School Start Up
Contact Information
We ask families to ensure the school office has the most up-to-date contact information. This is important in case of emergency situations. If your contact information has changed, please notify the school office.
Attendance
To report your student absent or late, please call the school at 905-884-0554 or email the attendance email at alexandermackenziehs.attendance@yrdsb.ca
Back-to-School Forms
Parents/guardians received an email from YRDSB Update with instructions to complete back-to-school forms. It is important that these forms are completed as soon as possible at the start of the school year as they contain information and permissions.
The forms can be found in the family dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca. Click on the arrow by your child’s name and select the start-up forms button. You can choose your language. Please follow these steps for each child. Forms will automatically populate with your child’s information through the Dashboard.
Learn how to create a Family Dashboard account if you do not have one.
The forms are also available online at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca. You will need your child’s student number. Tips are available on the Board website. Translation is also available on the website.
Please note: You must complete a separate form for each child attending school. If you prefer to complete the forms on paper or have questions about the information in the forms, please contact the school office.
Secondary School Student Forms
Secondary school students can complete the secondary school student form at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca/students. They will also receive the link in their student GAPPS account. Elementary school students do not need to complete these student forms.
Supporting Your Child in High School
Alexander Mackenzie High School provides grade-specific and topic-based Google Classroom for guidance and student support. Google Classrooms for grades can be accessed in the guidance department. Students can access these virtual spaces using their YRDSB GAPPS account.
Student Progress Information Night
Student Progress Information Night is on October 22, 2026. You will have an opportunity to meet with your child(ren)’s teacher(s) in person and learn more about their course(s). Parents can use TeachAssist, an online platform, to schedule a meeting time with their children’s teacher(s) on Parents’ Night. All students in our school currently have a TeachAssist account to access information associated with their class assessments.
Parents/guardians may access appointment bookings on October 15 through the TeachAssist Parent Portal available at https://ta.yrdsb.ca/parents. From there, enter in your email address and leave the password blank, to set up a one-time access link, or to reset a password that you've created. An email will be sent with a time limited link that will look similar to this:
Once logged in, parents/guardians will have the option to set up a password. For instructions on how to book a parent-teacher interview through TeachAssist, please click here. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our main office.
If you have any challenges with meeting in-person on October 22, 2026, please contact your child’s teacher to make alternative arrangements for another day.
Important Timelines
- Student Progress Night schedule opens at 9:00 a.m. on October 15 for booking.
- Parents/Guardians will go to the TeachAssist parent portal https://ta.yrdsb.ca/parents to book their appointment(s).
- October 20-21 Interim Reports will be distributed electronically to parents /guardians / 18+ students via the Electronic Distribution Process.
- October 20 Interview Scheduler closes at 3:10 pm.
- October 21 Parents receive confirmation email(s) from teachers.
- October 22 Parent Teacher Interview Night
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.
SPC Card - $10
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.
A Reminder About Respecting Our School Environment
We would like to remind all students about the importance of treating our school environment with care and respect.
Unfortunately, we have recently experienced incidents of vandalism in our washrooms. As a result, some washroom facilities have had to be temporarily closed, impacting access for our students.
We ask for your support in reinforcing the message that our school is a shared space, and everyone has a responsibility to help keep it safe, clean, and welcoming. Students are reminded that vandalism and damage to school property are serious matters and may result in appropriate consequences.
Please take a moment to speak with your child about respecting school property and making responsible choices while at school. With everyone's cooperation, we can maintain a positive environment where all students feel comfortable and respected.
Important Reminder About Vaping
We are asking for your support in reinforcing our school’s expectations regarding vaping and tobacco/nicotine products.
Students are not permitted to vape or use electronic cigarettes on school property or within 20 metres of school property. This includes school washrooms, hallways, classrooms, outdoor areas and personal vehicles parked on school property. These restrictions are consistent with YRDSB policy and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Students should also not bring vapes or vaping devices to school.
Vape Detectors in Washrooms
Vape detectors are installed in school washrooms and are actively monitored. When a detector is activated, the school will investigate the incident.
Students who are identified as being in a washroom when a vape detector is activated may be contacted by the school, and parents/guardians may be informed. Students should understand that simply being in a washroom where vaping is detected can result in further investigation.
Vaping and possession of vaping products are violations of Board expectations. Depending on the circumstances, the school may apply progressive discipline, which can include parent/guardian contact and other consequences. More serious or repeated incidents may result in suspension, in accordance with Board procedures.
Vaping on school property is also prohibited under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. In addition to school-based consequences, students may be subject to enforcement under provincial law. Provincial tobacco/vapour-product enforcement officers or law enforcement may become involved where appropriate, and fines can apply.
We encourage families to speak with their students about these expectations and the potential consequences of bringing or using vaping products at school.
Our goal is to maintain a safe, healthy and respectful learning environment for all students and staff. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting our school’s efforts to keep vaping off school property.
Personal Mobile Devices in Schools
This is to inform you about student use of personal mobile devices in schools, in particular, students must store their mobile device out of view, and power off or set to silent mode during instructional/class time. In 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a directive modifying the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms. YRDSB already has Policy and Procedure 194.0 - Appropriate Use of Technology and many measures around personal mobile devices in place. The changes bring alignment with the Ministry Directive. The following expectations for students’ use of personal mobile devices are outlined in the revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), and the York Region District School Board’s Policy #668 Caring and Safe Schools.
A personal mobile device (PMD) is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablets, smart watches, meta glasses, or other wearable smart devices.
Expectations: Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board policy.
Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the circumstances outlined below:
○ for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
○ for health and medical purposes
○ to support special education needs
Students in secondary school can bring a personal mobile device to school, but will be able to use it only during non-instructional time.
Practices at School
If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, even after staff reminders, the student may be required to place their personal mobile device in a storage area in a location designated by the educator for the class or period.
Your child may face consequences if they use their personal mobile device inappropriately. Progressive discipline may apply and families may be notified.
Resources:
Families play an important role in teaching children about finding a healthy balance in using technology. You may wish to access the following resources:
● Media Smarts - Four Tips for Managing Your Kids’ Screen Time
● School Mental Health Ontario - Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
● Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Services
For additional information regarding Policy/Program (PPM) 128, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Cellphones and other mobile devices in schools site or the York Region District School Board’s website.
Renewed Computer Technology Information
Dear Families,
As part of a partnership between YRDSB and Renewed Computer Technology (RCT), families with children enrolled in our Board have the opportunity to purchase quality refurbished computers at a reduced cost. Applicants must live in Ontario, have a student enrolled at YRDSB and either receive government assistance payments or qualify as a limited income earner under the limited income cut-off standards*.
Below is a limited income grid for your reference.
| Family size | Annual income* |
| 2 people | $30,286 |
| 3 people | $37,234 |
| 4 people | $45,206 |
| 5 people | $51,272 |
| 6 people | $57,286 |
| 7 people + | $64,381 |
This year, there are different packages available for purchase. Please reference the online application page for the current available package offerings. Please note that there are three options for delivery.
- If you would like for the computer to be delivered directly to your home, there is RCT OTR Order Form a $25 charge for laptops and a $35 charge for desktops. Families who choose this delivery option will have their order shipped when it is ready, roughly 3 weeks from date of order.
- If you would like the device shipped to your child’s school there is a $20 delivery charge. If you choose this shipping option, the computer will be delivered to your child's school in March after the end of the promotion period. Please indicate the name of the school on the form when selecting this option.
- You may choose to pick up the computer from the RCT Mississauga Warehouse, for free, located at 945 Meyerside Drive, Mississauga. Families who choose this option will have their order ready for pick up roughly 3 weeks after the date of order.
Parents and legal guardians may apply for one computer per student, with a limit of two per household. Please see below for a full list of device specifications.
If you are interested in applying, please complete an online application at https://www.jotform.com/210054491659255 using the group code on the attached program flyer. The application period is from September 17, 2026 – November 19, 2026.
Please note - There are sections in the RCT Online Application that are no longer applicable:
- Requirement of Proof or Documentation of Income
- Requirement to participate in training prior to receiving your computer/laptop
The Section on Course of Study can pertain to elementary or secondary. If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet, please contact the administration team at your school for assistance.
For inquiries related to the RCT application process, devices and delivery, please contact Hafza Arshad (harshad@rcto.ca) and for inquiries related to support from YRDSB, please contact Yvonne Kelly (yvonne.kelly@yrdsb.ca)
For more information, including complete application and payment instructions, please refer to the program flyer and checklist.
Post Secondary Information
Guidance is planning a Post-Secondary Pathways Information Evening to support students and families with post-secondary planning, program options, and the application process.
- Learn about college, university, apprenticeship, and workplace pathways
- Receive information about application timelines and requirements
- Ask questions and gain insight into the post-secondary planning process
- Help us tailor the presentation to address your family's questions and concerns
👉 Please complete the interest form by October 2. Your feedback will help us prepare for the October and ensure the information provided is relevant and useful to our families.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER
28 – Oct 2 – Safety Week
29 – Period 2,3,4 Club Fair, Senior Golf Team Qualifier
30 – Orange Shirt Day
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
1 – Hold and Secure Drill, Cross Country Team Meet
2 – Sr Boys Volleyball Game @ RHHS
5 – Lockdown Drill
6 – Grade 9 Camp Day
7 – Cross Country Team Meet
8 – Virtual Post Secondary Information Session
SAVE THE DATE
October 22 - Student Progress Information Night