Alexander Mackenzie High School Newsletter - May 29,2026.

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 1 - Staff Meeting
June 1 - Dramatic Arts Spring Show@ Aurora Theatre

June 2 - Dramatic Arts Spring Show @ Aurora Theatre

June 3 - Dramatic Arts Spring Show @ Aurora Theatre
June 3 - Music Pops @6:30 pm

June 4 - Dramatic Arts Spring Show @ Aurora Theatre

June 4—IB Banquet

June 4 - Ultimate frisbee (All day tournament)

June 8 - Fire Drill P4

June 8 - Art Banquet and Fire Drill Rain

June 11 - Athletic Banquet
June 9/10 - EQAO Math

June 15 - Leadership Team Meeting

June 15 - Grade 12 Exams

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.

Class of 2026: Graduation Tea & Info Session 🎓

AMHS is incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and amazing milestones of our Class of 2026! To honor our grads, we will be hosting a Graduation Tea on Friday, June 5th during Period 1 in the AMHS cafeteria . Information about graduation will be shared with attendees and grads will be able to pick up their cap, gown and two tickets. Unfortunately, at this time, we are not anticipating additional tickets will be available. If additional tickets are available, we will send a Google Form for families to request additional tickets. Additional information will be sent to families closer to the graduation ceremony date.

Thank you for your continued support in celebrating the Class of 2026.

Transition to the Trades - Thursday, June 4, 2026

YRDSB students and families are invited to attend an evening session for graduating students, presented by Supporting Ontario Youth (SOY), focused on exploring careers in the skilled trades.

The session will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Thornlea Secondary School.

Interested students and families are asked to complete the following Google Form to register by June 1, 2026. Please share this flyer with students and families for additional information.

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.

ACTION REQUIRED FOR ALL JUNE GRADUATES: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HOURS

Our records show that many students have not yet completed the required 40 hours of community involvement. Some students still need to submit a few remaining hours, while others have not submitted any hours to date. Please remember that completing 40 hours of community involvement is a mandatory requirement to graduate and receive the OSSD. Guidance does not provide volunteer placements for students.

All volunteer hours must be submitted by June 5^th so they can be processed for graduation purposes. Students who do not complete and submit their hours will not receive their diplomas until the hours a fully completed. We understand that some students may be completing volunteer hours at elementary school year-end events in June. If this applies to your child, please ensure they inform their counselor so we are aware of their plans.

Please note that submissions containing a large number of hours from a single organization may require additional

verification to ensure they meet volunteer criteria before they can be accepted.

If your child has completed hours that have not yet been submitted, please upload them promptly.

Thank you for your attention to this important graduation requirement.

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

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

School Upcoming Banquets

This is a friendly reminder that our School Banquets will be taking place in the month of June. We look forward to celebrating our students and their achievements together.

Please remind your children that these are school events and school policies are to be followed. Please also ensure that your child is picked up promptly at the conclusion of the event. Timely pick-up helps our staff conclude the evening safely and efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support. We appreciate your partnership in making this a positive and memorable event for our students.

Arts Banquet on June 9th

Arts Banquet on June 9th! All athletes and fans are welcome to attend. Tickets will be available for purchase on School Cash Online (SCO) soon.

Athletic Banquet on June 11th

AthCo is getting ready for our Athletic Banquet on June 11th! All athletes and fans are welcome to attend. Tickets will be available for purchase on School Cash Online (SCO) soon.

Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC)

Applications open May 14 - June 10, 2026.

Parents, caregivers and family members are invited to apply for membership on PEAC. The committee offers families a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives and support family engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being.

Learn more about PEAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) webpage.

To apply: Submit an online application form or request a copy of the form by emailing lde@yrdsb.ca or calling 905-727-0022 ext. 3650.

Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC)

Applications open May 11 - June 15, 2026

Family and community members can apply for one of eight positions on EIAC. The committee supports YRDSB’s commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning and working environments in all schools and workplaces of the Board.

Learn more about EIAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee webpage.

To apply, submit an online application form. Or, you can request a copy of the form by emailing iscs@yrdsb.ca or 905-727-0022, extension 2154.

We encourage families to learn more and consider applying to be part of this important work.

Community Safety Reminder: “Senior Assassin” Game

York Regional Police have advised schools of a recent re-emergence of the “Senior Assassin” game, where students use water guns, air guns, gel blasters, or similar items to “eliminate” other participants. While often intended as a game, police are reminding the community that many of these items can closely resemble real firearms.

When police respond to a call involving a possible weapon, it is treated as a real threat until confirmed otherwise. This can lead to serious and potentially dangerous situations. There have been instances where replica or toy firearms were mistaken for real weapons, with significant consequences.

Families should also be aware that the use of replica firearms, including water guns, air guns or gel blasters, in a way that causes harm, damage, or fear may result in criminal charges. There may be civil liability if someone is injured or property is damaged.

Please note that, in accordance with YRDSB Policy #668.0, weapons and replica weapons are strictly prohibited on school property and at school-related events. Any student engaging in this game, or in violation of this policy, may also face school consequences.

We ask parents/guardians to speak with their children about the risks associated with these activities and to monitor access to items that fire projectiles. The safety of our students and community is our shared responsibility.

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:

www.yrp.ca/bikesafety

https://www.ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety

https://www.ontario.ca/page/riding-e-bike#section-0

Thank you for your cooperation.

Aline Daniel.