Attendance Matters
Students are expected to arrive at school and get to each class on time. Being punctual allows students to begin learning with their classmates and helps minimize interruptions to instruction.Students are also expected to be active participants in their learning. This means being present, prepared, engaged in classroom activities and discussions, and making a consistent effort to participate in the learning process.
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced new requirements that make attendance and participation part of a student’s final course grade. Attendance and participation account for 15% of the final grade in Grades 9 and 10 and 10% in Grades 11 and 12.
Regular attendance and active participation in school are important parts of student success. As we begin the school year, we would like to remind families and students of the following attendance expectations:
Extended Vacations
If your child will be away from school for an extended vacation, please ensure that the Extended Vacation Form is completed and submitted to the school as required. This form is available in the Main Office.
Students and families are responsible for keeping up with learning during an extended absence and for completing any missed work, assignments, assessments, or other learning activities upon their return. Please plan vacations carefully and consider the impact that extended absences may have on your child’s learning.
Illness and Appointments
If your child is going to be absent due to illness, a medical appointment, or another unavoidable reason, please ensure that the school is notified by phone or email, alexandermackenziehs.attendance@yrdsb.ca as soon as possible.
Keeping the school informed helps us maintain accurate attendance records and, most importantly, helps us ensure that students are safe and accounted for.
Exams
Most secondary school courses now include mandatory written exams. Students are expected to attend their scheduled exams during the following exam periods:
Semester 1: January 25 to January 29
Semester 2: June 21 to June 25
We appreciate your partnership in helping your child develop strong attendance habits, arrive on time, and take an active role in their learning. Together, we can support students in making the most of every school day.
School Cash Online
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage families to review the following opportunities and fees available through School Cash Online. These programs help students build connections, participate in school life, and create lasting memories at Alexander Mackenzie High School.
Grade 9 Camp Robin Hood – $60.00
We are excited to welcome all Grade 9 students to our annual Grade 9 Camp Day at Camp Robin Hood on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
This all-day experience is designed exclusively for Grade 9 students and is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Build school spirit and a strong sense of belonging
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Meet new friends and connect with classmates
- Create positive memories and become more connected to the AMHS community
The $60.00 fee includes bus transportation, lunch, and all camp activities.
There will be no regular classes for Grade 9 students on Camp Day. All Grade 9 students are expected to participate in this important community-building experience.
Student Engagement Fee – $50.00
The Student Engagement Fee supports the many activities and opportunities that make AMHS a vibrant and connected school community.
Your contribution helps support co-curricular opportunities such as:
- Athletics and sports teams
- Student clubs and organizations
- School spirit events and dances
- Student leadership initiatives
- Music festivals and performances
- Assemblies and guest speakers
- Awards and recognition celebrations
- Student Council, Presidents' Council, Athletic Council, Music Council, and Arts Council initiatives
We encourage all families to support the Student Engagement Fee so that students can continue to benefit from the many activities and experiences that make high school memorable.
AMHS Yearbook – $65.00
Capture the memories. Celebrate the moments. Own a piece of AMHS history.
The AMHS Yearbook is the perfect way to remember the 2026–2027 school year. It features student life, athletics, arts, clubs, special events, graduation portraits, and the many moments that make our school community unique.
Created by our talented Yearbook Team, the yearbook is a keepsake that students and families will treasure for years to come.
Yearbook: $65.00
We encourage families to purchase early to ensure they don't miss out on this special collection of memories.
Physical Education Uniforms
This is a quick reminder that all students enrolled in Physical Education courses are required to wear a Phys. Ed uniform. For health and safety reasons, these uniforms ensure our students remain easily identifiable when on the back field or out in the community.
- How to Purchase: Uniforms can be bought online via School Cash Online (SCO).
- Semester 1 Distribution: Students should bring their receipt to the Phys. Ed office, where Mrs. Kattis will distribute Semester 1 uniforms.
- Semester 2 Distribution: Uniforms for second-semester classes will be handed out in February.Physical Education Uniforms
This is a quick reminder that all students enrolled in Physical Education courses are required to wear a Phys. Ed uniform. For health and safety reasons, these uniforms ensure our students remain easily identifiable when on the back field or out in the community.- How to Purchase: Uniforms can be bought online via School Cash Online (SCO).
- Semester 1 Distribution: Students should bring their receipt to the Phys. Ed office, where Mrs. Kattis will distribute Semester 1 uniforms.
- Semester 2 Distribution: Uniforms for second-semester classes will be handed out in February.
School Council Donation – $10.00
The AMHS School Council encourages families to consider making a voluntary $10.00 donation to support student learning and school initiatives during the 2026–2027 school year.
School Council is made up of parent and guardian volunteers who work in partnership with the school to support student success. Donations help enhance learning opportunities and the school environment through initiatives such as:
- Technology purchases
- Musical Theatre
- Guest speakers
- Special events
- Graduation awards
- Other school-wide programs and initiatives
Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25.00 or more.
Thank you to all our families for supporting the opportunities, programs, and experiences that help make AMHS a vibrant and engaging school community.
SCHEDULES AND COURSE CHANGES
Thank you for your patience and support as we completed timetable adjustments and course changes during the first few weeks of school. We understand that schedule changes can be challenging for students and families, and we appreciate your cooperation throughout this process.
Our Guidance Department has reviewed many timetable concerns and course change requests. A small number of adjustments are still being finalized. Students affected by these changes will be contacted directly by Guidance through email or by being called to the Guidance Office.
Until notified otherwise, all students are expected to follow their current timetable and attend their scheduled classes.
Please note that course and timetable change requests will no longer be accepted after this week. Exceptions will only be made for students with timetable gaps (blanks) or those currently on a waitlist for a course where space becomes available.
To clarify expectations regarding course withdrawals:
- Students cannot drop one course and move into another course during the semester. Course changes are subject to available space, graduation requirements, and school timelines.
- Grade 12 students may withdraw from a course before the Full Disclosure Date if doing so is in their best interest. Students and families are encouraged to discuss this decision with their Guidance Counsellor.
- Students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 must maintain a full timetable of four courses each semester.
- All course change and withdrawal requests must follow established school and board timelines.
Thank you again for your cooperation and support. We look forward to a successful semester for all students.
E-Bikes, E-Scooters & Bicycles — Safety Reminder
A reminder to all students who ride an e-bike, e-scooter, or bicycle to Alexander Mackenzie High School:
- Park all e-bikes, e-scooters, and bicycles only in the designated bike racks/parking areas.
- Do not use fire-route ramps or access routes for parking. These areas must always remain clear for emergency access.
- Students must dismount before entering the school property and walk their bike or e-scooter up to the school.
- Helmets must be worn when riding an e-bike, e-scooter, or bicycle.
- Please ensure that bikes and e-scooters are secured appropriately in the designated areas.
Bus Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Please remember that the front driveway off Major Mackenzie Drive is designated for school bus drop-off and pick-up.
For everyone’s safety, students, parents/guardians, and vehicles should not use or stop in the bus driveway during arrival and dismissal times.
Thank you for helping us keep our school property safe, accessible, and clear for emergency vehicles and school buses.
