Exam & Culminating Activity Information
As we approach the end of the semester, we would like to provide important information regarding final exams and culminating activities.
Final evaluations are an important part of the learning process and may include:
- Formal examinations
- Culminating projects
- Presentations
- Performance tasks
- Essays or portfolios
These evaluations contribute to the final grade in each course and are scheduled during the month of June and the designated examination period.
Attendance Expectations
Students are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled exams and culminating activities
- Follow all academic integrity expectations
Vacations, family travel, and other discretionary absences should not be scheduled during the examination period. Students will not be exempted from exams or culminating activities due to vacations or travel plans.
Absences During Exams
If a student is absent due to illness or exceptional circumstances:
- A parent/guardian must notify the school as soon as possible
- Medical documentation may be requested for absences
- Administration will determine whether an alternative arrangement can be provided
Please note that exam exemptions are generally not permitted unless approved by school administration under exceptional circumstances.
Preparing for Success
Families can support students by encouraging:
- Regular attendance leading up to exams
- Consistent study routines
- Healthy sleep habits
- Organization and time management
- Limiting distractions during study time
A detailed exam schedule will be shared with students and families shortly.
Thank you for your continued support in helping students finish the semester successfully.
Important Dates
June 2026
June 17 to June 23 - Exams
June 23 - Graduation
June 24 - Exam Review Day
June 25 and June 26 PA Day
School News
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are sharing the schedule for the June 2026 exam period.
All exams will begin promptly at 8:30 am each day. Grade 12 Period 4 and 5 exams start earlier than remaining exams due to our graduation date of Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Graduation Tickets Information
Hi AMHS Graduates, and Parents/Guardians of Graduates,
We sent our first email to fill out the Google sheet but Kindly note that filling out Google Form does not guarantee an extra ticket.
Due to venue capacity and the large number of graduating students, only a very limited number of extra tickets are available. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of one extra ticket per graduating student.
If your request is successful, your family will receive a School Cash Online notification to submit the $20 payment.
Thank you for your understanding.
We are reaching out to determine whether any families may not require all of their allocated tickets.
We have some families who would greatly appreciate the opportunity to bring an additional guest to celebrate this important milestone. If you know that you will not be using one or both of your tickets, we would be grateful if you would let us know so that we can redistribute those tickets to families on our waitlist.
If you are able to return a ticket, please reply to this email (alexander.mackenzie.hs@yrdsb.ca) by noon on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Thank you for your consideration and for helping us ensure that as many families as possible can participate in this special celebration.
Supporting Students Through Exam Stress
As we approach exam season, many students begin to feel increased pressure. Alongside academic preparation, it's important that we help them take care of their mental health and avoid cramming or trying to complete everything in one day.
Encourage your child to begin now by creating a simple study calendar with 2–3 manageable tasks per day or a study schedule that breaks work into smaller steps. This helps reduce stress and supports steady, effective
learning.
If your child is unsure about expectations, the first point of contact is always their teacher , who can clarify exams or culminating instructions and guide them on how to best prepare. Guidance counsellors are also available to
support students with stress management, planning, and overall well-being.
Here is a link with helpful tips, resources, and supports for exam preparation.
Thank you for your continued support at home during this busy time.
Indigenous Languages and International Languages (ILIL) Opportunities:
Learn more about both the ILIL 2026-2027 Year‑Long Program and Summer Reach‑Ahead opportunities for Grade 8-12 students by viewing the program flyer. For more information, check out the YRDSB ILIL Program Webpage.
E-Bikes and Scooters on School Property
This is a reminder that e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices are not to be ridden on school property at any time. For the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, students must dismount and walk their bikes or scooters once they arrive on school grounds. Students are also reminded to secure their e-bikes and scooters at the designated bike racks only. These items must not be left at the front entrance or in areas that block walkways or designated fire routes. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations with your child to help maintain a safe and accessible school environment for everyone.
School Year Calendar 2026-2027 Approved - Families Message
The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/school-year-calendar
Community Education Centre
FREE 2026 Newmarket Multicultural and Asian Harmony Festival on June 27/28
Hi everyone
I just became aware of this incredible 2-day event happening at Ray Twinney at the end of June. It is free for all. There wasn’t time to put this through the Weekly Communication so I’m sharing it this way for all of you. I’ll attach two of the flyers that will be of most interest to our students/families. Also here is the link to their website for more information and to register Toronto Cultural Mingle Association (TCMA) | Toronto Cultural Mingle Association (TCMA)
This event is being put on by the Newmarket Chapter of the Toronto Cultural Mingle Association and is being funded/sponsored by the Federal Government, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Region of York. Please share as you see fit. I will provide a short blurb that you can draw from as well if you’d like to put it in your last school newsletter.
🎉 2026 Newmarket Multicultural & Asian Harmony Festival Presented by Toronto Cultural Mingle Association (TCMA)
📅 June 27–28, 2026, -🕚 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, 100 Eagle St W, Newmarket, ON L3Y 1J4
This vibrant two-day outdoor multicultural festival will bring together families, cultural communities, local businesses, and visitors from across the region for an unforgettable celebration of diversity, culture, entertainment, and community connection.
✨ Festival Highlights
🍜 International Food Experiences
🎭 K-POP Demon Hunter Live Tribute Show & Meet-and-Greet
🎡 Mega Kids Zone – Giant Inflatables & Soccer Games
⭐ Persian Night – Famous Singer Live Concert & DJ Party
🎨 Interactive Family Activities & Community Experiences
🎤 Live Cultural Performances & Entertainment Showcase
📣 10,000+ Expected Attendees
Board News
E-Scooters/E-bikes Family Information
Dear Families,
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.
Aline Daniel.
