Hello Ridge Families

Today, our staff engaged in professional development focused on supporting every student to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Rather than addressing three separate topics, we explored three interconnected areas that together shape an equitable and high-quality secondary school experience: Anti-Racism, Safe Schools, and Assessment and Evaluation. 

A special thank you to our School Council parents for providing a wonderful breakfast for the staff today, it was a nice way to further develop our community building by eating breakfast together. We have a Collaborative morning on Oct 16th, our Link crew will be meeting up with our Grade 9 students in the gym. They will be heading off into their groups where they will be continuing to build relationships with a focus on cooperation versus competition as one of the keys to a successful academic year. 

This week, all Grade 9 parents and guardians should have received progress reports from their child’s teachers. For students in Grades 10–12, progress reports were sent to those who may benefit from additional support in their courses. Congratulations to the Senior Boys Volleyball team who won the Craig Keilburger Sr. Volleyball Classic this week! 

A reminder that our Parent/Guardian Interview Night will take place on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Details on how to book appointments will be shared in a separate email. From 6:00 to 6:55 p.m., families are invited to drop in for informal conversations with teachers, while 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. will be reserved for scheduled appointments through the booking system. As always, families are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teachers at any time with questions or concerns.

Sadly we have been made aware of a trend gaining traction on TikTok in which users participate in online challenges involving inappropriate behaviour, including incidents of urination on school property and in other public spaces.  

Incidents of vandalism, property damage and inappropriate use of technology and social media that impacts HDSB students, staff or property will be followed up by school administrators. At Iroquois Ridge we follow the HDSB Student Code of Conduct to provide clear expectations for how we respond to inappropriate and disruptive behaviour.  

We are reaching out to make you aware of this issue and to ask for your support in reinforcing important messages about responsible technology use at home.  

Students are expected to use technology responsibly and are taught digital citizenship and the importance of practicing ethical and legal digital behaviour both within and outside of the classroom.​ We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by talking openly about social media use and setting clear and supportive expectations. Families are also encouraged to visit the HDSB’s Technology & You webpage, which provides information and resources for students and families on how to use technology responsibly. 

Thank you for your partnership in helping us create a positive learning environment where students are empowered to practice good digital citizenship, use technology appropriately and make responsible choices online.

This week we started our annual Pink events, these events will conclude next Friday with our annual Pink Game with a special schedule. All the events planned are wonderful opportunities for our school community to come together in support of a meaningful cause. All donations from this event will go directly to Wellspring House, an organization that provides essential programs and resources to members of our community living with cancer. 

We hope everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the long weekend, fall colours and spend some time relaxing and spending time with family and friends. 

 

J. Carey

Principal

 

October 3

Hello Ridge Families

It’s been a busy and exciting week at the Ridge! We are so grateful to our student council, students, staff, parent volunteers, and everyone who came out to support our annual Fall Fest. The weather was perfect, and the evening was filled with music, games, and plenty of delicious food. A special thank you as well to all who donated to the Terry Fox Walk IRHS 2025, our goal was $2,000, and with your generosity, we surpassed it, raising $2,205!

It was great to meet all the parents on Wednesday evening who attended our first school council meeting. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th starting at 6:00pm - Guidance staff will discuss the Post-Secondary application process, followed by Dr. Deepa Soni who will share Science-Based Tips for Guiding Your Teen.

Looking ahead, next week will be a busy one for students as we reach the quarter mark of the first semester. With the short week before the long weekend (PA day on October 10th), there will be a number of tests, assignments, and tasks to complete. On Thursday, October 9th, grade 9 students will receive an email markbook update from their teachers. Students in grades 10–12 who are currently earning a mark of 60% or below will also receive progress reports.

Next Friday our Senior Football team will be playing against the Frank Hayden Huskies at a floodlight football game in Burlington. Tickets are required, please view this link for more information. Good luck to the team!

On Wednesday, October 8th Health Canada will be present in the library, students will be made aware of their campaign - 'Know More Opioids tour’. The campaign aims to engage teens and young adults on the facts surrounding the overdose crisis, opioids, fentanyl, naloxone, and stigma. This free, interactive experience features activities and resources designed to educate students on the risks associated with opioid use, how to reduce harms and the importance of reducing the stigma associated with addiction.

PARENT FORMS:  All families are reminded to complete the Yellow Medical forms that were handed out the first day of school.  Please also complete the Start-up Forms that were emailed on Sept. 5th and the Verification Forms that were emailed Sept. 16th for each of your students. We have only received 50% of the forms so far. It is imperative that you complete these forms as soon as possible so that we have the most up to date information for your student. Please contact the school if you have any questions about this.

A reminder that Parent/Guardian Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, October 16th, from 6:00–8:00 PM. From 6:00–7:00 PM, families will have the opportunity to meet teachers informally, followed by scheduled 10-minute interviews from 7:00–8:00 PM. Further details on booking will be shared soon.

We are proud of the many ways our students are working hard to balance their academic responsibilities. At the same time, we’ve noticed that some students are choosing to sign out of classes to study, complete assignments, or avoid evaluations when they feel unprepared. Our expectation is that if students are in the building, they are in class, fully engaged in learning.

Skills such as time management, communication, and perseverance are important life tools, and we are committed to supporting students in developing them. Together, as partners in education, we can help students approach challenges with confidence and resilience, because success comes from engagement, not avoidance. We appreciate your support on this concern.

Lastly, while the HDSB and IRHS websites have undergone changes this past week, the work is not complete yet.  Please bear with us as we work to finalize the process.

 

J. Carey

Principal

September 26

Hello Ridge Families,

The fall season is my favourite time of year, the fresh start of school, the energy of new beginnings, and the simple joy of being outside in the crisp air surrounded by the beautiful colours of the trees. A big thank you to our PLF leadership class for organizing such a meaningful Terry Fox event, raising $900 for a great cause. Thank you as well to everyone who donated. If you would still like to make a contribution, here is the link to donate. 

On Wednesday, students had the chance to explore over 60 different club opportunities during lunch. Display boards and tables highlighted the wide range of activities available, showcasing the many ways our students can get involved.

Tuesday, September 30, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is recognized in schools and classrooms across Canada as an opportunity to learn about the legacy of residential schools, honour Indigenous survivors and their families, and support the ongoing process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As a school, students will engage in learning and reflection activities. Our Equity Team has also created a powerful banner in “The Street,” which continues to grow as classes add their handprints in recognition and solidarity. 

The week ahead will be an exciting one for our students, highlighted by our annual Fall Fest on Thursday, October 2nd. The evening begins with the much anticipated Staff vs. Student Softball Game at 3:30 p.m., followed by Fall Fest from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Families can look forward to games, activities, and delicious food for sale, including halal burgers, hot dogs, Beyond Meat burgers, and pie. We encourage students and families to join us—even if it’s just to tour the school and be part of our Ridge community.

StudCo (Student Council) is also looking for parent volunteers to help with two upcoming events: Fall Fest (Oct. 2nd) and the Pink Game (Oct. 17th). If you’re able to assist with set-up or general support, please connect with our School/Parent Council Chair, Rebecca Mayville, rebecca.mayville@gmail.com. Your involvement makes these events possible!

A reminder that our first School Council Meeting is on Wednesday, October 1st, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in the school library on the second floor.

September 19

Hello Ridge Families,

As we settle into our school routine, a reminder that classes begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Arriving late means missing valuable learning time and disrupting others—thank you for helping us start the day smoothly.

Next week marks the start of our fall sports season! Good luck to all athletes and coaches in Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Football, Field Hockey, Golf, and Cross Country. We’re looking forward to the action, teamwork, and school spirit. Even if you’re not on a team, come out and cheer on your classmates. Full schedules are available at HSSAA.ca 

We’re also proud to take part in the Terry Fox School Run. Terry’s dream of a world without cancer continues to inspire us 45 years later. By participating and raising funds, we can help support critical cancer research and bring hope to countless families. Let’s come together as a school to Finish It.

The IRHS Terry Fox Walk/Run will take place on Tuesday, September 23rd (rain date of Thursday, September 25th).  Click HERE to make a donation.

Next week, our music students will be heading to Roy Thomson Hall to attend a rehearsal with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. While we know that great things happen every day in our classrooms, many of the most memorable high school experiences take place beyond them. We encourage all students to get involved and explore opportunities outside of class.

On Wednesday, September 24th we’ll be hosting our Club Fair at lunch in the ‘Street’ and out on the track, where students can learn about the wide range of clubs available.

We’re also looking forward to our first School Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 1st, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the school library. If you’re unable to join us for this meeting, here are the upcoming dates and topics:

• Tuesday, November 4th – Guidance staff will discuss the Post-Secondary application process, and Dr. Deepa Soni will share Science-Based Tips for Guiding Your Teen.

• Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 – TBD

• Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 – TBD

• Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 – Parent Panel

• Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 – Student Alumni

 

PARENT FORMS:  All families are reminded to complete the Yellow Medical forms that were handed out the first day of school.  Please also complete the Start-up Forms that were emailed on Sept. 5th and the Verification Forms that were emailed Sept. 16th for each of your students. It is important that we have accurate and up to date information.  If you have any questions about how to fill out these forms, please contact the school.

We hope everyone can get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall colours!

 

September 12

Hello Ridge Families,

As we settle into our routines and enjoy the beautiful fall weather, we’re excited to dive into our school-wide activities. 

Tonight at 7 PM in Grimsby, Ontario, we'll kick off our football season with our first game of the year, against West Niagara Secondary School, good luck Ridge. 

Our teams and clubs are already in full swing, and we're eager to create some great memories together. If you missed any announcements or are unsure about the clubs we offer, don’t worry! On Wednesday, September 24th, we’ll have Club Fair tables set up on the track and in the front hall during lunch. Encourage your students to take a quick stroll to explore all the fantastic opportunities available at the Ridge. 

Next week, our Grade 9 students will participate in a Collaborative morning with our Link Crew leaders on Thursday September 18. 

Gr. 9 Link Crew Activities 8:30 - 9:40

Period 1 9:45 - 10:40

Announcements

Period 2 10:50 - 11:45

Period 3 Lunch 11:45 -12:45

Period 4 12:45 - 1:40

Period 5 1:45 - 2:45

Also for our Grade 9’s we will be having a Dance on Thursday Sept 25th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

Please be aware that our parking lot has been very busy, with limited parking, please only park in the accessible parking area if required. If you need to pick up your student, please try to arrange to do so at alternative locations and time, and be mindful of our surrounding community by avoiding blocking laneways and driveways. Thank you for your cooperation!

Grade 12s are invited to attend a Post Secondary Assembly that will be held during the collaborative morning on Thursday, September 18, starting at 8:30 in the theater. The topics that will be discussed include an overview of pathway options as well as information about this year's post secondary application process.The assembly will be held in the theater starting at 8:30 am. I would encourage all grade 12’s to attend this event. Look for another email on Monday for more information. 

All families are reminded to complete the Start-up Forms  that were emailed to you last Friday and the Medical Information forms that were sent home last week, for each of your students. It is important that we have accurate and up to date information. Additionally, you will be emailed the Verification Form to be completed early next week for each of your students. 

On Wednesday October 1st we will have our first School Council Meeting and PEP (Parent Engagement Program) from 6pm to 7pm in our school library. More details to follow. 

Thank you to all the families who are using the Cash Online system to purchase items during the school year. Please click here for more information.   (Note:  The Student number is required (do not use the first 2 ‘0’s), not the OEN.)

Have a wonderful weekend!

J. Carey

Principal

 

September 5

Hello Ridge Families,

What a fantastic start to the 2025–2026 school year! It was truly energizing to welcome students and staff back into the building, filled with excitement and enthusiasm. This week, our staff prioritized building strong, positive relationships with students and among peers, not just diving into curriculum. By focusing on connection first, we’re laying the foundation for a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and open themselves up to meaningful learning.

As an administrative team, we met with each grade in mini-assemblies to extend a warm welcome and share our best wishes for a successful year ahead. During these sessions, we also reviewed key reminders about the HDSB Code of Conduct, school expectations, and the various supports available to help all students thrive academically.

Next week our last 2 periods of the day flip, so it will be a 1, 2 lunch, 5, 4 week. We do this so that our students who are involved in extracurricular activities do not miss their last period of the day as often. 

We’d like to remind students and families that our Guidance Department is working diligently to ensure all students are placed in their courses as quickly as possible. However, not all course change requests can be accommodated.

Priority for timetable changes will be given to students who:

• Are missing a graduation requirement or prerequisite course

• Need to add a required course for post-secondary education plans or drop a course no longer needed

• Require a pathway change (e.g., academic to applied, college to university)

We appreciate students’ and families’ patience as we work through timetable requests. While we always strive to support student success and satisfaction, please be aware that course change options are limited this year due to class sizes and scheduling constraints.

To ensure fairness and consistency, please note the following:

• Course changes cannot be made based on when a course is scheduled within the day or semester

• Courses cannot be moved from one semester to another

• Requests based on teacher preference cannot be accommodated

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize academic needs and ensure all students are set up for a successful school year.

 

 - A few reminders -

School Start-up Forms - Forms will be emailed to parents and students over 18 today.  Please fill one form per IRHS student by September 25th.

Over 18 Consent to share information - When a student turns 18, all communication for parents/guardians is transferred to the student only.  If the student wishes to continue parent/guardian communication, they will need to complete the Consent to Share Information document and submit it to the main office.

Student Photo Day - School Photo day is Wednesday, September 10th. Students will be called down by class and photographed in the small gym. Please do not bring money that day.  A proof will be sent home within 2 weeks of photo day where you can review your photo and purchase it online. 

***Students must be photographed to receive their Student ID cards and be featured in the yearbook.  Please visit the Edge Imaging website for more information.

Club Fair - Students will have an opportunity to find out about all the clubs that IRHS has to offer on Sept 24th at Lunch, more details to follow. 

Terry Fox Run - In 1980, Terry had a dream of a world without cancer. Forty-five years later, Terry's Marathon of Hope lives on. If we work together, we can make such a difference in the lives of so many. Please help fund critical cancer research in Canada by supporting our participation in the 2025 Terry Fox School Run. Crossing the finish line means hope for everyone with cancer. Together, we can Finish It.

The IRHS Terry Fox Walk/Run will take place on Tuesday, September 23rd (rain date of Thursday, September 25th).  Click HERE to make a donation.

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.

J. Carey

Principal

 

 

Welcome Iroquois Ridge Students and Families 

to the 2025-2026 School Year!

We’ve included a number of reminders and information items below, along with relevant links. We apologize for the length of this message and want to assure you that future updates will be more concise.

As a reminder, today (Tuesday, September 2nd) was a P.D. Day. Staff engaged in professional learning focused on health and safety, anti-racism, and building a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment for all students.

On Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, we will begin with a collaborative morning. Students will follow the special schedule outlined below and are not expected to arrive at school until that time.  

• New Students (Grades 10–12) and Grade 9s who missed the August 27 Orientation: Arrive at 8:30 am. You will be welcomed by our Ridge student leaders and guided to your location.  

• All other students: Arrive at 9:45 am (please do not arrive before 9:30)

Period 1 9:45 - 10:40

Announcements

Period 2 10:50 - 11:45

Period 3 Lunch 11:45 -12:45

Period 4 12:45 - 1:40

Period 5 1:45 - 2:45

 

Moving forward during regular school days, students will be following the schedule below. Please note that students are expected to use travel time to get to their next class on time. (Please note that periods 4 & 5 flip on alternate weeks. 

 

Period 1 8:30 - 9:50  

Announcements 9:45

Period 2 9:55 - 11:10

Period 3  Lunch 11:10 - 12:10

Period 4 12:10 - 1:25

Period 5 1:30 - 2:45

 

1) Beginning and End of Day - Safety is our top priority, especially during the busy traffic periods at the start and end of the school day. Please note that we are a 'walk to' school and encourage students to walk or bike to school whenever possible.  If you are driving your child, ensure you allow extra travel time, particularly on the first day of school and be prepared for heavier than usual traffic and potential delays.

 

When dropping off or picking up your child, please drive slowly, remain vigilant, and be mindful of pedestrians. To avoid the rush, consider dropping off your child early or picking them up after 2:45pm. Additionally, using an alternate location away from the school can help ease congestion. Please do not park in our bus lanes!

 

2) Reporting Absences - To report school absences, please use one of the following options:

• HDSB Mobile App​ (available for download from the App Store and Google Play)

• Website: go.schoolmessenger.ca​

• Phone: 1-877-409-6310 (toll-free)

The SchoolMessenger​ system is accessible 24 hours, seven days a week to report future absences and late arrivals.  

 

For absences more than 4 days, parents fill in the Extended Absence Form, have your student’s teachers complete the Course of Study and return it to the main office.

 

3)  Photo Day  -  Student photo day is Wednesday, September 10.  Retakes will take place on Tuesday October 21.

  

4) Lunch - The best plan for students on the first, and every, day of school is to bring lunch from home. We also recommend that students make a plan with their friends of where to meet for lunch on the first day - which can alleviate a lot of stress. The school does have a cafeteria that is available to students, opening on Monday, September 8th.

 

5) Ridge Athletics/Sports:  Fall Athletics information can be found HERE.

 

6) Cell Phones at Iroquois Ridge High School

At Iroquois Ridge, our focus is on student learning, well-being, and achievement. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our Ridge families in helping us create classrooms that are safe, inclusive, and productive learning spaces. When schools and families work together, students benefit from a stronger educational experience and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

To make the most of instructional time, we are asking for your support around the use of personal devices at school. Over the past few years, we have noticed that cell phone/device use can be a significant distraction for students and, in some cases, negatively impact their well-being. While technology can enhance lessons when used appropriately, it can also take away from the focus needed for deep learning.

In June 2024, the Ministry of Education revised the Provincial Code of Conduct to include new restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices, social media, and nicotine products in schools. At Iroquois Ridge, we believe that teachers are best positioned to decide when and how cell phones may be used in their classrooms to support learning.

Most classrooms will be following a “bell to bell, no cell” approach, unless the teacher specifically directs otherwise. Teachers will communicate clearly to the class when phones are to be put away (“cell phones away”) or when they may be used for learning purposes (“cell phones allowed”).

If a student is using a device inappropriately during class, teachers may:

• Offer a discreet reminder to the student

• Speak privately with the student (after class or in the hallway)

• Contact parents/guardians to reinforce expectations

• Reach out to Administration for additional support

We kindly ask families to reinforce this message at home so that together we can maintain the high level of academic achievement for which Iroquois Ridge students are known. Staff and administration will also review these expectations with students during the first week of school.

7) Smoking/Vaping - Smoking/Vaping is not permitted anywhere on school property, or within 20m of school property. Students smoking/vaping will face both a school consequence, and possibly a referral to a bylaw officer who may issue a fine.

 

8) Timetable and Guidance Appointments/Timetable changes - All students are encouraged to check their timetable before the first day to confirm their classes and room numbers. Timetables were sent to the students' HDSB emails on Friday. Even if you have requested a timetable change, please continue to follow your current timetable until the change is put in place. Many of our classes are very full and space is limited. We will do our best to fulfill the requests but they are not always possible. If you are in need of a change, you need to use the following course request form. This is an extremely busy time for guidance and we have brought in extra staff to move the process along as quickly as possible, we appreciate your understanding. Please be aware that changes will be based on the following;

1. Students missing graduation requirement and prerequisites

2. Students who need to add a required course for post-secondary education plans or drop a class they no longer require

3. Students needing a pathway change (ie: academic to applied, college to university)

Please be aware that this year there is reduced student timetable flexibility due to class sizes and desired course changes may not be possible. Course change requests cannot be considered based on the placement of course(s) in semesters. Courses cannot be moved from semester to semester. Course change requests cannot be accommodated based on teacher preference. 

 

9) Student Expectations - Iroquois Ridge High School prides itself on our accepting community, our students are amazing and we are very proud of them. Iroquois Ridge is a community where we uphold Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, where we respect and value each other. A few important documents that we would like to remind you about are the HDSB Code of Conduct, and the HDSB Discriminatory and Harmful Language Protocol.

 

On behalf of the staff and administration at IRHS, we are delighted to welcome each of you to a new school year. We know it’s going to be an amazing year ahead! Take full advantage of your classes, and don’t miss the chance to get involved in the many activities and opportunities that make our school community so special.

 

As always, please reach out if we can help.

 

Respectfully,

 

J. Carey (Principal

K. Nickson (Vice Principal)

S. John (Vice Principal)