As we look forward to the warmer weather ahead, many of our students will be spending more time in the neighborhoods and wider community whether at local stores, the community centre, the library, or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends. We want to gently remind families that students continue to represent ECSS wherever they go. Their conduct in the community reflects the values and expectations of our school.
We encourage you to take a few moments to speak with your child about making positive choices, demonstrating respect, and showing kindness beyond the school grounds. Please remind them that they should never feel pressured by peers to engage in unsafe or inappropriate behaviour. Instead, we hope they feel confident making decisions that reflect responsibility, good judgment, and personal integrity.
Together, we can help our students navigate social situations safely and respectfully both in and out of school. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our ECSS community.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) – Spring 2026 Session
We are preparing for the Spring 2026 session of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Please review the important information below. Students and families will receive an email communication over the following weeks to let them know if their child is writing during the Spring session. Only students who will be writing are those who were unsuccessful in the fall assessment session.
Test Dates: Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31
Back-Up Dates: Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17
Location: Main Library
Students will write Part A of the test on the first day and Part B on the second day.
All students who require additional time will be provided with it. Student Services will work closely with SERTs and Administration to ensure that students requiring accommodations, as outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP), are appropriately supported. If you have any questions about your child’s participation or accommodations, please feel free to contact the school.
Sikh Heritage Month Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Emily Carr Secondary School, 4901 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4H 3C2
All students, families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. Please see the attached flyer!
Minister's Certificate for Recognition of Community Involvement
Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement Students in Ontario need to volunteer for at least 40 hours to graduate from high school. Learn more about the requirements to get your high school volunteer hours.
Students can now earn a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when they graduate. The new certificate celebrates students’ dedication to helping others and completion of more than 50 volunteer hours during high school. Three levels of certificate are available:
Bronze: 50 to 99 volunteer hours
Silver: 100 to 199 volunteer hours
Gold: 200+ volunteer hours
Each certificate recognizes civic engagement, leadership and community spirit. It can also help students stand out when applying for:
- jobs
- college or university programs
- apprenticeships
- scholarships
To get started, make sure activities are eligible and visit your guidance department.
Police Information Session for Youth
Families Invited to Provide Input into YRDSB Budget
From March 24-April 17, YRDSB is inviting families to share their input in the annual budget consultation. Your feedback will help inform budget decisions for the 2026-2027 school year.
How to Participate:
- Complete the online survey (translated into 17 languages)
- Join the virtual consultation on April 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. Details are available on the YRDSB website.
Liberation75 Holocaust Remembrance Day Student Symposium
Join us for a day of virtual live programming.
Engagement Matters: Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PEAC) Advisory Committee
Guidance Updates
Course Selection Verifications for 2026/2027 have been shared with students and families via email. Please refer to the instructions on the verification form should a student require a course selection update. If no change is desired, then no action is required. For students looking for a change, they are asked to print, sign, and hand in their updated verification into the Guidance Office no later than Tuesday, March 31st.
Summer School Learning Opportunities are now open in myBlueprint. Students are asked to return the signed parent/guardian Sign-Off sheet from myBlueprint to the Guidance Office to ensure that the final approval step takes place. New for this year - YRDSB students can take courses in July and/or August.
The Guidance Department, along with the ECSS Student Wellness Club and Leadership & Peer Support class are hosting our SENIOR SUNSET on Tuesday, June 2nd. This is an opportunity for our graduating students to make some final memories at ECSS. The evening will be filled with music, games, some treats, and a beautiful sunset - all FREE! We have approximately 270 students on track to graduate this year so we’re looking for donations from the parent/guardian community to support this event. We would appreciate any of the following items:
- Cases of water bottles
- Glow Sticks / Glow Bracelets
- Bubbles
- Snacks
- Monetary donation to purchase any of the above
If you would like to make a donation for this event, please reach out to Fiorella Finelli (fiorella.finelli@yrdsb.ca) or Rosanna Milani (rosanna.milani@yrdsb.ca) the Senior Sunset Advisors.
A fresh start to spring! Please make time to review the Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter for March.
There will be a representative from the University of Guelph-Humber in the main hallway outside of the cafeteria from 10:45 am until noon on Thursday, April 9th. They will be there to answer any questions related to University of Guelph-Humber, campus life, program requirements, and so much more.
Is your student considering a postsecondary school in the United States? Get informed by attending the US College Expo in Toronto Saturday, April 11th. Discover valuable resources and insights to kickstart their path. Please refer to this link for more details and registration information.
A representative from George Brown College will be coming to ECSS on Wednesday, April 22nd during the lunch period to give a presentation on How to Pay for College and University. It will include details on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). It is open to all students. More details will be shared directly with students in the All Things Grade Google Classrooms.