September Newsletter
To view the PDF Copy of Newsletter click HERE
Message from the Principal:
Dear Nantyr Families,
It is with excitement that we welcome all our students and families back for another school year at Nantyr Secondary
School. Whether you are joining us for the first time as a Grade 9 student or returning for your final year as a Grade
12 graduate, we are looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, achievement, and unforgettable
experiences.
At Nantyr, we believe that a rewarding high school experience extends far beyond the classroom. We strongly
encourage all students to become involved in the many extracurricular opportunities available throughout the year.
Whether your interests lie in athletics, clubs, music, visual arts, student leadership, social activism, cultural groups,
academic competitions, or countless other activities, there is truly something for everyone.
Have you ever wondered how all these opportunities are made possible for students? The answer lies in the
dedication and generosity of many people working together. Teachers, parents, guardians, community members,
coaches, volunteers, and staff devote countless hours to providing students with opportunities to explore their
interests, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections. Their commitment helps create the vibrant school
community that makes Nantyr such a special place.
While the school can support a portion of the costs associated with extracurricular programming, we continue to
rely on the support of our families and community to help offset expenses such as transportation, referees, officials,
equipment, supplies, and participation fees. This support allows us to offer a wide range of experiences that enrich
student life and create opportunities for involvement and success. Unfortunately, the school basic budget cannot
support the costs of all extra-curricular programs. However, we do not want these fees to determine whether a
student can participate. As a result, if you are unable to contribute the amount indicated, please either contact the
coach/staff advisor or their vice principal and we will help to find a way to ensure that your child is able to participate.
In addition to clubs, teams, and activities, there are many school-wide events that help build school spirit and create
lasting memories. Students are asked to contribute through the Student Activity Fee, which helps fund experiences
or off set the cost of events such as Grade 9 Orientation, Shores Wars, Grade 12 BBQ, K-Cup, Spring Fling, spirit
events, guest speakers, leadership initiatives, and many other activities throughout the school year. While these
events are organized and led by our outstanding student leaders, they require financial support to ensure they
remain accessible and enjoyable for all students.
We understand that creating a vibrant and engaging high school experience requires a significant investment of
time, energy, and resources. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our parents, guardians, and community
partners who help make these opportunities possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact an
administrator.
As we begin this school year together, I encourage every student to step outside their comfort zone, get involved,
meet new people, and take advantage of the opportunities available at Nantyr. The friendships, experiences, and
memories created through extracurricular involvement often become some of the most meaningful and lasting
parts of a student's high school journey.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead and thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Welcome back, and let's make it a fantastic year at Nantyr Secondary School!
Sincerely,
Brian MacIsaac
Principal, Nantyr Shores Secondary School
Upcoming Events:
September 8 First Day of School
September 14 Immunization Clinic
September 17 Picture Day
September 17 Extra Curricular Student Fair
September 28 School Council Meeting
For a complete list of 2026/2027 holy days and days of awareness, please visit the SCDSB website at:www.scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion
Absence reporting:
To report a student absence, please call 1-888-885-8065 or email [email protected] Callers
will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message.
Please include the student’s name, dates and reason for absence.
If
you need to pick up your student during school hours, please provide as
much advance notice as possible. This helps us ensure your student is
ready and available for a timely and smooth pickup. Thank you for your
cooperation!
Sport Tryout Information:
Nantyr Shores would like to inform you that participation in tryouts for school teams and sports may involve
certain risks. These can include physical exertion, potential injury, and exposure to varying environmental
conditions. All activities are supervised and follow board-approved safety protocols. We encourage families to
review information carefully and reach out with any questions to the respective coaches. Your support helps us
ensure a safe and positive experience for all student-athletes. Information regarding teams and tryouts will be
communicated through daily announcements
SPC Cards
Nantyr Shores is selling SPC cards again! The Student Price Card, also known as SPC Card, is a student loyalty
discount program offering discounts and deals on items such as fashion, food, shoes, and travel and more. Students
show their SPC Card at participating locations to receive instant savings every time they shop. The cards are valid
for 1 year from the date of activation. To learn more visit: https://www.spccard.ca/ Find them on schoolcash
online!
Auto Shop Returns this Fall
We are excited to announce that our school's auto shop program is officially reopening! Starting September 21,
students and community members will once again have access to essential services including:
• Vehicle inspections
• Brake inspections
• Oil changes
• Tire rotations
• Work on small engines is also available
This hands-on program provides our students with valuable real-world experience while offering affordable
automotive care to our school community. All services are performed by students under the direct supervision of
our certified automotive instructor.
If you are interested in learning more contact [email protected]
Special Education
SERTS are available to answer any questions you may have about your student’s classes and learning. New SERT
information for this school year was sent home via email. Completed and updated IEPs will come home with
students around mid October.
The Resource Room (#318) is open and available to support students. Please encourage your student to access
the Resource Room and other supports available through his/ her SERT.
Nantyr’s Special Education Resource Teachers are as follows:
Jennifer Brownlee Department Chair, SERT ext. 40297
[email protected]
Meagan Dolbear Assistant Department Chair, SERT ext.40361
[email protected]
Heather Birch Life Skills teacher
[email protected]
Lori Didzbalis Learning Centre teacher
[email protected]
Jennifer Patterson SERT
[email protected]
Jeanette Phillips ASD teacher
[email protected]
Jennifer Patterson SERT
[email protected]
Connor Speers Life Skills teacher
[email protected]
Evan Stacey ASD teachere
[email protected]
Verity Thompson Learning Centre teacher
[email protected]
Information and updates from the SCDSB:
This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the below topics. To read this information, visit the SCDSB website.
• School board communication with parents/guardians
• SCDSB Code of Conduct
• Creating safe and welcoming spaces for students, staff, and visitors
• Reporting a student absence
• SCDSB 2026-27 Student Handbook
• Use of Traditional Indigenous Medicines
• Policy Consultation
• Student and Family Support Office
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept. 30
• Universal Otis-Lennon School Ability Test Screening Process
• School council nominations for 2026-27 school year
• Annual notice to adult students or parent(s)/guardian(s) of students under the age of 16
• Standard acknowledgment and permission form/student information computing technology appropriate
use agreement 2026-27
• Student accident insurance 2026-27
• Updating student information on file at the school
• Volunteering in schools during the 2026-27 school year
• Current volunteers
• Procedures help keep our school safe
• Student dress code
• School bus ‘Bus Tag’ program helps students get to and from school safely
• Learn a new language for free with the SCDSB!
• Looking for international and Indigenous language instructors
• Equity Advisory Committee seeks members
• September PA Day.
Guidance Department Update:
For the latest information, follow us on Instagram: @NantyrGuidance @wetheshores, or visit our website @
[email protected].
Students should be checking their school email frequently for the latest updates
and information from Guidance. We also have a Guidance D2L Shell that all students have access to.
Visit it for information about all post-secondary destinations, college and university applications, scholarships and bursaries, much more!
Post-Secondary Planning for Potential Graduates
Many Colleges and Universities have created ‘virtual’ campus tours and information session that students can sign up for on their websites. As well, most post-secondary campuses host ‘in-person’ campus tours. These
can also be booked through their websites. We encourage students to start this process early.
Guidance will still be conducting our ‘Graduation Checks’ this Fall which are one-on-one meetings with a counsellor to discuss the student’s future and to assist them with the planning for this.
Researching College, University, Apprenticeship & Workplace Options
Parents and students are encouraged to consult the following websites to help with post-secondary planning:
Programs and entrance requirements for Ontario colleges: www.ontariocolleges.ca
Programs and entrance requirements for Ontario universities: www.ouinfo.ca.
Information about Apprenticeships and the skilled trades: www.oyap.com and www.apprenticesearch.com
Exploring workplace opportunities: http://www.barriecareercentre.com
Want to learn more about careers that match with your interests and abilities? Explore all that www.myblueprint.ca/simcoe has to offer! Click “log in with school account”, students then enter their school login and password, then give MyBlueprint’s “Who am I” surveys a try or explore options under the “post-secondary” menu.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Planning for Post-Secondary Education
It is never too early to start your scholarship search! Students should check out the ‘Scholarship/Bursary’ section on post-secondary website and are encouraged to visit the following websites to create profiles and be
matched with scholarships / bursaries:
https://yconic.com/ https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
www.schoolfinder.com www.studentscholarships.org https://www.grantme.ca/
In addition, further scholarship and bursary opportunities arrive in the guidance office regularly. Scholarship information will be emailed to all grade 12 students as we receive it as well as posted in the ‘Scholarship’ section of the Guidance D2L Shell and in the Guidance section of our website here: https://nss.scdsb.on.ca/departments/guidance/scholarships
OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program
https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid initiative that helps eligible students in Ontario cover the costs of postsecondary education through grants and loans. It considers factors like income, family size, and tuition fees to determine support, and some portions of the aid may not need to be repaid. OSAP is available to both full-time and part-time students attending approved institutions. Students cannot apply for OSAP until the Spring, but there is an ‘aid estimator’ on the OSAP site that can provide a rough estimate of how much a student may qualify for.
Community Service Hours!!
Every student must complete 40 hours of community involvement to receive their diploma. Students can start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9. Students are encouraged to choose activities that interest them or explore a potential career. Some students
may complete more than 40 hours. Please note: community service does not just mean not getting paid to do something! If someone would
normally be paid to do it, it does NOT count as community service. Please check with a guidance counselor BEFORE you start. A full list of ineligible activities can be found on SCDSB: https://www.scdsb.on.ca/secondary/planning_for_high_school/community_involvement
New!
The Ministry of Education has announced a new Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement opportunity for graduating students. This is detailed on the Ministry’s website: Use High School Volunteer Hours to Build Your Future
The certificate program recognizes students who complete 50 or more community involvement hours, awarding distinctions at three levels: Bronze (50-99 hours), Silver (100-199 hours), and Gold (200+ hours).
Students will receive their certificates at graduation.
New Graduation Requirements for Students starting Grade 9 in 2024 and later
- 17 Compulsory Credits
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
- 3 credits in mathematics (Grade 9, Grade 10 and 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in technological education (Grade 9 or Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the arts
- 1 credit in health and physical education
- 1 credit in French as a second language
- 0.5 credit in career studies
- 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship
- 1 credit from the STEM-related course group**(STEM-related course group: business studies, computer studies, cooperative education, mathematics in addition to the 3 compulsory, science in addition to the 2 compulsory,
technological education in addition to the 1 compulsory)
- 13 Optional Credits
Optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit programs
- Literacy Graduation Requirement
For most students this means passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). If you do not pass the OSSLT there are other ways to meet this requirement. Contact guidance to find out these options.
- Online Learning Graduation Requirement *
This requirement also applies to adult learners who entered the secondary school system starting in the
2023-24 school year or later.
*Exemption form (see guidance) must be completed for students opting out of the online learning graduation requirement. Parents can also complete an ‘opt-out’ form online here: https://www.scdsb.on.ca/secondary/planning_for_high_school/online_learning_graduation_requirement
- Community Involvement Activities *
- 40 volunteer hours (connect with guidance for eligible volunteer activities)
*Students may start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before beginning grade 9
- Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement
Starting with students who entered Grade 9 in the 2025–26 school year, completing the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement (FLGR) is mandatory to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).