Dear Families,
It has been another great week at Emily Carr! We had an amazing Grade 8 Open House, and it was wonderful to see so many families come out to learn about our school and the opportunities available to future Coyotes. The support from our staff and students was a true testament to the welcoming and supportive culture we continue to build at Carr. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success!
Our community class trip to Downey’s Farm was also a great success! We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, and it was wonderful to see our students so engaged, smiling, and enjoying the day alongside their amazing teachers. These experiences are such an important part of building connections and creating positive memories together.
Next week, we are excited to welcome our Grade 8 students from four of our neighbouring feeder schools for a day of activities and opportunities to experience life at Emily Carr. We are also looking forward to having our Grade 9 students join their families and participate in the Ministry of Education directed Take Your Kids to Work Day. We know it will be a great opportunity to strengthen connections with our future Coyotes and showcase what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
As always, thank you to our students, staff, and families for everything you do to make Emily Carr such a positive and supportive community. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to another great week at Carr!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Go Coyotes Go! 💙🐺
Guidance Updates
SAVE THE DATE! ECSS Pathways to Opportunity Night - Join us on Thursday, November 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. for the ECSS Pathways to Opportunity Night! This event provides students and their parents/guardians with an opportunity to connect with representatives from a variety of postsecondary institutions, gap year programs, and skilled trades opportunities. Come explore the many pathways available, learn more about programs and opportunities, and discover the possibilities that lie ahead! Refer to the attached flyer to see some of our confirmed guests. Come for 20 minutes or stay for two hours, but come - the journey is yours.
The 2026 Student Life Expo is taking place on Sunday, November 15th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This event is designed to empower students to make informed decisions about their futures by connecting them directly with educational institutions, career opportunities and support systems. ECSS has FREE TICKETS! There is a limited supply of tickets and booklets available in the Guidance Office. Students can come by and pick one up!
The Ontario College Application Service and the Ontario Universities’ Application Service have opened for students to apply for fall 2027. Students are asked to review the All Things Grade 12 Google Classroom, refer to the Guidance website, and/or schedule a guidance appointment for support. We are happy to help!
College and University Open Houses & Tours: Attending a college and university open house or tour is a great way to find out more about the campus, the programs, and the environment. Each postsecondary institution offers a variety of events throughout the year for secondary school students. We encourage students and families to visit each institution’s website to find out more details about in-person and virtual opportunities.
The College Information Program (CIP) Tour is a series of free events held across Ontario where students and families can meet representatives from Ontario's public colleges and polytechnics, all in one place.
The Ontario Universities' Events are hosting a collection of events this fall, where students and their supporters can speak directly with university and student representatives.
Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day
On Wednesday, November 4, Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day, a Ministry of Education-supported initiative that provides students with an opportunity to explore the world of work firsthand. Students can spend the day observing a parent/guardian or another approved adult in their workplace and learn about different career pathways, workplace skills, and future opportunities. This is a great opportunity for students to begin thinking about their interests and future goals. Families will have received more information about participation and next steps this weekend.
Parents/Guardians must complete the Informed Consent Google Form, to indicate if their child will be engaging in a virtual or in-person job shadowing opportunity or choose the career exploration option that can be engaged at home or school as per the school’s discretion.
Please complete Informed Consent Google Form no later than Friday, October 30th, 2026,
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Our Grade 10 students writing the OSSLT for their first time, along with any other eligible learners, will be taking part in the upcoming evaluation.
Assessment dates (mornings):
- Friday, November 13 (Part A)
- Monday, November 16 (Part A)
- Tuesday, November 17 (Part B)
- Wednesday, November 18 (Part B)
- Make-up date: Monday, November 23
Families will receive email confirmation of the dates that their child will be writing over the next week. Students with IEP accommodations will be contacted by their SERT to discuss the supports available for the test.
Completing Grade 9 Destreamed English equips students with the necessary core competencies for success on this evaluation.
Families are welcome to explore further details and access practice materials on the official EQAO website.
York Region Public Health Covid-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics - Message to Families
Hello families,
Respiratory virus season is here, and there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, your children, and those around you. Taking a layered approach can help reduce the spread of illness and support healthier schools, child care settings, and communities.
York Region Public Health is offering COVID-19 and influenza vaccine appointments until November 6, 2026 for everyone aged 6 months and older. Appointments can be booked online at //York.ca/VirusSeason.
There is no single way to prevent illness, so consider layering these measures for added protection:
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when feeling sick
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings
To learn more about respiratory virus season, vaccine eligibility, and clinic locations, visit //York.ca/VirusSeason.
Thank you for helping to keep our schools, childcare centres, and communities healthy this season.
Sincerely,
York Region Public Health