Alexander Mackenzie High School Newsletter - Oct. 24, 2025

Alexander Mackenzie High School

300 Major Mackenzie Drive, Richmond Hill, L4C 3S3

Phone Number: 905 885 0554 Fax Number: 905 884-4694

Email Address: Alexander.Mackenzie.hs@yrdsb.ca 

Principal: Ms. Aline Daniel

Vice Principals: Mr. Themi Drekolias (A-L) and Ms. Helen Ho (M-Z)

Superintendent: Mr. Joe D'Amico

Important Dates

DateEvent
October 23Parent - Teacher Interviews
October 24P.A. Day
October 28 Arts Information Night (Grade 8)

 

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School Reminders

Take Our Kids to Work

Take Our Kids to Work (TOKW) is an initiative that provides Grade 9 students with the opportunity to observe a work environment for one day. This program will support students to begin planning their future career path by helping them better understand the world of work.  

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, grade 9 students will have an opportunity to spend the day at a workplace of a parent/guardian, relative or family friend. There will be no formal instruction or lessons for grade 9 students on November 5th.

 Parents/guardians are asked to complete this form by Friday, October 24, 2025.

Fall Fest

On Oct. 31st, Student Council and clubs are hosting Fall Fest. Students can dress in costumes or fall colours, and visit club booths to buy some treats and participate in free games. The schedule for the day is modified to have a common lunch time so all students can enjoy the festivities. Fall Fest will run periods 3, common lunch, and 4. 

Volunteer Information Session

YRES Volunteer Fair

York Region Educational Services (YRES) is excited to invite your students to two upcoming volunteer events designed to celebrate community engagement, promote meaningful volunteer opportunities, and recognize outstanding youth contributions. 

  • Volunteer Fair - Saturday, October 25, 2025

Thornhill Community Centre Hall (North and South)

Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Students will have the chance to connect directly with local organizations offering volunteer and leadership opportunities, develop new skills, and expand their networks.

To join as a volunteer or sign up as an attendee, please visit the YRES website

Volunteer Success Conference

Saturday, November 1, 2025

NewRoads Performing Arts Centre

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

To nominate someone, yourself, or a volunteer team by October 26, 2025 or to save your spot, please visit the YRES website

Arts Mackenzie Information Night

Did you know that Alexander Mackenzie High School has a Specialized Arts Program? 

Did you know that AMHS does not have to be your home school for you to apply to the arts program? There are more than 50 schools that feed into our Arts Program. 

If you are in Grade 6, 7 or 8 and want to learn about this incredible program, please attend our free Arts Mackenzie Information Night on Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Centre for The Performing Arts. If you have any questions or are unable to attend, please see who to contact below: 

  • Dance - J. Toshakovski
  • Dramatic Arts - S. Goldman
  • Instrumental, Strings and Vocal Music - K. Vuong
  • Visual Arts - T. Fogg

Why Join Alexander Mackenzie High School's Specialized Arts Programs? 

Future Pathways:

The Arts open up many opportunities, including career options and pathways in both creative and non-creative fields. For example, Arts Mackenzie alumni are studying law, medicine, business and education across Canada, the US and Europe. 

Benefits

Experience guest artists, workshops, field trips, regional and national opportunities, elevated learning opportunities, community involvement, exhibitions, performances, and so much more. 

Transferrable Skills

Students develop strong creative, collaborative, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership skills, and so much more. These skills are applicable to all aspects of life. 

Expression

The Arts bring stories to life, where emotions, conflict, and imagination collide to reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world, allowing students to have a broader perspective of the world around them. 

Discover Your Future at the Post-Secondary Fair

Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by Alexander Mackenzie High School

300 Major Mackenzie Drive West

Join us for exciting opportunities.

  • Connect with colleges and universities from Canada, the U.S.A, and U.K.
  • Learn about programs, scholarships, and meet representatives from various institutions
  • Meet skilled trades and industry partners
  • Learn more about Gap Year supports
  • Explore career opportunities

In partnership with: 

  • Alexander Mackenzie High School
  • Bayview Secondary School
  • Langstaff Secondary School
  • Richmond Green Secondary School
  • Richmond Hill Secondary School.

Post Secondary Information OUAC and OCAS

The following is key information for students in Grade 11 and / or 12 applying to post secondary.

Semester 1 Midterm Reporting - All Students

York Region District School Board will be issuing electronic copies of the Semester 1 midterm report cards between November 19-21. The electronic copy will be available to parents and / or caregivers through the new family portal, and students will continue to access it through their GAPPS account.  Instructions will be sent out by email to both parents and / or caregivers and to students prior to distribution. 

Full Disclosure for Grade 11 and Grade 12 Courses

For the 2025-2026 school year, the course withdrawal date (Full Disclosure) will be at least 5 instructional days from the last possible date the mid-semester report is issued. The Full Disclosure date for Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses is November 28.  If a student withdraws from a Grade 11 or 12 course on or prior to November 28, then the course and mark will not be recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript. If a student withdraws from a Grade 11 or 12 course after the Full Disclosure date, a withdrawal (W) is entered in the credit column, and the student’s mark in the course at the time of withdrawal will be recorded as a percentage in the achievement column of the transcript.

OUAC and OCAS Upload for Potential Graduates

Identifying information will be shared through a secure transmission to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) to support students with their application to post-secondary institutions. Potential graduates who are not planning to apply to an Ontario college or university this school year, and who do not wish to have their data shared, must notify their guidance counsellor by October 9. 

Semester 1 midterm marks will be shared with OCAS and OUAC on November 15. Students in Grade 11 and 12 courses will be notified of their report card mark by their classroom teacher by November 11. Potential graduates who are applying to an Ontario college and/or university and who are planning to drop a course are encouraged to connect with their guidance counsellor in advance of these dates. Guidance appointments can be booked through TeachAssist.

 Please review the timelines below:

DateSignificance
October 10 Deadline for potential graduates who are not planning on applying to an Ontario college or university to notify their Guidance Counsellor if they do not want their information shared with OCAS/OUAC this school year.
October 14-17Students will receive a secure communication in their GAPPS email which provides information needed for their applications, including their OEN (required for college applications only), school MIDENT# (BSID)
November 12Teachers will share mid-semester mark updates with students in Grade 11 and 12 courses.
November 12 - 14Potential graduates applying to an Ontario college or university who are planning to drop a course, and do not wish to have the course mark shared with OUAC/OCAS are advised to connect with their Guidance Counsellor by November 14
November 14School will upload all Semester 1 midterm and/or final marks (for quadmester courses) for all grade 11 and 12 courses to OCAS
November 20School will upload all Semester 1 midterm and/or final marks (for quadmester courses) for all grade 11 and 12 courses to OUAC
November 28This is the full disclosure date, which is the final day that a student, in a Grade 11 or 12 course, may drop a course in order that it not be recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript. 

 We recognize that you and your child may have questions regarding this information. If it is helpful for you to connect with a staff member from the school, please contact the Guidance Department to discuss your questions. 

Athletics 

AMHS School Wear

Athletic Council is selling swag from Marvin’s Closet.  This is our annual Mustang merch fundraiser sale! We're offering a variety of Mustang-themed clothing items, all in unisex adult sizing, perfect for showing your school spirit. Orders need to be in by October 27 in order to be delivered before the winter holidays, making them great gifts or cozy additions to your winter wardrobe. 

Thank you for supporting our athletic program—your purchase helps fund future events, equipment, and opportunities for our student-athletes. Let’s show our Mustang pride.

Halloween Pizza Day Fundraiser

Preorder your choice of pizza! Each order includes 2 or 3 XL slices plus a bottle of water. For just $1 more, you can upgrade the water to a Gatorade.  Students will pick up their preordered slices during the common lunch in period 3 on October 31st.  Please note: Orders will not be held for periods 4 or 5, and no refunds will be issued if pizza is not picked up or if your child is absent that day.

Athletic Fundraiser - Pizza Halloween Sale - Last Day to Buy - October 28 at 2 p.m. - Buy now on School Cash Online and Receive your lunch on October 31 during period three. 

AMHS Club and Council Information

Club or CouncilStaff AdvisorDate of MeetingTimeRoomSocial Media
AMack Gives BackMs. Hardeen-RamlalMondays as needed3:15 p.m. 114Instagram - @amhsgivesback
American Sign Language ClubMs. LancosovaWednesdays   
Arts and Culture CouncilMr. FoggTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.186Instagram - @amhsartscouncil
Astronomy CouncilMr. LawThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.262Instagram - @amhsastronomycouncil
ATHCOMrs. Kattis and Ms. HotrumThursdays7:40 a.m.124Instagram - @macphathletics
Badminton ClubMr. PetroneFriday7:45 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.GymInstagram - @amhs.badminton.club.2025_2026
Basketball ClubMr. Pech 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Gym 
Best Buddies ClubMs. Vadivelu and Ms. GiorgioTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 146 or 152 
Book ClubMs. RaiaMondays Bi-Weekly3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Library Learning Commons 
BrainbeeMs. CarriereFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.157Instagram - @amhs.brainbee
Black Student AssociationMs. Clarke and Ms. CadoganWednesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.241 
Chess and Logic Games ClubMs. BrooksThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 283Instagram - Chess & Logic Games Club
Coding ClubMr. BelchFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.247Instagram - @amhscodingclub
Composers' CornerMr. SmaleTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.155Instagram - @composersofamac
Crotchet and Knitting ClubMrs. Soares-Van TasselTuesdays3:10 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.252 or 254 
Dance CouncilMs. ToshakovskiThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.121Instagram - @amhs.dance.council
DECAMs. RajThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Instagram - @deca.amhs
Dramatic Arts CouncilMrs. GoldmanThursdays3:10 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. 112Instagram - @amhs.dac
Dungeons and Dragons ClubMs. CarriereThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 157 
Eco Club / CouncilMs. SoaresTuesdays Bi-Weekly3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.254Instagram - @amhs.eco
Engineering ClubMs. AnjumThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.259Instagram - @amhsengineering
English CouncilMs. CarriereTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.157 
FBLCMs. BrooksMondays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.283Instagram - @amacfblc
Film ClubMr. GhazaliWednesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.163Instagram - amhsfilmclub2025
GSAMr. BaiciWednesdays   
HerSTEM Medicine SocietyMs. ChanThursdays3:20 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.243Instagram - @herstemmedicine.socety_amhs
History CouncilMs. Fidai and Mr. GaristoThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  
HOSAMr. TseThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.260Instagram - @mackenziehosa
IB CouncilMs. Brooks and Mme. MaraFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.283 
Jack.org Chapter Club AMHSMrs. GoodmanThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.122Instagram - @jack.org.amhs
Jewish Club AMHSMrs. Talis and Mr. GregorWednesdays (may be changed as needed)3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.241 
Law ClubMr. PetroneFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.242Instagram - @amhslaw
Magic ClubMr. MartinThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.261 
MAKIMr. FoggTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 188Instagram - @the.makiclub
Math ClubMs. Shahbazi and Mr. ChiuTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.187Instagram - @mackenzie_mathletes
MEDLIFEMs. YapTuesdays Biweekly3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.146Instagram - @medlifealexmac
MLL Leadership ClubMs. Pulickeel and Mr. ChiuTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. 245Instagram - @amhs_mllleadership
Model United NationsMr. BowmanMondays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.195Instagram - @amhs.music
Music CouncilMr. VuongFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.132 
Music Theatre SeatsMs. JeffreyTuesdays and Fridays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.132 
Muslim Student AssociationMx. SchneiderWednesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.154Instagram - @amhs.msa
Newspaper ClubMs. Carriere and Ms. BitondoFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.158Instagram - @amhs_newspaper
Persian ClubMs. ShabaziTuesdays and Fridays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.187Instagram - @persian_hertaige_club_amhs
Philosophy ClubMs. SerajiWednesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.183Instagram - @amhs_philosophy.club
Photography ClubMs. ChanTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.243Instagram - @amhs_photographyclub
Science ClubMr. MartinFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.261Instagram - @scienceclubamhs
Shakespeare ClubMs. KhorsandiTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Library 
Student CouncilMs. Diceman and Ms. MatosMondays7:45 a.m.  - 8:15 p.m.Cafeteria Instagram - @amac_stuco
Trivia ClubMr. GoodmanTuesdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 163Instagram - @amhs_trivia
Ultimate Frisbee ClubMs. SadikhovTuesdays7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.Outside FieldInstagram - @amhsultimate
Volleyball ClubMs. ChanFridays7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.Large GymInstagram - @amhsvball
World Scholars CupMs. CarriereThursdays3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.155Instagram - @wsc.amhs
Yellow Brick House AMHSMr. Fogg  186Instagram - @yellowbrickhouse_amhs
Youth AliveMr. YeungFridays3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.257Instagram - @youthalive.amhs

Fundraising

Delicious Krispy Kreme Donuts 

Buy through School Cash Online Order by October 28, 2025. 

$16 a dozen.

Pickup: Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 12:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the front foyer.

Krispy Kreme fundraiser in support of the AMHS School Council. Funds raised will go towards the Graduation Ceremony.

Parent and Guardian Connection

York Region Public Health

Measles is Spreading in York Region

While the provincial measles outbreak was declared over on October 6, 2025, York Region Public Health continues to respond to a local outbreak in Thornhill (City of Vaughan), with nine cases currently linked to the outbreak. Since January 2025, there have been 13 cases of measles in York Region. 

Why is This Important?

Measles is a high contagious virus that can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash. 

The best way to prevent the measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine or Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles infection. The vaccine is safe and effective. 

Why am I Getting This Letter?

Due to the ongoing outbreak, there is an increased risk of measles in York Region. All students need to have two doses of measles-containing vaccine to attend school in Ontario (or a valid exemption). If a measles cases is identified in a child attending your school, anyone not fully vaccinated may need to stay home for up to 21 days to prevent this highly contagious virus from spreading. 

What Can I Do?

Check immunization records to make sure you and your child(ren) is / are fully vaccinated against measles. Children in Ontario typically receive their first dose of a measles vaccine after their first birthday and their second dose between ages four and six.

Where Can My Child Get Vaccinated? 
  • York Region Public Health offers free vaccination clinics to all students in JK to Grade 12. Appointments can be booked on the York Region Public Health website.
  • Your health care provider, some walk-in clinics, and travel clinics also provide these vaccines. 
Report Your Child's Vaccinations

Report your child's vaccinations to York Region Public Health. Doctors do not do this for you. This information is especially important in the event of an outbreak. 

Public Health - 1-877-464-9675 - Dial 711 with a TTY device - york.ca/measles

Youth Day

York Regional Police is hosting a Youth Day conference for youth ages 13-17 years. It will be an empowering leadership conference with a focus on issues directly impacting our youth. Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Black Foundation of Community Network Scholarship Application Workshop

The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN), in collaboration with York Region District School Board (YRDSB), invites Black students and their families to a free online workshop on how to search, prepare, and apply for scholarships and bursaries. If you are in Grade 8 or high school, this workshop is especially for you! 

Join us on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. with your families online.

Please register directly on Zoom.

The Power of Pause: Roots for Renewal Presented by The Centre for Black Student Excellence

Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Tommy Douglas Secondary School - 4020 Major MacKenzie Drive West, Vaughan, Ontario - L4H 4E9

The Centre for Black Student Excellence invites you to join us for an evening on Wellness and Well-Bring. An evening filled with strategies to nourish both mind and body. Please register by November 3, 2025 at the registration link. Dinner will be provided. 

G.I.V.E.! Get Involved. Volunteer in Education!

2025 Fall Session - Cohort 2

November 10 - November 14, 2025

Join our workshop series and discover how you can make a difference in your child's education by volunteering in schools. Empower yourself to support our school community and enrich your child's learning experience!

You will learn more about: 

  • The Role of a Volunteer
  • Transferable Skills
  • Equity and Inclusive Education
  • Human Rights
  • Employment Readiness
  • School Information and Community Resources

We will help you: 

  • Expand your network
  • Effectively communicate with school staff
  • Contribute to student learning and parent engagement
  • Gain volunteer experience in schools
  • Build healthy communities
  • Boost professionalism

Location: Catholic Community Services of York Region - 50 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 4N7

Dates: November 10 to November 14, 2025 (Monday to Friday) 

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

All parents, guardians, caregivers are welcome to join this free training program. Space is limited, visit the registration page to register now. 

This free information session is organized by York Region District School Board in partnership with Catholic Community Services of York Region. For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca