IB Newsletter - Alexander Mackenzie High School ; September 2026
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I hope you and your child are doing well. Welcome to the first monthly newsletter for IB families at AMHS! My name is Benjamin Law, and I am the IB Programme Coordinator and one of our IB Physics teachers.
First and foremost, welcome to the AMHS IB community! I firmly believe that open, honest, and transparent communication between home and school is an essential part of supporting student success. Through this monthly newsletter, I hope to keep families informed about important IB-related information, upcoming events, key deadlines, and other updates throughout the school year.
For families who are new to the IB Programme, the information below provides a brief introduction to the IB Programme, including its structure, philosophy, and educational goals. I hope this will help you become more familiar with the programme and better understand the learning experience your child will have at AMHS.
What is the IB Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a globally recognized educational framework designed to provide students with a broad and well-rounded education. Beyond developing strong academic knowledge, the IB Programme aims to help students understand the complexities of the world around them while developing the skills, values, and dispositions needed to become thoughtful, responsible, and engaged members of their communities.
The IB Programme places an emphasis not only on what students learn, but also on how they learn and how they apply their knowledge. Through this approach, students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, reflect on their learning, and take responsible action in an increasingly interconnected world.
For more detailed information about the IB Programme, including a list of universities and countries that recognize the IB Diploma, please click here.
For additional information about the IB Diploma Programme, please click here.
How is the IB Programme structured at AMHS?
At AMHS, we are authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 and 12. Students in Grade 11 are part of DP 1. This means the formal IB Diploma experience begins in Grade 11 for your child. Students in Grade 12 are part of DP 2.
In Grades 9 and 10, students are enrolled in what we call the Preparatory Years. During these years, they will take IB-streamed courses in Science, Mathematics, English, and French. These courses follow the Ontario Curriculum and provide students with a strong academic foundation as they prepare for the next stages of their IB journey.
While the curriculum expectations remain aligned with the Ontario Curriculum, teachers in these IB-streamed classes may provide additional enrichment opportunities to extend students’ learning and help prepare them for courses at the next level.
Common Lunch Periods
To provide opportunities for students to connect with their IB peers and participate in IB-related activities, students in each grade will have a common lunch period:
- Grade 9: Period 3 — 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Grade 10: Period 4 — 12:35 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
IB Google Classroom
There is a dedicated Google Classroom for IB students in each grade level. Please remind your child to join their respective IB Google Classroom, as important information about IB activities, announcements, and opportunities will be communicated through these platforms.
YRDSB TeachAssist Parent Portal
Parents are also encouraged to create an account on TeachAssist (Parents’ Portal). This will allow you to monitor your child’s academic progress throughout the school year.
When setting up your account, please use the email address that is currently on file with the school.
TeachAssist Parents’ Portal:
https://ta.yrdsb.ca/gamma-live/parents/index.php
Goals and supports for this school year
One of the key goals of our IB Programme is to provide students with opportunities to develop resilience and the ability to face challenges with confidence. These are important skills that will support them not only throughout the IB Diploma Programme (DP), but also in their future academic and personal endeavours.
At AMHS, we are fortunate to have a strong and dedicated team of staff who are able to support our students in a variety of ways. This team includes classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, programme coordinators, and administrators, all working together to support our students and promote their success.
If your child ever requires additional support, please encourage them to come and speak with me directly at school. I would be happy to help guide them in the right direction and connect them with the appropriate resources and support.
Statistics Update
Our statistics page has been updated. You will find an overview of our IB students’ overall achievement at AMHS over the past five school years.
Thank you for your attention and continued support of the IB Programme at AMHS. If there are any specific questions about the IB Programme, please contact me directly by phone or email.
Benjamin Law (benjamin.law@yrdsb.ca)
IB Coordinator, Alexander Mackenzie High School, York Region District School Board
905-884-0554 ext 419