Message from our Administrators
We have definitely gone through some frigid days in the last few weeks and we need to prepare as there may be more to come. Some of us prefer to be cozy and stay indoors during these times but we applaud the brave souls who choose to be outdoors, being active and enjoying winter activities. We monitor the weather closely each day to determine if recess will proceed as normal, if recess will be shortened or if recess will be indoors. Please ensure that your child is dressed warmly for the winter weather so that they can enjoy their time outside.
We are just repeating the message sent out last week regarding a change in our administration. Ms. Ricketts has been transferred to a new school effective Feb. 2, 2026. We are warmly welcoming Ms. Antonakis to Stonebridge as the new incoming Vice-Principal. She is excited to be part of our school community and she is looking forward to getting to know all the wonderful students and their families. We know she will be a wonderful addition to our school team.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20th, the Junior Girls volleyball team had their area tournament at Sam Chapman P. S. Despite a rocky start to the season, the girls finished with an incredible, strong end to the season. We thank them for their dedication and positive attitude at practices and games. Coming back from a 12-point deficit to win the first game truly demonstrated their commitment and resilience. They represented Stonebridge with pride, effort, and outstanding sportsmanship. We would like to take a moment to thank all the girls for their participation and enthusiastic sportsmanship. We also want to thank the coaches for volunteering their time to work with the team and giving the girls this wonderful opportunity.
Last month Stonebridge recognized Mental Health Awareness month which ended with Bell Let’s Talk Day. We shared daily announcements with the students about different strategies they can use to enhance their well-being, build resilience and take care of ourselves. We had some teachers volunteer to organize a kindness bingo that students eagerly participated in. They were excited to listen for daily winners, who received prizes. We are proud of everyone’s participation and we hope that the acts of kindness continue throughout the year.
On January 28th, our junior boys volleyball team competed in the area tournament. While the final scores didn’t fully reflect their skill level, the team showed incredible determination and heart on the court. In just 3.5 weeks, they made huge improvements in their 3-touch game and team play. They fought hard for every point and supported one another until the very end.
The coaches are extremely proud of their effort, growth, and positive attitude. This experience is just the beginning of their volleyball journey, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next year. Great job, junior boys volleyball team! We also want to thank the coaches for working with the students and developing the team to the level that they achieved.
Everyone is excited for Thursday, February 12th, our first Arts Night of the school year. We will have visual arts displays throughout the school from all grades and be prepared to enjoy musical performances from our Kindergarten to Grade 4 classes. The evening starts at 6:30pm and finishes approximately at 8:00pm. The staff and students have been working hard to prepare for the evening as they look forward to showcasing what they have accomplished. We will be sending out a flyer in regard to Arts Night in the near future. Please look out for it. We hope to see you all there!
New journeys bring new adventures; embrace them!
David Williams Angelica Antonakis
Principal Vice-Principal
Message from Our Trustee
February 2026
There’s a lot happening as we move into the second half of the school year, and I want to share some updates and opportunities.
Programs and Opportunities
Well done to all secondary school students who have completed their exams and are starting a new semester with new courses and teachers.
We encourage students to connect with their guidance counselors and to learn about the many secondary programs and courses available - programs that let students explore their interests, gain transferable skills and get hands-on experience that will benefit them in the future. Opportunities include earning college credits, workplace certifications, lifeguarding certifications and real on-the-job experience - all while earning high school credits.
Our elementary and secondary schools also offer a variety of clubs where students can meet peers with similar interests, take on leadership roles and try new things. Getting involved is a great way to build connections and skills.
We also regularly host events to help students and families learn about different pathways and programs and to bring communities together. Check your school newsletters and the Board calendar so you don’t miss these opportunities.
Black History Month
Throughout the Board and community, events are being held to celebrate Black History Month. We look forward to honoring the contributions of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for community to come together.
Kindergarten Registration is Open
Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.
Preparing Students for the Future
As a school board, we know that it is important that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. That includes preparing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, appropriately and safely. We are developing guidelines for educators, students and families to support responsible AI use. While AI can support student learning, it does not replace
student work. We teach and encourage critical thinking and honesty when using these tools. More will be shared in the near future.
Student Trustee Elections
We are also in the middle of the student trustee elections for next school year. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Grades 5-12 to participate in the democratic process. Student trustees represent student voice at the board table, influencing discussions about policy, budget and more. The final vote takes place later in the month and students will receive an email to their GAPPs with information on candidates and how to vote.
York Region Presidents' Council
Student Trustees work closely with the York Region Presidents’ Council. The council includes leadership from all secondary school student councils. All secondary school students are welcome to attend their meetings and receive invitations in their GAPPS email. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved and have their voices heard.
Wishing You Success
We wish all students and families the very best as we begin this second half of the school year and look forward to spring break ahead.
I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Ron Lynn, Trustee, Markham Wards 2 and 6
Dates of Significance
Black History Month
Black History Month has been celebrated in Canadian society since the 1950s. In 1993, Lieutenant Governor Hal Jackman declared February as Black History Month in Ontario, and in 1995, the Honorable Jean Augustine made the same declaration in the House of Parliament in Ottawa.
These declarations set the stage for acknowledging the contributions of Black people of African Heritage and Caribbean Heritage to the cultural, economic, political and social fabric of Canada dating back to the early 1600s to the present day.
Chinese Heritage Month
In December 2024, the Government of Ontario proclaimed February Chinese Heritage Month.
Since the 18th century, the Chinese community has had a significant impact on Ontario's social, cultural, economic, and political landscape. Ontario is home to more than 820,000 people of Chinese origin. February is particularly important for the Chinese community, as it may be when the Chinese New Year and related celebrations take place. Chinese New Year is usually celebrated on the second new moon following the winter solstice. This year, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. By designating February as Chinese Heritage Month, the York Region District School Board honors the identities, diverse experiences and achievements of Chinese students, families and staff in our school board.
Chinese Heritage Month Celebration
York Region District School Board, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites students, families, and staff to join us for an evening celebrating Chinese Heritage Month Celebration.
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Bur Oak Secondary School (933 Bur Oak Ave, Markham, ON L6E 1G4)
This student-centred, community-focused event highlights the richness of Chinese culture and history, and the contributions of Chinese-Canadian communities. We welcome all students, staff and families to attend and participate.
Please register for the event to help us with planning for the event.
Please follow the www link for more information.
Lunar New Year—Year of the Horse
Lunar New Year falls on February 17, 2026 and it is the Year of the Horse. It is a vibrant and meaningful cultural celebration embraced by many communities around the world. While it is particularly significant for individuals of East and Southeast Asian heritage, as well as other members of the Asian diaspora, its joyful spirit resonates with diverse cultures and families globally. This festive occasion marks the first day of the Lunar Calendar, with dates determined by the moon's cycles, typically falling between late January and early February. For some, this time of year also holds deep religious significance.
Lunar New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is a time when families and communities come together to celebrate and share in traditional foods and activities. Each culture brings its own unique customs to the occasion, creating a rich tapestry of celebration. Families gather to enjoy traditional meals, engage in meaningful rituals, and spend quality time with one another. Traditional customs may involve cleaning homes, settling debts, giving monetary gifts and mending relationships to signify a fresh start. Families may also perform rituals to honor their elders and ancestors.
Community Safety Village-March Break Camp
Parents of children in Grades 4–6 are welcome to register for the Community Safety Village free 2-day March Break camps on Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Paramedics). Registration opens Jan 13, 2026. Families must provide their own transportation. Please follow the link below for more information.
Community Safety Village March Break 2-Day Camps
Caring and Safe Schools (Contact: csv@yrp.ca)
French Immersion (FI) Information Sessions and Registrations
What is French Immersion?
· Provides opportunities for students to develop enhanced proficiency in French.
· Students receive instruction in French from teachers who are fluent in French.
· Begins in Grade 1 and is designed for children whose first language is not French.
· In Grades 1, 2 and 3, all subjects are taught in French. Starting in Grade 4, instructional time is shared equally between French and English.
· Program continues in secondary school.
· Secondary school students must earn at least 10 French Immersion credits to qualify for the French Immersion Certificate upon graduation.
Important Considerations
· Grade 1 is the only entry point into French immersion in YRDSB.
· Communication with parents/guardians is in English including, but not limited to, report cards, newsletters and parent-teacher interviews.
· For the first few months of Grade 1, children may not acquire skills identical to those learned by children in an English program as the focus is on learning in French.
· During the first few years of the FI program, students may not develop the same level of English proficiency as their peers in an English program, however children should acquire these skills by the end of Grade 8. Families are encouraged to continue to read to their children in their first language.
FI Accommodation Plan
YRDSB’s FI Accommodation Plan provides long-term consistency and equity of access to all students in York Region and will enable YRDSB to continue to offer the FI program to all who wish to enrol. The FI program is offered in Dual Track or Single-Track settings, in a variety of configurations. In order to meet community needs and optimize available space in our schools, a community's Grade 1-8 FI program may be provided over more than one school during the course of a student's FI education. Space requirements at some schools may mean that siblings are in different schools for primary dual track French Immersion programs due to differing grade structures. Like any of our schools across the Board, changes to school boundaries, and/or the accommodation model for the French Immersion program may need to be considered when new schools open, a school experiences enrolment growth, and program changes occur. This will allow flexibility in addressing community needs and the opportunity to use existing space in schools.
More information is available on the Board’s website. Please note: Some of the FI accommodation plans will require facility modifications or the development of new schools and will require short-term transition plans that might include overflow while we work toward the long-term vision. Overflow refers to situations in which the Board directs students to attend a school other than their community school or optional program for a specific period of time, as defined in Policy #108.
Information Sessions
This year, our Information session for Grade 1 entry into the French Immersion program will take place in French Immersion schools on January 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. Program locations and additional information is available on our website. If families are unable to attend the information session, they can hear about the French Immersion program on the Tune In YRDSB: French Immersion Podcast.
Registration
FI registration will begin on January 16, 2026. Parents or guardians of Year 2 Kindergarten students entering Grade 1 in 2026, and wishing to enrol in the FI Program, can email or call their home school office and indicate their intention to enrol. The home school will notify the French Immersion school, and the French Immersion school will contact families by phone or email to collect any necessary information. Families are asked to register by February 9, 2026. Registration during this period is not first come, first served.
Late Registrations
Late registrations are those submitted after February 9, 2026. Late registrations will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis and will be considered subsequent to registrations received during the registration period should overflow be necessary.
Lunch Program
Below are the Lunches being offered each day:
Monday — Kid’s Kitchen —order directly from their site (kidskitchen.ca)
Meatbets—order directly from their site (www.mealbets.com)
Tuesday — Pizza lunch—first round from Oct 21 to Dec 16
Meatbets—order directly from their site
Wednesday —YummyTummiesInc - order directly from their site (yummytummies.ca)
Meatbets—order directly from their site
Thursday — barBurrito - order from Lunchbox Program via School Cash Online
Meatbets—order directly from their site
Friday — Kid’s Kitchen—order directly from their site
Meatbets—order directly from their site
Please make a note of the cut-off date/time for placing your orders.
If you have ordered lunch and your child is away and you would like to pick up their lunch, you must notify the school by 12:00 pm.
If you need more information, please email stonebridge.ps@yrdsb.ca
Lunch Drop Off
If you need to drop off a lunch for your child, please place it in the cart outside the front doors. Ensure that it is well labelled with the student’s name and homeroom teacher.
Please do not go to portables or classrooms to deliver lunches.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kindergarten Registration 2026—2027
Kindergarten Registration started on January 16, 2026
Kindergarten registration for the 2025/2026 school year will start on Friday, January 16, 2026. Children who turn four or five years old during 2026, live within the school boundary and whose parents/guardians are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for Kindergarten.
There are several ways you can register for Kindergarten:
Online - Families can access the online Kindergarten registration information at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten > Registration. It is recommended that families use a laptop or a desktop computer rather than a mobile device to complete this registration.
By email - Families can download the Elementary School Registration Form at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten and email the completed form to their school email address. Email addresses can be found on the school website.
By phone - Families can request support from the school Principal/Vice-Principal to complete the registration form on their behalf by collecting the required information by phone. Families can request an interpreter, if needed, during this phone conversation. Call your local school.
By mail or appointment. You can mail completed applications to the school, or request an appointment to drop-off your completed paper application form.
Once you have completed your application, the school will contact you to make an appointment to review and verify the required documents.
Our Kindergarten programs are caring and welcoming where children learn through exploration, play and inquiry. You can learn more at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten. We look forward to welcoming our new students and families to the school.
Please note: Elementary schools are closed during July and August. Please contact the Community Education Centre in your area to set up your registration appointment.
Report Absences or Late
If your child is going to be absent/late, please report via Edsby before the bell time.
If you do not have an Edsby account or need help with setting it up, please contact
the office @ 905-887-2427.
TO REPORT A STUDENT ABSENCE/LATE:
LOGIN TO: yrdsb.edsby.com / CALL 905.887.2427
Nut & Scent Free Environment
This is a reminder that many students and staff have life threatening allergies to nuts. As a result, we ask that all snacks and lunches are nut free. Please take the time to read the labels on snacks to ensure they are nut safe. We also ask that you do not use peanut butter substitutes such as Wow Butter. Nutella is a nut product and must not come to school.
The chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. To help keep the air healthy for everyone, our school has a scent-free policy.