Newsletter April 2026
Principal’s Message:
As we progress into April, I would like to take a moment to review several highlights from the month of March and share some important upcoming information as we approach mid-term.
During March, we were pleased to host a student‑led fashion show, organized in partnership with our Black Student Association. This engaging and creative event was well attended by students and members of our school community and showcased remarkable talent, collaboration, and leadership. We are very proud of the students and staff who worked together to make this event such a success. We were also excited to host rock climbing in our gymnasium as part of our Health and Physical Education program. This unique opportunity allowed students to challenge themselves physically, develop confidence, and experience an engaging approach to physical activity that supports overall wellness. I would like to extend thanks to our Health and Physical Education department for their organization of this worthwhile event.
It was wonderful to see many parents and guardians attend our recent school interviews evening. We greatly value the partnership between home and school, and encourage families to continue communicating with teachers regarding their student’s academic progress. Please note that mid-term report cards will be sent home on Friday, April 30th.
As we look ahead, we are excited for the upcoming spring sports season, with tryouts beginning soon. We encourage students to get involved and take advantage of the many athletic and extra-curricular opportunities available at BDHS. As we enter the final three months of the school year, we also remind students and families of the importance of consistent attendance, as every day continues to matter for learning, engagement, and success.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and our school community as we work together toward a strong and successful finish to the school year.
Yours sincerely,
Heather Lagace
Key Dates to Remember:
April 8th, 9th & 14th – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, spring session
April 9th – Graduation Photo Retakes, in room 213
April 9th – Skilled Trades and College Opportunities Panel Presentation for students
April 10th – Relay for Life Assemblies
April 14th - CMHA Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic (MOBYSS) at BDHS
April 22nd – BDHS Eco Fair, in recognition of Earth Day
April 24th – PA Day (Secondary and Elementary SCDSB Schools – no classes)
April 28th – Ontario Human Rights Commission Dreams Delayed Report Consultations (daytime for students, evening consultation for parents and families of Black students, see info below)
April 30th – Mid-term report cards sent home
Graduation Packages:
Graduation packages have been posted for purchase on school cash online. In order to attend graduation, you will need to purchase the package that includes a graduation gown, stole, cap, tassel and 3 guest tickets. Graduation will take place on Thursday June 25, 2026 at 7:00pm at the Innisfil Recreation Centre.
Prom Formal Wear Shop Event:
A prom formal wear shopping event will take place at BDHS on Wednesday April 22nd (after school). During this event, students will be able to select prom formal wear at no charge. Students may also speak with their guidance counsellor, SERT, student success teacher, or graduation coach if they would like to access available prom formal wear. We thank our school community for helping us make prom accessible and memorable for all of our graduates.
BDHS Prom Information:
- Location: The Club at Bond Head, 4105 7th Line
- Date: Friday May 22, 2026
- Time: 6pm – 10:30pm
- Price: $150.00 per ticket
- Prom Teacher Advisors:
What you need to purchase a ticket:
- Student Activity Fee Paid
- Student Identification Card
Please note: If the above is not completed, the purchase of your prom ticket will be cancelled and refunded during the week of March 30 to April 2. You will be notified through your school email account.
When you can purchase tickets:
- In an effort to ensure all grade 12 BDHS students had an opportunity to purchase tickets, initial sales of prom tickets were limited to grade 12 BDHS students first, and this initial sales time period occurred from March 23rd to April 6th.
- Should tickets remain available, an additional week of sales will be open from April 7 to April 10, to allow grade 12 BDHS students to purchase guest tickets for those that may be in another grade or from outside of the school.
- Please note that if you do not purchase a ticket, your name will not be on the entrance list, therefore you will not be allowed to enter the prom venue.
What if my guest does not attend BDHS?
- ONLY if guest tickets are available for purchase, you must complete the prom guest agreement form, have it signed by parents or guardians and reviewed by a Vice-principal.
- Please provide this completed form to Ms. DiNino or Ms. Guerra
Relay for Life:
Relay For Life is coming up so get excited! This event is dedicated to raising funds to aid the Canadian Cancer Society in supporting cancer survivors, research, and in remembering those who have passed. If you have been affected by cancer or know someone who has, please consider signing up to join the event. Visit relayforlife.ca/bradford for more information.
Relay for Life is a festival-like event in which participants will be participating in a day-long relay race. To keep things interesting there will be food, music, themed laps (such as a three-legged race, a bubble lap and more). When students are not on the track doing a relay leg, other events will be on going such as a blow-up obstacle course and dance parties.
We will also honour survivors at a special luminary ceremony, where all participants will decorate lanterns to show their support in the fight against cancer.
On April 10th our launch party will take place during periods 1 and 2. Afterward, students will be able to sign up as part of a team or as a solo participant and begin to raise funds.
The Relay for Life event takes place at BDHS on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Dreams Delayed Report Consultations
The SCDSB acknowledges the structural and systemic nature of anti-Black racism and discrimination in education. The SCDSB recognizes that Black students and staff have historically faced, and continue to face, barriers to equity and inclusion, due to deeply rooted racial biases and discriminatory practices.
In response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Dreams Delayed Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System report, the SCDSB is holding consultations for parents and families of Black students. The upcoming consultations are intended to gather feedback from the community on how the recommendations from the report can be incorporated at the SCDSB. The consultations will be held in various locations across the county, including virtually, this spring and will be facilitated by an external consultant.
A consultation session for BDHS students will take place on Tuesday April 28th at 1:00 in room 212. To register, students are asked to scan the QR code on posters located within the school, and registration assistance can also be provided via our main office. Please note that an evening consultation for parents and families will be held at Bradford District High School on Tuesday April 28th, from 5pm until 7pm. Those who would like to attend the evening consultation are asked to register via the registration link provided on this webpage: https://www.scdsb.on.ca/about/human_rights_and_equity_office
Canadian and World Studies:
Athletic Update:
Spring sports are officially underway at BDHS, with tryouts and practices in full swing. We’re excited to have the following teams preparing for competition this season: Boys Baseball, Junior Golf, Girls Slo-Pitch, Girls Soccer, Junior Tennis, Track and Field, and Ultimate Frisbee.
Teams and athletes will kick off their competitive season at the end of April, with games and meets continuing throughout May. We look forward to an exciting and successful spring season for all of our BDHS teams.
Our Athletic Banquet is scheduled for Thursday June 11th from 2:30–4:00 PM, where we will celebrate the achievements and dedication of our student-athletes. More details will be shared soon.
Guidance Update:
Summer School
Students may still sign up for Summer School; however, we ask that families be mindful that available spots in summer school can be limited. As a result, guidance has kept students in their compulsory subjects for the next school year, in the event that they do not get a spot in the requested summer school course.
If students do request a Summer School course, they and their parent/guardian will receive emails to confirm that the registration has been submitted, and to notify if the student has been waitlisted or accepted. Please note that all SCDSB courses will be waitlisted at this point. Please continue to monitor school email throughout the semester for updated information.
Link to the list of available SCDSB summer school courses for July:
https://www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school
Link to see available summer school courses in other boards for July and/or August:
https://ontario.prismsis.com/course-offerings-2025-2026
Community Service Hours Reminder
Students need to complete 40 community service hours to graduate from high school. They can start accumulating these hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9.
Community involvement is intended to:
-encourage students to understand the roles they play in their community
-help students to develop a greater sense of belonging
Students are encouraged to choose activities that interest them or help them explore potential careers. Many students complete more than 40 hours, which can be beneficial for scholarships for post-secondary.
The Community Service Hours tracking form can be found in Guidance. Contact the Guidance Department if you have any questions. Alternatively, you can also visit the SCDSB website for forms and additional information. We would ask that potential graduates have community service hours completed and submitted to the guidance office by Friday May 8th.
Guidance Appointment Process
BDHS students can book a guidance appointment with their guidance counsellor online. Guidance counsellors each have their own list of students they support, that are assigned by alpha. Students can book a specific date/time to see their guidance counsellor, but are reminded to wait in their classroom to be called down to guidance. Their counsellor will do their best to honour that date/time, however, please be aware that things can come up unexpectedly and we appreciate their patience if there is a need to re-book appointments.
Ms. Benjafield for students who have surnames that start with A-E
Ms. Accettola for students who have surnames that start with F-L
Ms. Ketcheson for students who have surnames that start with M-R
Mr. Basinger for students who have surnames that start with S-Z
Ms. Dunn for Multilingual Learners
School Interviews Link
https://www.schoolinterviews.ca/bWsF12k/step1
Specialist High Skills Major program:
Are you currently in grade 10 and interested in joining SHSM next year? Well, you are in luck, applications for the 2026/2027 year are open!
What is SHSM? A Specialist High Skills Major program (SHSM) provides grade 11 and 12 students with an opportunity to focus their learning and gain valuable experience for both work and post-secondary opportunities.
Upon graduation, students receive a specialized red seal SHSM diploma and transcript which demonstrates they have learned the knowledge and skills of today’s sector specific requirements. The program is open to all grade 11 and 12 students. BDHS has four different SHSM programs: Hospitality & Tourism, Information and Communications Technology, Construction, and Transportation.
The program requires students to complete a total of four grade 11/12 Construction, Information and Communications Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, or Transportation courses. Along with 4 supporting credits in English, math, business or science.
SHSM also requires a total of 2 cooperative education credits linked to the chosen SHSM sector. In addition to the course requirements, students must complete a designated amount of compulsory and elected sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs along with experiential learning opportunities. SHSM students also get "first pick" to some of our most sought-after courses!
Need more information: SHSM Explained
Interested in joining? Email Mrs. Dunn in guidance: [email protected]
Information and updates from the SCDSB:
This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the below topics. To read this information, visit the SCDSB website.
- Applications for the SCDSB Umoja Award are open
- Creating safe and welcoming spaces for students, staff, and visitors
- Learn about cybersecurity and digital well-being at virtual event for parents/guardians
- Spring into new math activities this April
- Say hello to SCDSB Weekly — coming soon!
- Kindergarten registration for September 2026 is open!
- Discover Kindergarten in the SCDSB at a Kindergarten orientation session
- Licensed summer school childcare programs
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- Supporting your child’s mental health and well‑being
- Feedback, recovery and improvement days (secondary)
- Tick-Talk: Protect you and your child from ticks and Lyme disease