Message from our Trustee
December 2025
As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need.
Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.
There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them.
Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future.
We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed.
A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being.
As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break.
Robert Kolosowski, Trustee, Richmond Hill Wards 1, 2 and 4.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
| December 2 - 4 | Arts Mackenzie Musical |
| December 22 - January 5 | Winter Break |
| January 12 - 21 | Grad Photos |
| January 22 - 28 | Semester 1 Final Exams |
School News
Semester 1 Exams and Culminating Reminder
As we begin the month of January, we would like to remind you that students will be starting their culminating tasks in many of their courses. These tasks are an important part of the learning process and help prepare students for final assessments. 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. We kindly ask that you do not schedule any vacations or extended absences during this time. 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.
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. More information regarding the EQAO math testing will be shared with families as we get closer to the dates.
Tickets For Sale on Cash Online
Musical Theatre—Something Rotten
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten. Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years".
Join Alexander Mackenzie High School and Mackenzie Music at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on December 4th and 5th for an evening of great, Renaissance-ish fun in our production of Something Rotten! Featuring the efforts of over 80+ students and collaboration of several departments, it is bound to be a great evening of fun for all.
Tickets are available for December 4th at 7:00pm and December 5th at 7:00pm for $28 at tickets.rhcentre.ca under "Mackenzie Music Presents: Something Rotten!". Check out our silent auction items at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScadGCA7ozZIaNew__u93Sqk509ACCJFWGAUCjLDEi_jZAJQQ/viewform
Drama Dinner Theatre
Come enjoy a dinner and AMHS drama show. Tickets can be purchased on cash online
FUNDRAISING PARTNER
All the students and staff: When you go to Pizza Hut on 10 Headdon Gate, Richmond Hill, let them know you are from Alexander Mackenzie High School. A percentage of your purchase will come back as a fundraiser.
MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM - 4pm
Valid only at Pizza Hut location: Richmond Hill 10 Headdon Gate (Major Mac/Bathurst) and 9080 Yonge St. (Yonge and Carville)
DON'T FORGET TO MENTION YOU ARE FROM ALEXANDER MACKENZIE
Post Secondary Education
YRDSB FAMILIES OF STUDENTS IN GRADE 9 - 11 YOU'RE INVITED TO...
PATHWAYS TO SKILLED TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY
Learn about:
- OYAP
- Pathway Planning
- Course selection for skilled trade careers
- Experiential learning opportunities
EXHIBITORS
Hear about career pathways and opportunities from:
- Industry partners and associations
- College and Trade Unions
- Local Employers
IMPORTANT INFO
Date: Thursday December 4, 2025.
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Cardinal Carter Catholic School
210 Bloomington Road, Aurora Ontario, L4G 0P9
REGISTER NOW
https://forms.gle/gjSqPYJ5Wp2Zxujm9
Parent Connections
BE A YORK REGIONAL POLICE HOLIDAY HEROE
Our school community is proud to support:
HOLIDAY HEROES YRPA
November 12 to December 19, 2025
Donate new unwrapped toys, new children's clothing, gift cards and non- perishable food items at your school. All donations will support children and families in need in York Region.