Bradford District High School Newsletter, November 2025
Principal’s Message:
October was an exciting month filled with incredible activities and achievements. We look forward to continuing to support student growth and academic success as we move into the month of November and approach the mid-point of semester one.
To date, BDHS has hosted a number of great opportunities to promote student wellness, encourage positive connections in a variety of capacities, and foster academic progress. Early last month, we were proud to host a Grade 9 Spirit Day with outstanding participation, led by our Fitness Leadership Program. This fun-filled day provided a great opportunity for connection and physical activity, and was truly enjoyed by all. Students in our science and technology classes also engaged in STEM learning and engineering career workshops, thanks to Mitek Canada. We would like to extend our appreciation to the Mitek team, for hosting this valuable learning experience. In addition, our Mental Health Student Ambassadors Team launched Wellness Wednesdays, offering weekly lunch-hour programming to promote positive mental health. We encourage all students to check out these weekly activities that address a variety of topics that serve to support student wellness. We also celebrate our athletes who advanced to regional and provincial championships in soccer, cross-country, and tennis — we are truly proud of their accomplishments and thank our coaches for their dedication to our sports program. Furthermore, a number of clubs and councils continue to meet each week, and we invite students to explore even more opportunities at our upcoming Student Clubs Fair on Thursday, November 13th.
As we move toward the halfway point of the semester, please note that midterm report cards will be issued on Wednesday, November 19th. Should any questions arise regarding your student’s academic progress, families are always welcome to reach out to teachers to further discuss. Should you need assistance with connecting with a teacher, please contact our main office for support. Please note that our dedicated staff remain committed to encouraging student success, and we value partnership with families in supporting your student’s achievement.
In closing, I wish to thank everyone for your continued support in making our school community a great place to learn and grow. We look forward to a second term focused on building academic excellence and promoting positive connections.
Yours sincerely,
Heather Lagace
Key Dates to Remember:
November 6th – BDHS Trades Night
November 10th – School Council Meeting, 6pm in school library
November 11th – Remembrance Day
November 13th – Grade 8 Visit Day
November 13th – Clubs and Councils Fair (during lunch, in library)
November 14th – PA Day – no classes for students
November 17th to 21st - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
November 17th - CMHA Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic (MOBYSS) at BDHS
November 19th – Mid-Term Report Cards sent home
November 26th – Photo Retake Day
Trades Night is Coming Up!
Did you know that BDHS' annual trades and technology night is taking place on November 6th from 5-8 PM? This event is specially designed for anyone interested in the Skilled Trades and Technology sectors. Information about apprenticeships, courses and pathways, SHSM, OYAP and our technology department will be provided. A guest speaker will share his insights on the trades, and local businesses and organizations in the trades and technology sector will be available to answer all your questions! Confirmed vendors include: AECON, JD Electric, OE Utility Services, S&E Manufacturing, Lakehead School of Engineering, Molded Precision Components, The Electrical Apprenticeship Training Alliance, Canada Masonry Centre, Keen Arborists, Brandt, Joe Johnson Equipment, Humber College, Green Infrastructure Partners Inc., LiUNA Local 183, Barrie Construction Association, and Georgian college. There will be experiential learning opportunities, and your hospitality department will be supplying delicious appetizers. You do not want to miss this event! Confirm your attendance today with the following link
School Council
The BDHS School Council continues to meet, and all are welcome to join! School council is a committee made up of elected parents/guardians, community representatives, staff, and students that help to provide the community voice and parent/guardian perspective on important school topics. School council is a good way for parents/guardians to get involved and it plays an important role in the partnership between home and school. Our next meeting will be held on Monday November 10th at 6:00pm in the school library. Please see https://bdh.scdsb.on.ca/parents/school_council for more information on our Council, and to view our most recent school council minutes.
Upcoming School Council Meeting Dates: (all meetings take place in the school library)
- Monday November 10th, 2025, 6pm
- Monday January 12th, 2026, 6pm
- Monday February 9th, 2026, 6pm
- Tuesday March 30th, 2026, 6pm
- Monday May 11th, 2026, 6pm
Canadian and World Studies History Fair
Save the Date! On December 2, 2025 the Canadian and World Studies department will be hosting our inaugural History Fair on from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. History students this semester will be participating in a night to demonstrate their learning on topics related to their course curriculum. We extend our invitation to all BDHS community members to join in an evening to celebrate all of their hard work.
Athletics Update
BUCS fall sports are heading into playoffs, and our teams and athletes are achieving outstanding results! A big shout-out to Owen J. and Russel Z., who represented BDHS at the OFSAA Cross Country Championships on November 1st at Heart Lake.
Congratulations as well to the Junior Boys Soccer Team on capturing the SCAA Championship!
Winter sports are now gearing up — sign-ups and tryouts are underway. Be sure to listen to announcements and check our social media for updates.
Follow us on Instagram @bucsathletics for the latest sports updates!
Update from the Arts Department
Guidance Department Update
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, when examining post-secondary options:
*Please continue to research. Look at university/college websites, discuss options with your family, and ask questions.
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, timelines, scholarships, etc.
*Arrange to attend Fall Preview/Open Houses at colleges and universities. This will help you decide which schools would be a good fit for you. Many tours and open houses began in October and continue into November. Please note that open houses will also be offered in the spring. When possible, we encourage students to tour prospective schools to help shape their post-secondary decisions.
*Make guidance appointments with your counsellor, to further discuss your options. In advance of this appointment, it is helpful to complete some research to better guide the discussion.
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 post-secondary 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.
Please use this link to access The Scholarship Report:
Fall 2025 Scholarship Report
Password: SEPTSCHOLAR25
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.
Please use this link to access The Trades Report:
Fall 2025 Trades Report
Password: TTR2526
Should you have any questions, please contact your student’s Guidance Counsellor.
Grade 12 Students
Guidance counsellors and Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs) are meeting with grade 12 students. The goal is that all of our grade 12s have had a meeting with their guidance counsellor by the end of November. 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.
E-Learning Graduation Requirement
Link to SCDSB information about the online learning graduation requirement:
https://www.scdsb.on.ca/secondary/planning_for_high_school/online_learning_graduation_requirement
In order to graduate from secondary school, students are required to earn TWO online learning credits. This began in the 2020-21 school year with every student who entered grade 9.
These credits must be earned through courses that “rely primarily on communication between students and educators through the internet or another digital platform.” These courses must also be taken through publicly funded schools and completed with the support of a certified Ontario educator.
Courses that DO NOT qualify:
- In person classes with online components
- Online courses that have a synchronous component (this includes Night School)
If you wish to “opt out” of the online learning graduation requirements, please use this link:
https://www4.scdsb.on.ca/app/questionnaires/onlineLearningOptOut
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.
Co-operative Education
BDHS has students at a variety of co-operative education placements. Whether you are headed to the workplace, college, university or considering a trade, you will gain valuable life experience and skills that you can take with you on your journey. This month’s co-operative education opportunities feature a student at Southlake Health and Fieldcrest Elementary School.
Student Activity Cards: Enhancing Your Child’s High School Experience
We would like to remind you of the value of the Student Activity Fee — a modest contribution that plays a key role in enriching your student’s time at school.
What Does the Fee Support?
Paying the Student Activity Fee gives students access to a wide range of opportunities, including:
- 🏒 Participation on school sports teams
- 🎉 Attendance at semi-formal and prom
- 🎟️ Special event buy-ins
- 🏆 K-CUP (our major inter-school hockey competition)
Where Does the Fee Go?
Funds are divided between:
- Student Council initiatives – supporting dances, clubs, and special events
- Co-Curricular programs – including athletics and extracurricular activities
- School-wide events – such as the Mental Health and Wellness Fair, Relay for Life, and the Terry Fox Run
These experiences help build school spirit, foster community, and create lasting memories.
How to Pay
Students must have a stickered Student Activity Card to participate in these activities, and the sticker can be purchased via School Cash Online. If you need assistance with accessing School Cash Online, please visit or contact the main office. Should students require financial support in their purchase of this student card, they can connect with their Vice-principal, as we do not wish for this fee to be a barrier for student engagement.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide a vibrant and inclusive school environment.
Mobyss – Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic
The CMHA Mobile Youth Walk-In Clinic (MOBYSS) visits Bradford District High School once a month, bringing free, confidential medical and mental health care to youth ages 12 to 25, with no health card or referral required. Staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and youth mental health workers, the mobile clinic offers support for a wide range of needs, including stress, anxiety, depression, sexual health, substance use, and general wellness. The welcoming, non-judgmental space ensures youth can talk openly, access information, and get connected to additional supports if needed. To learn more, visit www.cmha-yr.on.ca/get-support/youth. The next date the Mobyss Clinic is at BDHS is Monday, November 17th, 2025.
School Spirit Wear:
We’re excited to offer a fresh way for our entire school community — students, staff and families — to show their spirit and support our school! Our online spirit wear shop gives you the opportunity to choose gear that reflects your individual style. Visit us at https://bdhs.entripyshops.com/ to explore an extensive collection.
Whether you’re shopping for a gift for a family member or treating yourself, every purchase contributes to our co-curricular programs. Once our school reaches $1,000 in total sales, we’ll begin earning 10% back on all additional purchases — helping us enhance the experience for everyone at Bradford District High School.
If you shop through the parent company at www.entripy.com , please use code BDHSFE81 so our school receives extra fundraising credit.
Highlights when you shop online:
- Direct shipping to your address—no need to pick-up
- Free shipping within Canada for orders over $129 (before taxes) when shipped via UPS standard ground
- Online payment and ease of ordering
- A chance to celebrate our school community.
Let’s show our Buccaneer pride together. Happy shopping and thank you for participating in something that brings us even closer together!
Information and updates from the SCDSB
This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the following topics:
- Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
- Online learning graduation requirement and opt out options (secondary)
- Culminating Task Days and Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days (secondary)
- 2025-26 SCDSB School Climate Survey
- Creating safe and welcoming spaces for students, staff, and visitors
- Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System
- Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion this December
- Is your child turning four in 2026? Get ready for Kindergarten with us!
- Licensed Winter Break school age child care programs
- Holiday markets
- Check out the SCDSB News video series
- High school information events for Grade 8 students
- Math learning at home
- Dental screening and services for kids aged 0-17
- November PA Day
To read this information, visit the SCDSB website:
Info & updates from the SCDSB - November 2025 - Simcoe County District School Board