Alexander Mackenzie High School Newsletter - Jan. 9, 2026

Semester 1 Exams and Culminating Reminder

As we begin the month of January, we would like to remind you that students will be working on  culminating tasks and reviewing for exams in many of their courses. 

Our exam period will run from January 22 to January 28. Please ensure your child is prepared and attends school on their scheduled exam days.  Please note the days the exams are on as it does not go in sequential order.   We kindly ask that you do not schedule any vacations or extended absences during this time.

All exams will begin at 8:30 am.

January 29 has been set aside as an inclement weather / exam review day. If exams proceed as planned, this day will be used for students to review their exams and receive feedback. If there is inclement weather during the exam period, this day may be used to reschedule the exams from that day.

January Exam Schedule

All exams start at 8:30 a.m.

Exam review day is January 29. This is also Inclement Weather Exam Day if needed.

Important Dates

School News

EQAO Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment

We would like to inform you that our students will be writing the EQAO Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment on January 14 and 15, 2026.

We kindly ask that if your child is currently taking grade 9 math to not have any scheduled vacations or extended absences during this time as the assessment if worth 10% of the final grade.  Student that have Grade 9 Math period 1 or 2 will be writing the Math EQAO on Jan 14 and 15 at 8:30 am in the library.  Students that have Grade 9 Math period 4 or 5 will be writing the Math EQAO on Jan 14 and 15 at 12:35 pm in the library.  Students are reminded to bring their laptops or Chromebooks for the EQAO.   Grade 9 Mathematics

Attendance and Student Sign-Out Procedures – Important Reminder

· Signing a student out during the school day means the student is leaving the school building.

· Students may not be signed out of individual classes and remain in the building.

· For safety and supervision reasons, students cannot stay at school after being signed out.

Any signing out must be completed through the main office by a parent or guardian.

These procedures help us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the safety of all students. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions.

Inclement Weather

 With winter weather here, we want to share reminders for families.  With an     inclement weather or extreme cold day is declared, school transportation (included buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning or afternoon. School will remain open. If you drive your child to school, or takes alternate transportation, you must make arrangements for your child to go home at the end of the day.  Please call the school if your child will not be attending school on these days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.

There may be rare instances when emergency winter events occur and we need to close all school and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure.

Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, board and school website and on X@yrdsb.ca.

Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlines in the board’s Severe Weather  Policy.

Attention Grade 12 Students: Grad Photo Sessions Are Coming!  

Edge Imaging will be at the school to take graduation photos starting Monday, January 12, 2026

 Don’t forget to book your appointment!

Please sign up on line at BOOK A PHOTO SESSION » Edge Imaging  

School code: WAM (or simply search for our school name)

Sign up early to get the time that works best for you!

 Congratulations, Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you!

School Cash Online

 Phys Ed Uniform

If you have already purchased your child's Phys. Ed. attire through School Cash Online (SCO), please have your child visit Mrs. Kattis in the Phys. Ed. department to pick up their shirts. If you still need to purchase the uniform for second semester Phys. Ed. classes, please complete the payment via SCO.

 All students are required to wear Mustang athletic apparel to enhance school safety and foster a sense of team atmosphere and belonging. This new athletic gear will make students easily identifiable during various activities, including community runs and walks, and when exercising in different areas of the school or on the back fields. For both hygiene and safety, we highly recommend that each student purchases at least two t-shirts.

 To ensure all students are properly equipped for physical activities, we ask that everyone changes into appropriate athletic wear, such as:

· Mustang T-shirt

· Shorts, leggings, or sweatpants

· Socks

· Running shoes

 Our new adult collection includes:

· Grey athletic knit dri-fit t-shirt ($16)

· Black Gildan long-sleeve shirt ($26)

· Under Armour navy dri-fit t-shirt ($30)