October 2, 2026

An Important Message from Thornlea School Council

Dear parents and guardians,

On Monday, September 14, an election was held to select the 2026-2027 School Council Executive.

We want to congratulate and introduce our executive members as follows:   

• Co-Chairs:  Aroon B and Diana L
• Treasurer:  Jasmine L
• Fundraising:  Susan S
• Communications:  Michael X
• Secretary:  Mary D and Lisa D

All parents and guardians are invited to attend our upcoming meetings held in the library at 7:00 PM: 

• Tuesday, October 20, 2026
• Monday, November 23, 2026
• Tuesday, February 23, 2027
• Monday, April 26, 2027

Prior to each meeting, a reminder and agenda will be sent to you.  We hope you will join us!   

Would you like to send us a message?  Email us at thornlea.ss@sc.yrdsb.ca. 

SAC Fee & Donations: Help Make Thornlea Vibrant!

Did you know that Thornlea has over 40 clubs?  Students can visit the main office to find out the list of clubs and when club meetings are held.  A list was also published in our September 25 newsletter. 

At Thornlea, some of the most memorable parts of the school experience happen beyond the classroom — joining a club, cheering on a team, taking part in a spirit day, performing on stage, competing in a STEM challenge, or simply being part of a school-wide celebration.

The Student Activity Council (SAC) fee of $35 helps make these experiences even better for students throughout the school year.

What does the SAC fee support?

Your contribution supports/subsidizes a wide range of student activities and experiences such as the following:  

🎭 Performances and celebrations 
  🏆 Academic, merit, and athletic awards
  🔬 STEM activities and contests
  🎨 Club and council activities, displays, and events
  💚 Healthy Schools initiatives and the TWIC Wellness Fair
  🎉 Theme and spirit days
  🤝 Unity Day and other community-building activities
  🎶 Thornstock
  🌱 Sustainability and conservation initiatives

Why does your contribution matter?

The SAC fee creates a pool of funding that benefits all Thornlea students. When more families contribute, we can continue to offer and subsidize a broader range of activities and experiences.  Without your support, we cannot offer as many extra-curricular opportunities. 

If you haven't already, we encourage you to consider paying the $35 SAC fee through SchoolCash Online. Students who pay the SAC fee will also receive additional benefits, such as a discount on semi-formal tickets and access to bonus items.  

A small contribution can help create a big year of experiences for our students!

Want to Do More? Consider a Donation

Families who would like to provide additional support can also donate to Thornlea through SchoolCash Online.

Donations help supplement funding for student programming and can provide additional opportunities, activities, and resources for students throughout the school year.

YRDSB is a registered Canadian charity and can issue official charitable tax receipts for eligible donations that meet Canada Revenue Agency requirements and Board policies.

Donors may request that their donation supports a particular purpose, provided the donation meets applicable charitable-giving requirements. Decisions regarding the use of donated funds remain with the Board.

Thank you for helping to make Thornlea a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging school community for all students!

International Trip May 2027

Pack Your Bags! The Ultimate European Adventure Awaits! Is your child interested in travelling with us? Join us on an unforgettable international school trip across three of Central Europe’s most vibrant and historic capitals: Berlin, Prague, and Vienna!

Walk through history at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, explore the colorful murals of the East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall), and experience one of Europe’s coolest modern cities.

Step into a real-life fairytale as you cross the historic Charles Bridge, explore the majestic Prague Castle, and wander through the bustling Old Town Square. Marvel at the royal grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, immerse yourself in Vienna's legendary music culture, and grab world-famous hot chocolate in an authentic Viennese café and learn to waltz!  

Travel, explore, and bring your history, art, and language classes to life. Guided walking tours, top-rated local experiences, safe group travel, and delicious authentic meals included! 

Check out the daily itinerary here: https://bit.ly/tleaEurope2027trip.

Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis!  The deadline to sign up is October 30th.  

TO REGISTER, visit https://bit.ly/tleaEurope2027trip and click the REGISTER button.

**Trip is pending board approval, but please sign up to reserve your spot.**

If you have further questions, please connect with Ms. Ceausu (laura.ceausu@yrdsb.ca).

Growing Together Event: Centre for Black Student Excellence

We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.
This is a key opportunity for Black students and their families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.
 

Date: Wednesday October 7, 2026
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Richmond Hill High School

Note: Dinner and child care will be provided.  To find out more about the Growing Together Event, click here.  To register, click here.  

Islamic Heritage Month Celebration Events

In honour of Islamic Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites you to an evening celebrating the incredible diversity of Islamic heritage and cultures.

This event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, connection, and learning as we come together to celebrate the diverse identities, histories, and traditions of Muslim communities across the globe.

Through food, performances, cultural displays, and interactive activities, we will honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and ongoing contributions of communities that form part of the diverse tapestry of Islamic heritage.

Please see the event details below for your area:  

North Area

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sir William Mulock Secondary School, 705 Columbus Way, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M7

West Area

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tommy Douglas Secondary School, 4020 Major Mackenzie Dr, Vaughan ,ON, L4H 4E9

Central Area

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Aurora High School , 155 Wellington St W, Aurora ,ON , M5V 3H1 

East Area

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bill Hogarth Secondary School, 100 Donald Sim Ave., Markham, ON L6B 0R1

For more information and to register please complete the Google Form. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. 

For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.