November 28 2025 • Issue #70
Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments
and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful
place for students, families and staff.
| | Register for Kindergarten! | |
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open!
Kindergarten is a two-year, full-day program that focuses on creating a strong foundation of learning for children. Parents can start the registration process, get answers to frequently asked questions, and do a virtual tour of a kindergarten classroom by visiting www.tvdsb.ca/kindergarten
| | SDCI Explorer’s Club hosts documentary film screening | |
On November 5, Strathroy District Collegiate Institute (SDCI) hosted a film screening of “We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes.” This screening was generously sponsored by the Strathroy & District Historical Society and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 278 - Thedford. Proceeds from the event will help support the SDCI Explorer’s Club’s upcoming “Giro Finale” Trip.
This award-winning documentary film discusses the true story of 40,000 volunteer teenage girls, called Farmerettes, who ensured critical food production during the Second World War. Following the screening was a Q & A with the filmmakers, Colin Field and Bonnie Sitter.
In March 2026, the SDCI Explorer’s Club will embark on the adventure of a lifetime as 42 students and 7 teachers travel to Belgium, France and Italy over 10 days. They will visit the Colosseum and the Pantheon, enjoy gelato and chocolate, and marvel at the art and fashion of Europe!
While visiting war cemeteries in Europe, students will pause to remember the Adair Brothers of Strathroy – Charles, Robert and Ken, who were killed in the Second World War.
The Explorer's Club at SDCI began in 2008 and provides students with the opportunity to expand their horizons and travel internationally. Learn more about their trip and follow along at https://sites.google.com/view/sdciexplorersclub/home
| Treaties Recognition Week | |
Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario is honoured the first week of November each year. During this week, students across TVDSB recognize Treaties Recognition Week by learning about treaty rights and responsibilities.
TVDSB staff are encouraged to teach about the importance of treaties this week and throughout the school year through resources developed by the Indigenous Education Portfolio.
Visit our website to learn more
| English Kindergarten Available at Roch Carrier Starting Fall 2026 | |
Starting fall 2026, English junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten will be available at Roch Carrier French Immersion Public School in Woodstock.
This change means students in Roch Carrier’s attendance area can attend the same school from kindergarten to grade 8, instead of attending one school for English kindergarten and then switching to French Immersion for grade 1.
Registration is now open – visit tvdsb.ca/register to get started.
| | National Indigenous Veterans Day | |
Grade 3 and 6 students at Clara Brenton Public School created a display highlighting veterans as part of Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8.
Students profiled a First Nations, Métis or Inuit veteran who participated in the First or Second World War or Korean War.
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As a district, we paid tribute to the memory of all Canadians who have dedicated themselves to this nation, acknowledging the honourable military legacy of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Black Canadians, Asian Canadians, women and other historically marginalized groups.
In 1919, the inaugural Remembrance Day took place, marking the anniversary of the armistice that concluded the First World War. Over a century later, our unwavering respect for the individuals who have bravely served and continue to serve in Canada’s armed forces remains steadfast.
For the past 3 years, students at Stoneybrook Public School have created sustainable poppies through The Poppy Project at Fanshawe College to honour Remembrance Day. Watch this short video with Mrs. Hastings to learn more about this meaningful project.
Lest we forget.
| Jeanne Sauvé / Empress Public School building celebrates 100th anniversary | |
When the school building, which became Jeanne Sauvé French Immersion Public School (formerly Empress Public School), first opened its doors in 1925, the world was a very different place.
London was much smaller than it is today - horse and buggies were still common on city streets, and things like TVs, smartphones, and the Internet were beyond everyone’s wildest dreams.
What hasn’t changed in 100 years? How much students and the community love their school.
It’s why the Jeanne Sauvé/Empress school community celebrated the 100th anniversary of its beloved school building at an open house event on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Memorabilia was on display at the school, including photographs and items showcasing the school’s rich history.
A History of Excellence
A two-storey school at 215 Wharncliffe Road North opened in January 1925 and was named Empress Public School (named after Queen Victoria).
In 2004, Empress Public School and Oxford West Public School amalgamated at 284 Oxford Street West to become Eagle Heights Public School. In September 2004, Jeanne Sauvé French Immersion Public School (named after the first female governor general of Canada Jeanne Sauvé) moved from 127 Sherwood Forest Square to 215 Wharncliffe Road North (current location).
| Speciality Program Open Houses | |
Explore high performance athletics, the skilled trades, environmental science, globally recognized education and more through Thames Valley’s many secondary Specialty Programs! Visit our website for Open House dates for the following unique and innovative programming opportunities:
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Bealart (Grade 11 Foundations and After Grad Studio Practice programs)
Tuesday, December 9, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Visit our website for full Open House details
| Thames Valley community names four new schools | |
Thames Valley families have voted on the names of four new elementary schools currently under construction in Lucan, Belmont, west London and southeast London.
The new school names were submitted through community input, identified by the Naming Selection Committee and voted upon by the school communities. Respondents were asked to rank the name options in order of preference.
The following names received the majority of first place votes:
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Southeast London: Jackson Meadows Public School
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Lucan: Clover Public School
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Belmont: Belmont Meadows Public School
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West London: Riverbend Public School
"We’re grateful to these school communities for their thoughtful participation in the school naming process," said Director of Education, Bill Tucker. “We look forward to opening our doors to students at these new schools in 2026 and 2027.”
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Be Bold about Being Kind:
Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
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November 17-23, 2025, was Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario. This week is an opportunity for Thames Valley students, families and staff to learn more about bullying, its effects on student learning, and how we can work together to create safe and inclusive learning environments.
This year, we asked the TVDSB community to empower students to “Be Bold About Being Kind” in support of feelings of safety and connection at school.
Students were also invited to participate in our annual Art Contest by creating original artwork that reflects this year’s theme. Winning artwork will be printed on TVDSB notecards and displayed in the Mayor of London’s office!
Everyone has a role to play in building positive relationships in our school communities. From students and parents to principals and school staff, we’re all responsible for making sure our schools remain welcoming spaces for all. Read the new Bullying Prevention and Intervention Procedure to learn more about the important role you play!
More tips, strategies and resources:
| A.B. Lucas students build temporary shelters at Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair | |
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs can open doors to exciting career pathways in all kinds of industries – just ask students from the SHSM Construction program at A.B. Lucas Secondary School!
Lucas students were on-site at the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House building temporary shelters to support London's unhoused population. The project was an innovative partnership with Fanshawe College and the London and District Construction Association (LDCA). Great work, Vikings!
Read the full story in the London Free Press
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Laurier students “Shine the Light”
on gender-based violence
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In Ontario, November is designated as Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, with the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) running from November 25 to December 10. The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness and provide education about GBV.
The London Abused Women’s Centre’s “Shine the Light” campaign runs throughout November and includes Wearing Purple Day on November 15. As this date fell on a Saturday, school communities were encouraged to wear purple on Thursday, November 13. This initiative provides an opportunity to raise awareness, show support, and engage students in learning about gender-based violence.
At Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, students raised awareness for the Shine the Light campaign by "shining" hundreds of purple paper lights around the school, sharing available local supports and wearing purple to show support for survivors and victims.
TVDSB has created a 16 Days of Activism calendar for all staff to access for personal learning and classroom use. TVDSB is committed to working towards ending GBV and is sharing a variety of resources for both staff and educators to use throughout November and beyond.
| Beal challenges London high schools to give big this holiday season | |
H.B. Beal Secondary School has issued a simple, but powerful, challenge for all other London-area high schools: Will you step up and help those in need this holiday season?
Beal has joined the Holiday Big Give School Challenge, an initiative organized by Ark Aid Mission to help more than 2,700 people in London who will go without shelter this winter. The campaign started November 1 and runs until December 15.
Students and staff aim to raise funds, collect essential winter items and provide more than 200 nightly shelter beds for individuals and families facing crisis. Beal’s efforts are also part of Beal Gives Back, a school-wide commitment to build social responsibility, compassion and community.
“Our students want their actions to spark something bigger,” says Lynn Thompson, History and Social Sciences teacher at H.B. Beal. “Beal Gives Back is about empowering students to make a real impact. This initiative lets them turn learning into leadership.”
From December 1-15, Beal students will also lead fundraising activities, create awareness videos and share reflections on community needs and their hopes for change.
“Beal has always been a school with tremendous heart and creativity,” said Paula Simpson, Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives at Ark Aid Mission. “This new ‘Beal Gives Back’ approach is an incredible step forward. By challenging other high schools, Beal is showing what emerging youth leadership looks like in London.”
The school that raises the most funds will receive a $1,000 school bursary to invest in a student-led initiative, as well as a custom trophy and city-wide recognition.
Schools can participate by fundraising, collecting winter supplies or running awareness events.
For more information, visit: https://arkaidmission.ca/holidaybiggive/
| | Giving Tuesday: Support Thames Valley students with the Caring Fund | | |
This holiday season, Thames Valley Education Foundation is kicking off its 25th anniversary celebrations. Celebrate with the Foundation and make a lasting impact this Giving Tuesday, December 2, by considering a gift to the Caring Fund.
The Caring Fund provides critical support to Thames Valley students and their families facing difficult and unexpected challenges. Since 2008, Thames Valley Education Foundation has granted more than $2.1 million through nearly 7,000 Caring Fund requests. Whether it’s winter boots, groceries, or other essential needs, the community’s generosity has helped students feel supported, valued and connected.
All donations made between December 2 and December 18, 2025, will be matched dollar for dollar – helping reach the goal of raising $50,000 in support of the Caring Fund.
Your commitment plays a crucial role in supporting student success across Thames Valley, every day.
Join us in celebrating 25 years – Together we care!
Donate today
| | Call for Submissions: Share Your Good News! | | |
Thames Valley Highlights is looking for stories to feature in upcoming editions! We want to celebrate the incredible achievements, inspiring moments and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful place for students, families and staff.
Do you have a story to share about:
- A student’s academic achievement or personal growth
- A teacher or staff member going above and beyond
- Community partnerships making a difference
- Exciting events, projects, or initiatives at your school
- Acts of kindness, inclusion, and collaboration within the school community
If you have a story that deserves to be highlighted, we’d love to hear from you!
How to Submit:
Let’s celebrate all the amazing things happening in our schools! We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories with the wider Thames Valley community.
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