Disclosure Date
The full Disclosure date for Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses for semester two is May 8, 2026. If a student withdraws from a Grade 11 or 12 course on or prior to May 8th, then the course will not be recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript.
If a student withdraws from a Grade 11 or 12 course after the Full Disclosure, a withdrawal (W) is entered in the credit column as a percentage in the achievement column of the transcript.
Prom
We are so excited for our 2026 Prom! Vinyl and Velvet - Luxury in Every Lyric.
Grade 12’s are invited to join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at The Manor (16750 Weston Rd., King).
Tickets go on sale on April 7th to April 24th for $135.00 on SchoolCash Online.
Get ready for a glamorous night including dinner, dessert, awards, professional photography, dancing, and more! Doors open at 5:00pm with doors closing at 6:30pm, and the evening concludes at 10:30pm. If you are planning on bringing a non-Denson date, come to the library to pick up a guest form.
Guest tickets will be on sale from May 1st to May 7th. Follow our Denison Prom Instagram account for more information and important updates: @ddssprom2026
Contact Ms. Timm, Ms. S., or Mme. Harris with any questions.
Valedictorian Nomination – Class of 2026
Graduating students are invited to apply to be Denison’s 2025–2026 Valedictorian. The Valedictorian represents the graduating class and delivers a speech reflecting students’ shared experiences at Denison. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong character, positive involvement in school life, and respect from peers and staff.
Applications are due by May 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Students must submit a nomination form online and collect required peer and staff signatures.
Approved nominees will be announced May 4, 2026 with student voting taking place May 25–26.
The Valedictorian will be announced on June 3, 2026 at Prom.
York Region Summer Programs 2026
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.
Available Subsidies for:
- Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer day camp funding
- Youth overnight camp funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
Please visit the York Region website for registration and information or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or https://www.york.ca/support/financial-assistance/recreation-subsidies
Information can also be found on the YRDSB Community Supports Page.
Cafeteria Menu
Monday
Mac & Cheese $7
Potstickers $5
Tuesday
Red Sauce Pasta with Meatballs $8
Chicken burger with Fries $8
Wednesday
Crispy Chicken Wrap with Fries $8
Pesto Pasta $7
Thursday
Butter Chicken Bowl $8
Hotdog with Fries $7
Friday
Fried Noodles with Chicken $8
Springroll $5
Guidance Notes
Summer School Registration is OPEN
The York Region District School Board will once again be offering acceleration (in-person) and reinforcement courses during the summer.
Students register through their My Pathway (MyBluePrint) account - they can register independently or come to Guidance for help.
July Summer School
- In-Person Learning
- The hours for all courses are 8:45 a.m to 3:32 p.m. Acceleration courses start Tuesday, June 30 and end Friday, July 24.
- Remote Learning
- The hours for all courses are 8:45 a.m to 3:32 p.m. Acceleration courses start Tuesday, June 30 and end Friday, July 24.
- Online Learning
- Flexible (6 hours per day minimum). Acceleration courses start Tuesday, June 30 and end Friday, July 24.
NEW August Summer School
- Online Learning Only
- Flexible (6 hours per day minimum). Acceleration courses start July 27 to August 20.
- Open to Current YRDSB Day School Students Only
Acceleration Courses (18 days)
For students who wish to earn a credit in a subject they have not previously studied or those who wish to upgrade a mark in a course that they have successfully completed.
Students are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. Course offerings are not guaranteed as they are based on sufficient enrollment and teacher availability.
Transportation is not provided for this program.
Online Learning
Courses that are specifically designed to be taught in a fully online format. Online learning does not require pupils and teachers to be face-to-face with each other. Classes occur online using an asynchronous model, with check-in opportunities with the teacher. The learning platform is Brightspace by D2L.
Learn more about Summer School Online Learning and what courses are available.
In-Person Learning
Courses will be offered in a face-to-face learning model.
Dates: Tuesday, June 30 to Friday, July 24
Hours: 8:45 am to 3:32 pm
Locations: Bill Hogarth SS, Bur Oak SS, Keswick HS, Maple HS, Middlefield CI, Newmarket HS, Richmond Hill SS and Thornlea SS.
Learn more about Secondary Summer School and what courses are available.
NEW Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
Students in Ontario need to volunteer for at least 40 hours to graduate from high school. Learn more about the requirements to get your high school volunteer hours.
Students can now earn a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when they graduate. The new certificate celebrates students’ dedication to helping others and completion of more than 50 volunteer hours during high school. Three levels of certificate are available:
Bronze: 50 to 99 volunteer hours
Silver: 100 to 199 volunteer hours
Gold: 200+ volunteer hours
For a graduate to be eligible for a certificate, hours must be completed and paperwork submitted to Guidance by April 1st, of grade 12.
Each certificate recognizes civic engagement, leadership and community spirit. It can also help students stand out when applying for:
- jobs
- college or university programs
- apprenticeships
- scholarships
To get started, make sure activities are eligible and visit the guidance department.
Neighbour Media Pay it Forward Scholarship
Neighbour Media Pay It Forward Scholarship, powered by Magna International. This new scholarship has been created in place of the former Neighbourhood Network's “Give Back Awards,” continuing the tradition of recognizing and celebrating students who are making a meaningful impact in our community.
This year, Neighbour Media is proud to offer five $1,000 scholarships to graduating students in Newmarket and Aurora who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to giving back.
We’re so excited to share that there is a new a video component in the application process, giving students the opportunity to share their stories and community involvement in a more personal and engaging way.
https://neighbourmediapayitforward.ca/
York Region President’s Council Executive Election
Applications for the 2026-2027 York Region Presidents’ Council Executive Cabinet are opening May 5, 2026.
On May 5, students in Grades 9-11 will receive an email in their Gapps account detailing the nomination and voting processes and dates. We would like your support in promoting this opportunity and asking interested students to apply. Thank you for your dedication to student leadership and voice. For more information access the YRPC public site.
Link to YRDSB Department Newsletters
- The Centre for Black Student Excellence
- Mathematics
- Student Mental Health and Addictions
- Parent, Family and Community Engagement
- Pathways Newsletter
- Engagement Matters
e-Bikes, e-Scooters and Safe Transportation
YRDSB continues to encourage families to use safe transportation to and from school. We encourage students to use active school travel whenever possible. Active travel refers to any form of human-powered transportation, including walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, and scootering.
School Property
Students using any transportation device, whether electronic or not-electronic, must dismount before arriving on school property. This includes all sidewalks, pathways, and walkways on school grounds. Please note that the school is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment.
Provincial Regulations
These modes of travel offer many physical, mental, and community benefits. Please visit the Ontario website for a full list of regulations. Every cyclist under 18 must wear a properly fitting bike helmet. Some students may also choose to use electronically assisted devices, such as e‑scooters or e‑bikes. In Ontario, you must be 16 or older to ride an e-scooter or e-bike. When riding e‑scooters or e‑bikes, it is important that students follow all applicable municipal regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Municipal Regulations
Before riding any device, it is important for students and families to be aware of the regulations set by their local municipality. These may include minimum age requirements for operating electric devices, helmet laws, and other safety guidelines.
Respectful Riding
Pedestrians always have the right of way. Students are expected to ride with caution by slowing down, using a bell when approaching others, and passing on the left. Wearing reflective clothing is encouraged to increase visibility and promote safer travel.
For more information, parents are encouraged to visit:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety
https://www.ontario.ca/page/riding-e-bike#section-0
Thank you for your cooperation.
April Observances
National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2026
Pitch In Canada Week – April 28, 2026
May Observances
School Principals' Day – May 1, 2026
Hearing Loss Awareness Month – May 1 - 31, 2026
Armenian Heritage Month – May 1 - 31, 2026
Jewish Heritage Month - May 1 - 31, 2026
Food Allergy Awareness Month - May 1 - 31, 2026
Polish Heritage Month – May 1 - 31, 2026
Asian/South Asian Heritage Month - May 1 - 31, 2026
Dutch Heritage Month - May 1 - 31, 2026
Music Monday – May 4, 2026
Education Week – May 4 to May 8, 2026
Children's Mental Health Week– May 4 to May 8, 2026
PA Day – May 4, 2026
South Asian Arrival Day – May 5, 2026
York Region Presidents' Council Election Application Opens -May 5, 2026
Policy and By-Law Standing Committee – May 5, 2026
Board Meeting – May 5, 2026
Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series - Social Media and Mental Health
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting – May 7, 2026
Bear Witness Day (Jordan's Principle) – May 10, 2026
Tamil Genocide Remembrance Week – May 11, 2026
Joint Board Consortium (JBC) – May 13, 2026
Children and Youth in Care Day – May 14, 2026
Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee Meeting – May 14
International Day of Families – May 15, 2026
Education Support Personnel Day – May 16, 2026
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – May 17, 2026
Victoria Day – May 18, 2026
Learning, Equity and Well-Being Standing Committee – May 19, 2026
Careers & Scholarships - Exploring Post Secondary Pathways with YRDSB – May 15
Ontario Flag Day – May 21, 2026
National AccessAbility Week – May 25, 2026
Bike to School Week – May 25 – 29, 2026
Governance and Board Organization Committee (Tentative) – May 25, 2026
Eid-ul-Adha – May 26, 2026
Croatian Heritage Day – May 30, 2026
Mental Health Supports
DENISON’S CHAPTER
JACK.ORG
https://jack.org/Resources/Find-Support
Although jack.org is an advocacy group and not a service provider, this page on their site contains links to a variety of different mental health support/information websites.
BE THERE
https://bethere.org/Be-There-in-a-Crisis
KIDS HELP PHONE
ANXIETY CANADA
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
CMHA
https://toronto.cmha.ca/youth-zone/
CRISIS SERVICES CANADA: 1-833-456-4566
This hotline deals with crisis support and suicide prevention
Report It
Our schools should be safe, welcoming and inclusive places for everyone. It is important that students know what to do if they witness or experience inappropriate behaviour or incidents of hate or discrimination.
There may be situations when you can safely step in and intervene and help.
Talk to an adult at school, family member or other trusted adult.
Report the event without the person involved knowing using our online reporting tool, Report It.
Report It lets you share information about inappropriate student behaviour or incidents of hate or discrimination. You can use the online form to report:
bullying, drugs, cheating, vandalism, harassment, violence or any other inappropriate behaviour
incidents of discrimination or hate, including anti-Indigenous racism, ableism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, classism, homophobia, Islamaphobia, sexism, transphobia or other forms of hate
You can report events that happen at school, at school-related events, online or off school property if it negatively affects a student or the school climate. You can also choose to make a report anonymously.
Complete reports are shared with the school to investigate and respond.
Acts of discrimination, hate and bullying are never acceptable. Using the Report It tool is a way of standing up for each other and for ourselves.
You can find Report It on the homepage of the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca and on the homepage of every school website.