Bradford District High School Newsletter, December 2025
Principal’s Message:
Dear Bradford District High School Families,
As we approach the end of the calendar year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the incredible events and accomplishments that have taken place at BDHS this past month.
Trades Night Success
We were thrilled to host a highly successful Trades Night, where many of our students and their families engaged in key conversations with representatives from the skilled trades industry, as well as local colleges and universities. This event provided valuable insight into the many options available in the trades sector, and we are proud to support our students in exploring these exciting opportunities.
Honouring Our Veterans
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the teachers in our Arts Department for their hard work and leadership in organizing our Remembrance Day ceremonies. These events were a meaningful tribute to local Bradford veterans and a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring those who have served. Please see the photo below of the Visual Arts Department’s Remembrance Day installation, completed by our senior visual arts students and the Visual Arts Club.
Welcoming Future BDHS Students
This past month, we were delighted to welcome Grade 8 students to BDHS. They had the chance to explore our course offerings, specialized programs, and participate in our Clubs and Councils Fair. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and curiosity as they learned about the many opportunities available to them here at Bradford District High School.
Midterm Reports & Attendance Reminder
Midterm reports were issued on Wednesday November 19th, and we encourage parents and guardians to review these with their students. This is a great time to celebrate successes and set goals for the remainder of the semester. If you have any questions regarding your student’s report card, we encourage you to reach out to your student’s teacher. Should you need assistance with teacher contact information, please contact our school main office for support.
We also want to gently remind about the importance of regular attendance. Each missed day can add up over time, resulting in missed instructional opportunities that are key for student success. Thank you for your continued support in helping students stay engaged and present in their learning.
As we look forward to the winter break, I want to express my gratitude to our students, staff, and families for your ongoing commitment to our school community. Together, we make BDHS a place where every student can experience success and positive engagement in a number of extra-curricular opportunities.
My warmest regards,
Heather Lagace
Key Dates to Remember:
December 2nd – Honour Roll Assembly (periods 1 and 2, cafeteria)
December 2nd – Canadian & World Studies Dept. Heritage Fair, 6pm in school main forum
December 15th - CMHA Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic (MOBYSS) at BDHS
December 16th – South Simcoe Kempenfelt Cup
December 17th – Arts Night, 6pm in main forum and cafeteria
December 19th – Last day of school before Winter Break
December 20th – January 4th – Winter Break, school closed
January 5th – Classes resume
January 14th – Grade 8 Information Night – Save the date!
January 21st – 26th – Culminating Task Days
January 27th – 29th – Feedback, Recovery and Improvement Days
January 30th – PA Day
February 2nd – Semester 2 begins
High School Information Night
BDHS will be hosting a High School Information Night for our future students, currently in Grade 8. This event will be on Wednesday, January 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at BDHS. There will be an opportunity to tour the school, receive information about courses and graduation requirements, and get questions about high school answered. All are welcome!
Lockers
All BDHS students have the option to have a locker. While most students arranged for a locker during the first week of school, some students may have missed the opportunity. It is encouraged that all students have their own locker, as lockers should not be shared.
If a student does not yet have a locker at BDHS but is interested in having one, they simply need to come to the main office with their own combination lock (no other locks will be permitted) and a locker will be assigned to them. Please note that combination locks can also be purchased from our main office at a cost of $7, payment to be provided in cash only.
All students will be required to provide the office with their lock combination that will be kept on file.
Mathematics Supports
BDHS is offering another round of the after-hours math support program for grade 9 and 10 students who are currently in a math course this semester. This initiative is to establish program support to enhance the numeracy of our Grade 9 and 10 students. It is designed for students who may be at risk of not achieving the provincial standard in numeracy and provide an opportunity for them to get extra help on their current studies.
Program Information:
Each section will run for 1 hour after school on two days for 5 weeks.
- Math support will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays (2:20 pm -3:20 pm), beginning on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2025
Please be aware that this program will not run during the winter break and will resume the week of January 5th. In addition, there is a minimum class size of 16 students, with a maximum of 24 students. Students who sign up are expected to attend the class regularly, and late enrolment may be able to be accommodated, dependent on class sizes. Please note that should a student be absent for 3 consecutive sessions or not attend the first session they will be removed from enrollment.
For further details please contact your student’s teacher or Vice Principal.
Athletics Update
BUCS winter sports are officially underway! This season, our athletes will be competing in a wide range of sports, including: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Junior and Senior Boys Basketball, Boys Hockey, Swimming, Junior Girls Volleyball, and Senior Girls Volleyball.
BDHS is also excited to take part in the South Simcoe Kempenfelt Cup once again this year, taking place on Tuesday December 16th at the Sadlon Arena. This is always a highlight of the season, and we look forward to cheering on our teams as they represent our school. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets through School Cash Online, as quantities are limited.
Our Athletic Wear is now available! BUCS hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts can be purchased through School Cash Online until December 14th. This is a great opportunity to show your school spirit or pick up a holiday gift.
Please encourage your student to listen to daily announcements and stay connected for team-specific details, game schedules, and important updates.
BDHS Guidance
OUAC and OCAS Applications (for universities and colleges)
The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) is now open, and the application deadline for equal consideration is January 15th.
The Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) is also open and the application deadline for equal consideration is February 1st.
Recommendations to grade 12 students:
*Continue to do your research. Look at university/college websites, discuss options with your family, and ask questions. Key websites to consult:
Colleges - https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en
Universities - Start Your Research with OUInfo | Ontario Universities' Application Centre
*Make sure you are following the Guidance D2L, as we will be posting updated information about programs, resources, application timelines, and scholarships.
*Make guidance appointments with your counsellor, to discuss your options.
Grade 12 Students
Guidance Counsellors and Special Education Resource Teachers have been meeting with grade 12 students. The goal is that all grade 12s will have had a meeting with their guidance counsellor by the winter break. These conversations will revolve around post-secondary plans, as well as graduation requirements. If you have any questions or concerns involving your student or their pathway, you are welcome to contact their guidance counsellor or SERT.
Ontario University and College Application Support Sessions (OCAS and OUAC):
Guidance will be hosting application support sessions for both university and college-bound students. Students are encouraged to attend the following session(s) for assistance with their application(s):
Tuesday, December 9 – Lunchtime – Computer Lab 110 – OCAS (College applications)
Wednesday, December 10 – Lunchtime – Computer Lab 110 – OUAC (University applications)
Scholarship Report
Graduating students have access to a newsletter called, “The Scholarship Report.” This online resource provides helpful information as your student prepares for their postsecondary education.
In addition to the information that our Guidance Department shares regularly, The Scholarship Report posts information on postsecondary events and opportunities, application tips, advice from experts, campus Open House Schedules, career resources, and lists of curated scholarship and bursaries, and other ways to pay for school.
Link to The Scholarship Report: November Scholarship Report
The Trades Report
Students also have access to a newsletter called, “The Trades Report.” This resource provides valuable information about pursuing a career in the trades, opportunities in high school, career fairs, and spotlights specific trades by interviewing workers in that field.
Link to The Trades Report: November Trades Report
Password: TTR2526
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s Guidance Counsellor.
BDHS Co-operative Education
We are so grateful for our community partners who support the Cooperative Education Programs at BDHS by mentoring our students. This month features a student at Fieldcrest Elementary School.
BDHS Winter Arts Night
NOTE: INCLEMENT WEATHER RESCHEDULING DATE FOR ARTS NIGHT, IF DEC. 17th IS CANCELLED: THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 2025
Future Aces and Mental Health Awareness.
Approximately 15% of all Canadians are neurodivergent and many well-known people, such as Albert Einstein and Jessica Alba, are neurodivergent. Conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involve intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, which can be challenging but are also part of human diversity. To grow awareness, Future Aces hosted an OCD and Mental Health Awareness booth, in partnership with the Strive4me club, where students created and handed out handmade ribbons, stickers, and information cards about OCD and mental health. This initiative encouraged students to better understand how OCD affects individuals, and helped promote empathy, acceptance, and awareness throughout BDHS.
ADHD Awareness Kahoot
To continue to build awareness with neurodiversity, the Future Aces Club hosted an ADHD awareness Kahoot trivia event. Students competed to answer questions about ADHD and neurodivergence, with prizes for first, second, and third place winners. This fun and interactive game gave students the opportunity to understand that being neurodivergent can come with unique strengths and abilities.
Care and Share Basket Project
The Future Aces Club is also taking part in a meaningful community initiative through the Care and Share Basket Project. Partnering with Desjardins, a banking and investment company that has generously supported Future Aces, students are creating handmade gift baskets for seniors, shelter residents, and others in need of a brighter day. This project is funded by the Desjardins Foundation Grant, which the Future Aces proudly earned last year. The goal of the Care and Share Basket Project is to spread kindness and connection through handmade gifts that remind people that they matter and are not alone. At the same time, students gain empathy, teamwork skills, and the opportunity to make a real difference in their community. We hope BDHS Students will watch for upcoming pop-up sessions in the future to help assemble the baskets and take part in giving back. Together, we can continue to build a culture of compassion, awareness, and community care at BDHS.
SCDSB NEWS ITEMS
This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the following topics:
- There’s ‘snow-place’ like school! Attendance matters
- Provide your feedback on the proposed SCDSB 2026-27 school year calendar
- High school information events for Grade 8 students
- Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion this December
- Support your child(ren) in learning math
- SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Nights in February 2026
- Subscribe to Kindergarten Connections!
- Check out the SCDSB News video series
- Licensed Winter Break school-age childcare programs
- SCDSB offers free Self-Reg Parenting Course – registration now open!
- Culminating Task Days and Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days (secondary)
- School playground structures are closed for the winter
- Reminder about sledding safety at school
- Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication on Student Devices
- Stay healthy this school year!
To read this information, visit the SCDSB website:
https://www.scdsb.on.ca/news/current_news/info___updates_from_the_s_c_d_s_b_-_december_2025