Fall 2026 edition

Dear TLDSB families,

Our schools are warm and welcoming places where everyone learns together and supports one another. At school, students make good friends and learn how to work together, show kindness, and share their ideas. On behalf of the entire school administration, senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees, thank you for supporting a wonderful start to the 2026-2027 school year!

Municipal elections close on Monday, October 26, which include candidates for school board trustee (if they aren’t already acclaimed in your area). Trustees play an important governance role in education – find out more about this role by visiting our Meet Your School Trustee page.

To learn more about the school board trustee candidates in your area, visit:

• City of Kawartha Lakes
• Municipality of Dysart et al
• Town of Bracebridge
• Township of Georgian Bay
• Town of Gravenhurst
• Town of Huntsville
• Township of Lake of Bays
• Township of Muskoka Lakes
• Township of Algonquin Highlands
• Township of Minden Hills

Don’t miss your opportunity to exercise your democratic right to vote!

Fall survey

Once again, I am sharing a short survey for all parents/guardians to complete, which will help guide the decisions and direction of the Board. This survey helps us better understand the needs of TLDSB students and their families. Complete the three question survey at Engage with TLDSB before it closes on Friday, October 30.

2025-2026 EQAO results released

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments offer an independent snapshot confirming that our students are meeting curriculum expectations and establishing the skills needed for post-secondary success.

EQAO recently released the results from the 2025-2026 school year, which highlighted outstanding progress across TLDSB Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10 students.

Below are highlights from each subject area:

• Over the past five years, TLDSB students have achieved significant growth in mathematics:
  • Grade 3 math scores increased by 24 percent (surpassing provincial averages).
  • Grade 6 math scores increased by 15 percent.
  • Grade 9 math scores increased by 7 percent.

• Over the past five years, TLDSB students have excelled in literacy:
  • Reading and writing scores in Grades 3 and 6 increased significantly and remain above provincial averages.
  • Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School’s Literacy Test scores increased by 5 percent.

See the full story for more detailed information.

A note about attendance

Establishing a regular daily routine is a cornerstone of growth, and consistent attendance directly fosters your child(ren)’s overall development and academic progress.

We are proud of the strong start to the school year in attendance as regularly attending school is a great foundation for students. Additionally, staff remain deeply committed to supporting every student in achieving their best possible attendance.

We know that life happens but there continues to be a large number of students arriving late and/or being picked up early. This behaviour interrupts class time, disrupts the operations of the school office, and burdens our incredible secretaries. Please be mindful that your child(ren) needs to be in class for the duration of the school day.

If your family ever needs assistance with attendance routines, reach out to your child’s teacher, a guidance counselor, principal, or any caring staff member at your school – they are happy to help.

Communication

You, TLDSB parents/guardians, are vital partners in student success, achievement, and well-being. TLDSB staff are committed to communicating with parents/guardians, and the community, through channels that promote clear communications, offer opportunity for two-way dialogue, and protect personal privacy. A phone call and/or an in-person meeting allows for the most effective communications and assists with building relationships.

Should you have questions or concerns about your child’s education, we are dedicated to collaborating openly with you. Thank you for your partnership, your dedication, and your warm encouragement as we work together to support your child(ren)’s journey.

Sincerely,

Wes Hahn
Chief executive officer (CEO)
Trillium Lakelands District School Board

Speaker series for parents/guardians

Hosted by TLDSB Mental Health Services, parents/guardians and staff are invited to hear from speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the acclaimed experiential programs Dandelion Dance™ and Tournesol, Hannah Beach, over three FREE virtual sessions:

The first session was held on September 9. See the information for the upcoming two sessions below:

Reclaiming Play: Revitalizing Childhood to Combat Anxiety and Aggression

Wednesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom.

Discover practical ways to transform your family culture and support your children in becoming their best selves.

If you are interested in attending this session, complete the Registration Form to secure your spot and get the link to attend.

Understanding Adolescents from the Inside-Out

Wednesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom.

Learn strategies for building relationships with teens, as well as how to protect and maintain those relationships during challenging times.

If you are interested in attending this session, complete the Registration Form to secure

Information for parents/guardians: child visual health

Clear vision is important to success in the classroom. It is recommended that all children have a comprehensive eye exam before entering school and every year afterwards.

Annual eye exams for children and youth under the age of 19 are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Learn more by visiting our recent news item.

October is Cyber Awareness Month

TLDSB recognizes October as Cyber Awareness Month alongside the Ministry of Education and the Educational Computing Network of Ontario (ECNO).

The campaign helps students and families learn how to build safer, healthier, and more responsible digital habits by fostering meaningful conversations about online safety, digital citizenship, well-being, and Artificial Intelligence both in schools and at home.

Each week the Board will be highlighting one theme of the campaign, exploring resources and activities to learn practical ways to protect your privacy, make smart online choices, support others, and build healthy digital habits.

Visit tldsb.ca weekly to learn more!

EQAO webinar for parents/guardians

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is hosting the following upcoming webinar for parents/guardians:

What to Expect on the OSSLT

Monday, October 26, at 6 p.m. Virtual via Zoom.

Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments, with staff explaining the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) format, highlighting resources to support students, and answering questions from participants.

If you are interested in attending this session, complete the Registration Form to secure your spot and get the link to attend.

Latest good news stories from TLDSB

• Spruce Glen Public School students attend the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair
• Irwin Memorial Public School’s annual Thanksgiving lunch
• TLDSB schools recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• TLDSB principals and federation steward participate in important sessions
• Gravenhurst High School Grade 9 students kick off the school year by visiting Camp Tawingo

This newsletter provides parents/guardians and staff with timely information and updates on how TLDSB is supporting student achievement and well-being.

Please feel free to send a note to [email protected] if there are topics you would like to see covered in the next edition of the newsletter.