Bradford District High School Newsletter, October 2025
Principal’s Message
As we settle into routines of the school year, I am so pleased to share that BDHS has had a great start to 2025-26, with much to celebrate!
Our sports teams have already enjoyed some exciting victories, showing not only their hard work and talent, but also their teamwork and school spirit. Beyond athletics, a wide variety of clubs and council meetings have taken place, offering students a number of opportunities to connect, lead, and share in common interests. Students are encouraged to continue to check out our school activities calendar bulletin board outside our main office, to see how all can become involved in many of the great things happening at BDHS!
A special thank you goes out to our Fitness Leadership Program and Student Council for organizing two outstanding events: The Terry Fox Run and Grade 9 Spirit Day. Their exceptional organization, dedication, and infectious energy made these events memorable for all and truly elevated the spirit of our school community.
As we move further into the fall season, I look forward to seeing the many opportunities and events coming up in our school. Our staff continue to work diligently to support each student’s academic progress and learning skill development. We encourage families to reach out directly with any questions or feedback, as we work to support your student’s ongoing academic achievement.
Warm regards,
Heather Lagace
Principal
Upcoming Key Dates:
- Presentations by Mitek - Careers in STEM / Engineering: Wednesday October 15th
- PA Day: Friday October 24th
- BDHS Trades Night: Thursday November 6th
- Midterm Report Cards sent home: Wednesday November 19th
- Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, Fall Session: November 17th – 21st
School Council
The BDHS School Council held its first meeting of the year on September 29th. Thanks to all that attended, and our voting members have now been confirmed for this year. Please note that all parents / guardians are always welcome to attend future Council meetings. 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 Tuesday October 14th 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)
- Tuesday October 14th, 2025, 6pm
- 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
Join Us for Trades and Technology Night – Thurs November 6th, 5:30-8pm
We’re excited to host our annual Trades and Technology Night on Wednesday November 6th, and we’re looking for local businesses/organizations participate as vendors!
If you own or work for a business in the trades or technology sectors —including transportation, hospitality, ICT, engineering, STEM, or construction—we’d love to showcase your expertise to our students.
This event is a powerful opportunity to:
- Inspire future careers by sharing real-world experiences.
- Connect with students through hands-on demonstrations and engaging displays.
- Strengthen our school-community partnership, which is vital to public education.
Community organizations and local businesses play a key role in enriching student learning. Your involvement helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, showing students the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Interested in being a vendor?
Please contact Shannon Dunn via [email protected] as soon as possible!
Let’s work together to make this year’s Trades and Technology Night unforgettable!
BDHS Recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
On Orange Shirt Day, our school comes together to honour the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. By wearing orange shirts, we show our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the ongoing journey toward healing. It’s a powerful reminder that every child matters — past, present, and future. Through education, reflection, and unity, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and work toward a more inclusive and compassionate future. BDHS was proud to host an array of learning opportunities both in a school-wide capacity and in classrooms to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
BDHS Guidance Update
OUAC and OCAS Applications (for universities and colleges)
The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application process is now open. Students are encouraged to take the time that they need to complete this application, and do not need to worry about applying immediately, as it will not close until January 15th.
The Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) will open in mid-October and will close on February 1st.
Here is the process that we are recommending to our grade 12 students:
*Start your research now! 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. These tours and open houses begin in October, and families are encouraged to take part in both in-person and virtual opportunities.
*Make guidance appointments with your counsellor, to discuss your options.
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.
Here is the link to 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.
Here is a link to The Trades Report: Fall 2025 Trades Report
Password: TTR2526
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s Guidance Counsellor.
Grade 12 Students
Guidance Counsellors and Special Education Resource Teachers will be meeting with your grade 12 student between now and 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 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
SHSM Information
What is SHSM? A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) that provides students with an opportunity to focus their learning and gain valuable experience for both work and post-secondary opportunities. Upon graduation, students are given a specialised 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 students. BDHS has FOUR different SHSM programs; ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Hospitality, Construction and Transportation. The program requires students to complete a total of four grade 11/12 "major” courses that align with their particular SHSM, along with 4 supporting credits in English, math, business or science. SHSM also requires a total of 2 cooperative education credits linked to transportation or construction. 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. Ask your guidance counsellor about SHSM today and graduate with a resume - not just a diploma!
Guidance Appointment Process
BDHS students can book a guidance appointment with their guidance counsellor online. Guidance counsellors each have their own list of students that are assigned by alpha. Students book a specific date/time 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 but 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 MLL students
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 job opportunities and 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.
Athletics Update
BUCS fall sports are now well underway, with weekly races, matches, and competitions showcasing the talent and dedication of our student-athletes. This season, BDHS is proud to be running the following teams: Cross Country Running, Junior and Senior Girls Flag Football, Senior Golf, Junior and Senior Boys Soccer, Senior Tennis, Junior and Senior Boys Volleyball, and Junior Girls Basketball.
A special congratulations goes out to our tennis team, where there has been qualification to represent BDHS at Tennis OFSAA. This prestigious championship will take place November 10–12, 2025, and we wish our competitor the very best as they compete at the provincial level.
We are looking forward to an exciting and competitive fall sports season as our athletes continue to represent BDHS with pride.
Follow us on Instagram @bucsathletics for the latest sports updates!
Co-op is off to a great start this semester. Thank you to all of our community partners who are hosting a student. If you would like to become a co-op partner please reach out to Mr. Cino, Mrs. Godin or Mrs. Langford at (905) 775-2262 ext 41235.
School Photo Retake Day
If your student missed photo day or requires retakes, picture retakes will be on Wednesday November 26th. Please note that photos are required to be taken each year for student ID cards.
Parent Portal
Parents can have access to their students’ current attendance, class timetable and report card information if the student is under the age of 18. Should a parent or guardian not have access to the parent portal, please contact the school main office for support.
Regular student attendance matters
Missed days add up! Did you know if your child misses two days a month in elementary school, they will have missed an entire year of school by the time they enter high school? Learn more about why student attendance matters at www.scdsb.on.ca/attendance
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
- Safe Arrival program
- School bus transportation information available from the SCSTC
- Halloween reminder - Culture is not a costume
- DELF registration is now open! Join the parent/guardian info session to learn more
- Check out the SCDSB News video series
- Attend a Grade 1 French Immersion information session this November!
- School council members invited to network and engage at orientation event
- Online math resources for families
- Enabling multi-factor authentication on student devices
- SCDSB Anti-racism Statement
- The benefits of walking or wheeling to school
- October PA Day
To read this information, visit the SCDSB website: https://www.scdsb.on.ca/news/current_news/information___updates_from_the_scdsb___oct__2025