Welcome to 2026-2027

Dear TLDSB families,

We hope you and your child(ren) had an enjoyable summer. On behalf of Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) trustees and senior administration team, welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

With every new school year comes a fresh sense of optimism, anticipation, and even excitement. The team across TLDSB remains dedicated to delivering meaningful instruction, fostering safe, inclusive, and caring school environments, and prioritizing student success and well-being in all of our efforts. A large focus for the system is furthering the development of meaningful inclusion for each student in every classroom.

Last week, we officially welcomed two new student trustees, Zaina Baig and Mahua Gupta, at the Public Meeting of the Board. These trustees bring valuable student-focused ideas, opinions, and issues to the Board table – they are the voices and advocates of all students in the system. Their support of the chief executive officer (CEO)’s Student Forums on equitable practices is helping to ensure all marginalized students (racialized, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGBTQIA+), and students with disabilities) have a voice in TLDSB. These two trustees work alongside a larger group of students who make up the Trillium Student Senate. As a group, they do important work on behalf of all students which aligns with goal two of the TLDSB 2022-2027 Strategic Plan; in order to be successful in our mission, we must create learning environments and experiences that foster equity, inclusion, and belonging.

We continually reflect on our successes, challenges, and what research is telling us to help guide the future of education in schools. We are dedicated to making decisions that are based on data and current research, alignment with Ministry of education directions, keeping the board within budget, all while meeting the needs of our learners and ensuring the board remains committed to the TLDSB Strategic Plan goals.

In the book titled The Digital Delusion, cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath notes potential risks of overuse of technology in classrooms, such as decreased critical thinking and “cognitive offloading.” Additionally, too much screen time impacts students’ fundamental reading and writing skills, not to mention important time with family and friends.

While TLDSB supports intentional technology use, we are evaluating what tools enhance learning. We encourage face-to-face instruction, paper-to-pencil tasks, and critical thinking to keep students progressing in areas that are critical for their future.

We hope you find this quote from Dr. Cooney Horvath is as meaningful as we do while we learn more about the technology in our lives; “Teach someone how to use a tool, and they will be able to use that tool. Teach someone how to think, and they’ll be able to use any tool!”

We look forward to each new school year with great enthusiasm, and we extend our warmest wishes to all of our students, families, and staff for a healthy, inspiring, and deeply fulfilling year ahead.

Sincerely,

Wes Hahn
Chief executive officer

Colleen Wilcox
Chair of the Board of Trustees

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 Kindergarten Workshop: Creating the Best Conditions for Growth and Learning

Wednesday, September 16, at 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom.

Explore practical strategies you can use to support your children to thrive, while also delving into how play reduces aggression, lowers anxiety, supports learning, and builds resilience.

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

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 your spot and get the link to attend.

School year calendar

Here is the digital version of the 2026-2027 school year calendar.

A hard copy will be sent home with your child from school.

TLDSB 2026-2027 Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook

On September 2, families received the 2026-2027 TLDSB Handbook for Parents/Guardians and Students, which is available on our Parent Resources page.

Parents/guardians are asked to review this document with their child(ren), as it will help guide students and their families on their journey through school.

Transportation information

If your child(ren) is eligible for transportation, the 2026-2027 school year information is available via mybustoschool.ca in the Parent Portal.

If parents/guardians have any issues viewing their child’s route information, contact TLDSB Transportation Services via phone at 705-324-6776 extension 21287, or email at [email protected].

Letter from the Minister of Education

Please see the return to 2026-2027 school year message (English and French) from the Minister of Education, Paul Calandra.

Latest good news stories from TLDSB

• Media release: Two new student trustees sworn in at TLDSB Board Meeting
• TLDSB seeks community members to serve on Compliance Audit Committee
• TLDSB is seeking public input on policies – September 30, 2026

This newsletter is aimed at providing parents/guardians and staff with updates on the work currently taking place in TLDSB to support student achievement and well-being, and in achieving the goals of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

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.