August 28, 2026

Student Timetables

A complete orientation day schedule will be shared with all grade 9 families in advance. Additionally, all incoming grade 9 students will be sent their timetable via GAPPS email, or, if they are not a current YRDSB student, a timetable will be sent to their parent/guardian email.

Students in grades 10 - 12 will have access to their timetable in Teachassist prior to the start of school, or, if they are not a current YRDSB student, a timetable will be sent to their parent/guardian email. The process for making course change requests will be sent in a separate communication by September 4th. To ensure requests are managed consistently and efficiently, please do not contact guidance counsellors directly regarding course changes.

Start-Up Information:  Family Dashboard, Consents/Permissions, Medical Peril, Lockers, and Cafeteria 

Thornlea Daily Schedule

The Guide to the School Year has been moved online. We encourage families to review this webpage as it includes important information you may need to access throughout the school year. You can use the translation feature on the website to translate this content. 

Each year we ask families to complete important start-up forms as they contain required consents and permissions. These forms are found on the Family Dashboard. There is a video tutorial on how to sign in and access items on the Dashboard.  Please review and complete the forms. If you prefer to receive and complete a paper copy, please let us know. Forms are due by September 30, 2026.  The dashboard will give you secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.  Report cards will be made available via the Family Dashboard. Parents/guardians will receive an email when your child’s report card is available.  

If your child has a medical condition including but not limited to Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes or Seizures, complete the appropriate Health Care Plan and return all forms WITH the appropriate medication to the school with your child. The form and medication can be placed in a sealable bag with the student name marked on the bag and submitted to the main office.

Lockers will be automatically assigned to all Grade 9 and International students. This information will be sent to students via their GAPPS email, or, if they are not a current YRDSB student, information will be sent to their parent/guardian email. Any Grade 10-12 students who had a locker last year should continue to use the same locker. Any Grade 10-12 students wishing to be assigned a locker should speak with the Main Office. 

Use of Technology:  Purpose, Appropriate Use, One-to-One (1:1), and AI Framework 

Students are asked to bring their own laptop/chromebook or tablet to school on a daily basis to use with teacher approved digital tools and for teacher directed digital tasks (e.g. research). One-to-one (1:1) digital devices are meant to support and enhance in-person, classroom learning.  However, these devices do not replace classroom learning, which includes dialogue, observation, and hands-on learning tasks. Google Classroom is intended to provide resources and facilitate submission of digital work as required; however, it does not replace the in-person learning experience.  Regular in-person attendance is expected as Google Classroom will not be used as a comprehensive online learning interface.         

A limited number of chromebooks are available to be borrowed for the full school year by signing a loan agreement issued by the main office.  

Per the Ontario Government, cellphones are not allowed during classroom instruction. Cellphones cannot be used as a laptop/chromebook substitute.  

YRDSB’s AI Framework is grounded in three interconnected areas: 

• Knowledge
• Critical Thinking
• Accountability. 

Together, these guide educators in making informed, ethical, and professional decisions about the use of AI in teaching, learning, assessment and professional practice.  Educators play a key role in modelling responsible AI use and supporting students in developing AI literacy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills.

To learn more about YRDSB approved digital tools and resources, including Artificial Intelligence Guidelines, please refer to the following:  Student Tools and Resources

SAC Fee - $35 (available for purchase as of August 31) 

Thornlea offers all students a variety of extra-curricular activities that enhance student learning throughout the school year.

The Student Activity Council (SAC) fee of $35 allows us to enrich the learning experience and engage students beyond the classroom.

This fee is used to support the following:

- A variety of club and council activities, displays, and events

- Performances, tournaments, celebrations, and assemblies

- Annual Wellness Fair, wellness activities, and Healthy Schools initiatives

- Theme and spirit days

- STEM activities and contests

- Intramurals and athletics

- Sustainability and conservation initiatives

- Unity Day

- Thornstock

- Transportation

The $35 SAC fee allows us to offer all the above for all students in the school.

Students who have paid the SAC fee may receive added benefits (e.g. discount on semi-formal tickets) and/or bonus items. 

Thank you for your ongoing support in making Thornlea a welcoming and vibrant learning community.

**Please make payment using SchoolCash Online (see instructions below).**  

Phys. Ed. Uniform - $34 package; items also sold separately (available for purchase as of August 31)

Students participating in a Phys. Ed class must wear the Phys. Ed uniform which consists of a t-shirt and shorts with the Thornlea Secondary Health and Physical Education Department logo on them. The Phys Ed. teacher will distribute the uniform. 

Package includes two t-shirts and one pair of shorts:  $34

Shorts only:  $16

T-shirt only:  $11

The shorts are black in colour, 100% polyester with a "dri-fit" design. The front left leg of the shorts is screened with the Thornlea Secondary Health and Physical Education Department name. The shorts come in sizes X-small, Small, Medium, Large, X-large, XX-large and XXX-large.

T-shirts are purple in colour, softstyle 50/50 and manufactured by Gildan.  The front of the t-shirt is screened with the Thornlea Secondary Health and Physical Education Department logo.  T-shirts come in sizes small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, XXX-large.  

**Please make payment using SchoolCash Online (see instructions below).**  

SchoolCash Online:  How to Register

School Cash Online is convenient, saves time, and reduces paper.  With School Cash Online, you no longer need to send cash or cheques to school.  It takes less than 5 minutes to register.  Parents who opt to participate will receive notification via email of student fees owed (both required and optional), and can make secure online payments by credit card or Interac and receive a receipt. Please note that all purchases on School Cash Online are subject to a 3% fee. 

Follow these easy steps to register and get started:

• Step 1: Register

1. If you have not yet registered for School Cash Online, please visit the website School Cash Online and click “Register.”
2. Complete each of the three Registration Steps.

Note:  For security reasons your password requires 8 characters: one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and a number.

• Step 2: Confirmation Email

A registration confirmation email will be automatically forwarded to you.  Click on the link provided inside the email to confirm your email and School Cash Online account.  The confirmation link will open the School Cash Online site prompting you to sign into your account.  Use your email address and password just created with your account.

• Step 3: Find Student

NOTE: A STUDENT NUMBER IS REQUIRED 

This step will connect your children to your account.           

1. Enter the school board name.
2. Enter the school name.
3. Enter your child’s student # and last name.
4. Select Continue.
5. On the next page confirm that you are related to the child, check the Agree box and select Continue.
6. Your child has been added to your account.  

• Step 4: View Items or Add Another Student 

If you have more children, select the “Add Another Student” option and repeat the steps above.  5 children can be added to one parent account.  If you do not wish to add additional children, select the “View Items For Students” option.  A listing of available items for purchase will be displayed.

• NEED HELP? 

If you require assistance, select the GET HELP option in the top right hand corner of the screen or contact School Cash Online – Parent Help Desk at 1-866-961-1803 or parenthelp@schoolcashonline.com.

STEM Certificate

The Thornlea STEM Certificate program began officially in September 2025.  Students participating in STEM will be offered opportunities such as the following: 

• Canadian Senior and Intermediate Mathematics Contests 
• Euclid Math Contest
• Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat Math Contests
• Fryer, Galois, and Hypatia Math Contests
• Beaver Computing Challenge 
• Sir Isaac Newton Physics Exam 
• Biology Contest 
• STEM Research Competition
• LSF Climate Action Youth Forum
• Envirothon 
• Skills Ontario Competitions 
• AP Exams 
• Robotics
• Chemistry Club 
• Math Competition Club
• Eco Team 
• Announcements Team 
• Multimedia Club

This certificate is available to students in all pathways and would be granted upon graduation.

To earn this certification, students will complete a combination of academic coursework and participate in a variety of STEM clubs, contests, and community work.

For the complete list of Thornlea STEM Certificate criteria, please click here.

This opportunity will be open to students entering grade 9 in the 2026/27 school year.  

Please click here to complete an expression of interest.  

Families will be notified as of September 2026 that their STEM Certificate registration has been confirmed.

If you have questions, please contact us at thornlea.ss@yrdsb.ca.  

Attendance, Participation, and School Year Calendar

As we implement the Ministry's new attendance and participation requirements, our commitment to equitable, responsive, and student-centred assessment remains unchanged.  As per the Addendum to Growing Success, September 2026, final student grades will reflect attendance and participation.  Also, most courses will now require written exams as a percentage of the final course mark.  Students must attend their exams.  Please plan vacations during official school breaks. The YRDSB school calendar can be found here. 

Attendance and participation are about how students engage in their learning throughout the course.  Being present in class gives students opportunities to learn, participate, and demonstrate their understanding. Participation can look different for every student and may include asking questions, contributing to discussions, collaborating with others, completing in-class learning activities, reflecting, participating in practical or hands-on tasks, or demonstrating thinking in written, digital, artistic, or other ways.

Teachers will consider the student’s overall engagement in learning over time using evidence gathered through conversations, observations, and products, along with their pattern of unexcused attendance.  Attendance and participation are considered together when determining the overall Attendance and Participation level.  Teachers will recognize different ways of participating in learning and will consider any accommodations or supports that help students demonstrate their learning.  

If students are going to be absent, a parent/guardian must inform the school. You can call 905 889-9696 and press 1 for Attendance or email: thornleass.attendance@yrdsb.ca.  If a student will not be returning to school on the first day or within the first 15 days of the school year, parents must complete a “Notification of Expected Return to School Form.”  Please call or email us if you require this form.  

Signing a student out of class due to an appointment:  Please contact the office directly if your child needs to miss a period or part of the school day to attend an appointment (e.g. medical or dental).  When a student is “signed out” from the main office, it is understood that they are leaving school property to attend an appointment as per the parent’s direct instructions.  Parents/guardians may NOT sign a student out of a period to prepare for a test/task in another period. Students enrolled in classes must be in those classes for the full day in order to ensure supervision. Grade 12 students may attend the library for quiet study during their spare period.      

Driving, Pick-up/Drop-off, Transportation Devices, and Parking 

To avoid the morning rush, consider dropping your child off by 8:30 AM, carpooling, or encouraging your child to walk or make use of public transit. There is no parking or stopping in the loop off Bayview. Please be mindful of one way entrance and exit driveways off Bayview. Only quick pick-up or drop-off is allowed in front of the school on Bayview - extended parking/idling is not permitted in this area. Please follow direction symbols in the north parking lot.

The transit routes servicing Thornlea Secondary School can be found at York Region Transit - School Routes. 

In Ontario, you must be 16 or older to ride an e-scooter or e-bike. Every rider of a bike or scooter must wear a properly fitting bike helmet.  If you’re riding a transportation device and it is involved in a collision with a person, vehicle, or animal and causes injury or property damage, you must report the incident to the police.  Riders of e-scooters cannot  carry passengers or cargo.  Students using any transportation device, whether electronic or non-electronic, must dismount before arriving on school property. This includes all sidewalks, pathways, and walkways on school grounds. Transportation devices should be secured at designated racks only and not throughout school property. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment. For more safety information regarding bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters, parents are encouraged to visit  www.yrp.ca/bikesafety.

To promote school zone safety, we will begin the year with a safety campaign which will include information on parking passes, traffic regulations, and active travel. 

A limited number of student parking passes will be granted to grade 12 students who apply starting in September. All authorized students and staff will receive a colour-coded parking pass which must be displayed at all times during the school year. Thornlea students and staff must park in school designated areas which do NOT include those spaces assigned to Thornlea Pool as per signage.    

Code of Conduct

Administration will be conducting assemblies to outline school expectations in the month of September. Students are expected to review the YRDSB Code of Conduct and abide by the rules and procedures outlined. 

Grade 9 Orientation and Parent Orientation

A complete orientation day schedule will be shared with all grade 9 families in advance. Additionally, all incoming grade 9 students will be sent their timetable via GAPPS email, or, if they are not a current YRDSB student, a timetable will be sent to their parent/guardian email. 

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 is the first day of school for all Grade 9 and new international students.  These students are asked to be at school by 8:40 AM to begin their orientation activities. A pizza lunch will be provided. We also invite families to join Mr. Belmonte, our principal, for a Parent Information/Q & A Presentation starting at 8:45 AM in the cafeteria. This session will provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions. All Thornlea parents/guardians of students from grades 9 - 12 are invited to attend.     

Welcome to Thornlea!

We have started a YouTube channel and our first video details what makes Thornlea great!  We invite you to view the video to learn about our academic programs, extra-curriculars, and student support services. The video can be accessed through the link below.