Thornlea SS E-Bulletin - September 12, 2025

Safety Week - September 22 - October 3

The York Region School Board is committed to ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency situation. As such, during Safety Week (Monday, September 22 to Friday, October 3, 2025) and throughout the school year, schools in our Board practise various safety drills, including Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, Hold and Secure Drills and Bomb Threat Drills. It is critical that all members of our school community become familiar with emergency protocols as they are designed to keep all of us safe at school. Please refer to Board Policy #669.0 for more information about Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management.

Practising drills may create some anxiety for some students. If you are concerned about how these situations might impact the mental health and well-being of your child, please contact school administrators, as we have school mental health professionals available to support your child.

General Supports for Emotional Well-Being:

• 310-COPE: 905-310-COPE (2673) or 1-855-310-COPE (2673) - available 24/7
• KidsHelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868 - available 24/7
• Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600 - available 24/7
• York Hills Help Phone Line: 905-503-9561 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for children and youth (0-18 years) and their parents, caregivers or adult supporters.
• Trans Lifeline
• Black Youth Helpline
• Naseeha Helpline
• 2SLGBTQ+ Youthline

School Drop-off and Parking

The flow of traffic is backing up and being obstructed with so many students being dropped off in the area along Bayview Ave. In order to ensure the flow of traffic and relieve congestion, drivers can proceed to the north parking lot for drop-off and pick-up, and then loop around to exit the property. Please follow the directional arrows to ensure traffic flow. Many thanks to the grade 12 students who have submitted requests for parking tags. Tags will be distributed next week. Grade 12 students should check their GAPPS email for a notification to pick up their tag in the main office.

Family Dashboard and Guide to the School Year

Each year, we ask all parents/guardians to complete important forms. The forms can be found in the family dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca. Click on the arrow by your child’s name, select the start-up forms button and choose your language. Please follow these steps for each child. Forms will automatically populate with your child’s information through the Family Dashboard. Learn more about how to create a Family Dashboard account if you do not have one.

The forms are also available online. You will need your child’s student number. Tips are available on the Board website. Translation is also available on the website. Frequently asked questions and additional information on how to complete the forms are available on the Board website under Family Resources (click on the “Need Help” link for Family Start-Up Forms).

It is important that these forms are completed as soon as possible at the start of the school year. There are both mandatory and optional forms. The forms are to be completed for all students. Your child's school will access the information. Please complete a separate form for each child attending our schools. Secondary school students will also be asked to review important school and Board policies and to indicate that they have reviewed this information on forms sent to their student GAPPS account. If you prefer to complete the forms on paper or have questions about the information in the forms, please contact your school office.

Guide to the School Year

At the start of the year, schools share with families information about the school. Please ensure you review this important information. Families are also encouraged to review the online Guide to the School Year.

School News 

Medical Peril

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 (write the student’s name on the bag) and submitted to the main office.

School Council 

The first School Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 15 at 7:00 PM in the library. At this meeting we will be holding elections for positions on our Council. If you would like to run for a position, please complete a School Council Nomination Form during the first two weeks of school. You can access an electronic version of the nomination form on our Board Website and via Start-Up Forms. Please send the completed form to thornlea.ss@sc.yrdsb.ca by Friday, September 12.

Family Dashboard and Guide to School Year

The Family Dashboard gives parents/guardians secure one-stop access to information and applications (e.g. start-up forms, report cards) related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.

The Board will send a central email to all families with a link to the Family Dashboard to complete the start-up forms. Translations are available

For families who do not yet have a Family Dashboard account, you can sign up for an account at any time at family.yrdsb.ca. You can find information on how to create an account on the Board website or in this instructional video. For secondary school students, the Start-Up Permission Form will also be sent to students’ GAPPS accounts for students to complete online.

Start-up forms include the following:

• The Start-Up Permission Form (mandatory)
• Student Information Consent Form (mandatory)
• Request for Faith Accommodations Form
• School Council Nomination Form

The Guide to the School Year is available online. The link is on the Family Resources page on the Board website

Tentative International Field Trip - May 2026

Thornlea staff are excited to announce the International Trip to Paris and Barcelona for 2026 (pending Board approval). If you have questions, please contact N. Pilaram.

Indigenous and International Languages Courses

Secondary Credit Courses 

These courses count for high school credits and are offered remotely only. Students can earn up to three credits in International Languages, and successfully completing the Level D (University) course can be used as one of their top six marks for post-secondary applications. Each course runs for the whole school year and takes place once a week for 3.7 hours. Choose one of the following class times:

1. Wednesday evenings from 5:45 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.
2. Saturday mornings from 8:45 a.m. until 12:25 p.m. 

Registration is now open and will close by the third class (Saturday September 27, or Wednesday, October 8). For more updates and information about the secondary credit program, visit the ILIL Secondary webpage to see what credit language classes are available.

Terry Fox Run

The Terry Fox Run/Walk will take place on Tuesday September 16 during period 2. All students will be participating with their classes. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to accept cash donations, so we are counting on the Thornlea Community to donate to this worthy cause by using the school's fundraising page. Our goal is to raise $1250, which is roughly $1 per student. Please consider making a small donation to help us raise money towards our goal using the following link:

Thornlea Secondary School Fundraising Page 

Thank you for your support!

School Cash Online: Student Activity Fee and Phys. Ed. Uniform

School Cash Online is now available for students to pay for their Student Activity Fee and Phys. Ed. uniform.

• Student Activity Fee - $35

Thornlea offers 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 activities, displays, and events
• Performances, celebrations, assemblies, and rallies
• Annual Wellness Fair, wellness activities, and Healthy Schools initiatives
• Theme and spirit days
• STEM activities and contests
• Sustainability and conservation initiatives
• Culture Day
• Thornstock
• Transportation subsidies

The $35 SAC fee allows us to offer all of the above for all students in the school. Also, in the 2025/26 school year, we would like to introduce a discount on Homecoming (Semi-Formal) and Prom tickets for those who have paid their SAC fee. 

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

• Phys. Ed. Uniform - $34 package; items also sold separately

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.

School Cash Online - Instructions

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 School Cash Online and click "Register".
2. Complete each of the three registration steps. For security reasons, your password requires 8 characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and a number. 

Step 2: Registration Email

1. 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 number 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 “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 “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.

Photo Day

Your photo day is approaching! Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Showcase your best smile!

• Students will be photographed at school (you must be photographed to receive your student ID).
• On photo day, no order form or payments are due.
• Review your images and purchase online with ease!

Start off the School Year with Success - The Centre for Black Student Excellence

Monday, September 29, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Keswick High School

100 Biscayne Blvd. Keswick, ON

Parents and families, let's begin the school year together. Join us as we share strategies to support student success. 

• J.K. - Grade 3 Early Reading Strategies
• Grade 4 - Grade 8 Success with French
• Grade 7 - Grade 8 Transitions
• Grade 9 - Grade 12 Pathways

Please register (Google Form) by September 25, 2025. Dinner will be provided. 

York Region Passport Information Fair

Discover Programs for Adults with a Developmental Disability in York Region

Would you like to learn about the services available in your community that you can purchase with your Passport funding?

Join us to connect with local organizations offering programs for adults with developmental disabilities. This free, drop-in event is open to the public—no registration required!

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Time: Drop-in anytime between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Location: 575 Penrose Street, Newmarket

Passport Presentation and Q and A session at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

Meet Representatives from:

• Community Living Central York
• Community Living York South
• Participation House
• Reena
• Vita Community Living
• York Support Services Network - Passport Program

This is a great opportunity to: 

• Ask questions
• Pick up brochures
• Discover day programs, employment supports, life skills programs, respite services, and more

Questions? Contact: yssnpassport@yssn.ca

School Reminders

Our main office is here to help you regarding student absences. Here are a few notes: Edsby does not support absence reporting for high school students.

To report a student's absence, parents or guardians can either email thornleass.attendance@yrdsb.ca or call 905-889-9696.

When sending an email or leaving a message, please provide the following details: 

1. Student Name (First and Last name)
2. Student Number
3. Current Grade
4. Absent date and / or period
5. Reason

Anticipated Absence Form

If the student will be absent for 3 or more consecutive days, please come to the office to obtain the anticipated absence form. It must be completed by teachers and then signed by the parent. This form needs to be returned to the office before the absence begins.

Useful Links