December 19 2025 • Issue #71

Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments

and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful

place for students, families and staff.

Happy Holidays, Thames Valley!

Happy holidays from Thames Valley District School Board! As we head into the winter break, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to the Thames Valley community. Please enjoy a short holiday video celebrating Eastdale Public School’s “Festive Feast,” one of many seasonal events happening across the district.

Festive Feast is an annual holiday tradition at Eastdale Public School, generously supported by the school’s nutrition program and dedicated volunteers. This beloved event is an opportunity for the entire school community to come together and enjoy a warm meal. This year, students will even mingle with their peers across grades as they feast with friends from one of four school “houses!”

Recognizing that many of us observe and celebrate different traditions at this time of year, we would like to wish all families in Thames Valley a happy and restful winter break. We would also like to express our sincerest appreciation for the many staff who will continue their work over the coming days in support of students and families.

Warmest wishes for a healthy New Year – we will see you again on Monday,

January 5!

Mental Wellness over the Winter Break 

Winter Break means disruptions to routines for families.

Throughout the break, Thames Valley’s social media accounts will be posting tips and resources to help parents and caregivers support mental wellness over the winter break.



Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and BlueSky. 

If you are in need of additional local support, please visit: 

https://sites.google.com/gotvdsb.ca/familiescaregiversworkshops/finding-support   

Stallion Scoop serves up the news

at Stoney Creek P.S.   

Want the latest scoop on Stoney Creek Public School? Then watch the Stallion Scoop!  More than 50 "Creekers" and a team of supportive teachers run this weekly video announcements club, where students brainstorm, film & edit their own video segments. Hear all about it from the Scoop team! 

H.B. Beal hosts basketball clinics for incoming students 

H.B. Beal Secondary School hosted a free 4 night basketball clinics series, with the help of the senior boys and girls basketball team and the Beal Rec Leaders, 

for students in grade 6-8 to help bridge the transition from grade 8 to grade 9!

Questions about the transition to high school? Check out https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/students/grades-7-and-8-transition-planning.aspx 

Oakridge Secondary School hosts

Model UN Summit

Be Bold about Being Kind

Art Contest Winners  

Thames Valley District School Board is proud to recognize the talented students who showcased their creativity in our annual TVDSB Art Contest. The contest invited students to create artwork that reflects this year’s theme for Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week: Be Bold About Being Kind. 

A selection of winning entries will be displayed in the London Mayor’s office and will be printed on the front of notecard sets to be used within Thames Valley.



Congratulations to our winners: 

• Developmental Education: Grade 3 - 8 students at Madeline Hardy School 
• Primary: Riley J.L. and Fariya C.  
• Junior: Kai M. and Marceline T. 
• Senior: Emma S. and Lujain R.  
• Secondary: Olivia B. 

These exceptional works highlight the imagination and skill of Thames Valley students. Thank you to all participants for sharing your creativity and promoting kindness in Thames Valley District School Board! 

New East Elgin Junior Grade Sports gets TVDSB students excited about high school

School spirit and friendly competition are the name of the game at a recently formed Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) sports and activity league in eastern Elgin County.

Called the Junior Grade Level Sports Festival, it’s a chance for grades 4-6 to get active, and get excited, about attending East Elgin Secondary School. 

“It’s heartwarming to see all the kids participate in each festival. When we talk about the essential conditions for learning, here’s a great example of how we’re creating them for our students,” said Isaak Dyck, Principal of Summers’ Corners Public School.

The Junior Level Sports Festival began in 2023, after Isaak Dyck, Sindy Dyck and Meg Mattingley noticed there weren’t many sports options for junior students (grades 4-6). The three TVDSB leaders wanted a league for friendly competition that focused on getting kids excited about secondary school.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to connect with junior students in our family of schools,” said Megan.

The league is made up of seven elementary schools – all of which send their students to East Elgin Secondary School: 

• Davenport Public School 
• McGregor Public School 
• Port Burwell Public School 
• South Dorchester Public School 
• Springfield Public School 
• Straffordville Public School 
• Summers’ Corners Public School 

How the league works:

During the fall and winter months, there are five designated festival days, one for each sport/activity in the league: basketball, volleyball, soccer, music and drama. Events are either held at Summers’ Corners (soccer) or East Elgin Secondary School (basketball, volleyball, music and drama). Each school sends one or more groups to each festival. 

“There are no trophies, no medals, it’s all about friendly competition,” said Isaak, noting as many as 275 students attend each festival day. “It’s neat to see it all come together with the leadership of students from East Elgin.” But the festival is about more than just having a good time: It’s also about getting kids excited about high school – particularly East Elgin Secondary School. 

Up to 30 East Elgin students – enrolled in the Recreation and Event Leadership course – coordinate and referee each festival day. Those students dress in team colours, wear East Elgin merch and bring energy and enthusiasm that’s infectious for festival participants. 

A Cut Above: Barbering at

Westminster Secondary School   

This year, Westminster Secondary School has introduced a new Barbering course – the first of its kind at Thames Valley District School Board. Launched in September as part of the school’s Hairstyling & Aesthetics program, this innovative course gives students hands-on experience in short hair design with a barbershop focus.

Students begin by practicing techniques on mannequins before progressing to real haircuts, offering hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in the hairstyling industry. Westminster students can even book free appointments with the Barbering class through an online system, creating a unique service within the school community.

The Barbering course reflects Thames Valley’s commitment to expanding experiential learning and career pathways for students, including employment opportunities in the skilled trades. 

Lead your way at Westminster! www.westminster.tvdsb.ca 

Éva Circé-Côté French Immersion P.S. students celebrate Quebecois culture  

B. Davison Secondary School to become new home for Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education  

In Spring 2026, the Thames Valley District School Board will move its Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education programs to the newly renovated B. Davison Secondary School.

The current site for these programs, G.A. Wheable Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education Centre, will no longer be required and will be sold.

Located at 785 Trafalgar St. in London, renovation and upgrade work at B. Davison began in Spring 2025.

Once completed, the upgraded facility at B. Davison will cater to Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education learners and provide enhanced educational opportunities for all learning styles and pathways.



“This new and upgraded facility provides a great opportunity for our Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education learners to benefit from a renewed building that will serve our students for years into the future. It’s one of many ways Thames Valley demonstrates its commitment to students of all ages,” said Bill Tucker, Director of Education. 

Beal dance students, Parkwood veterans unite for dance celebration 

Canadian veterans and H.B. Beal Secondary School dance students came together at Parkwood Hospital on November 28 – and the result was a joyful music and dance event that bridged generations.

The collaboration began in September when the Veterans Care and Music Therapy program at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute reached out to Tracey Iddison-Gubbels, Head of Performing Arts at Beal. She welcomed the idea immediately. 

“We were very excited to get involved. At Beal, our Remembrance Day ceremony is very important, and we start preparing for that in September. The students start to reflect on the importance of our veterans, and their service. With gratitude, they begin to create art, and we spend most of the first semester preparing,” said Iddison-Gubbels. “So, when we heard this offer, we thought it was a perfect fit for us and our values.” 

Music therapist Jill Kennedy and her colleague Emily McCarthy formed the Veteranomes—a band of Parkwood veterans who had played in bands before or always wanted to.

“I think this is an amazing experience for them. Not only is it multitasking and challenging for them, but so enjoyable to get to play as a group together,” said Kennedy. “It’s just made them so happy to do this and they’ve worked really hard.” 

For the event, the Veteranomes chose the music while 27 Beal dancers improvised and interacted with veterans and patients in the audience.

“Today means a lot to me because I have many vets in my family and dance has been part of my life for so long,” said Adelia, 16. “I’m excited to share that with some of the vets here today at Parkwood.”

Jane, 17, added, “I may not know the veterans I’m dancing with today, but through dance I’ll be able to know them.”

Iddison-Gubbels shared her personal connection.  

“I have veterans within my own family who are my personal heroes, and it informs a lot of how I interact with the students when I prepare with them for Remembrance Day. It’s a crucial part of our Beal community that the students are very engaged with our veterans.”

Veteran Terry Abbott served as Emcee for the November 28 event. 

“It means a great deal to all of us. It’s really great seeing the kids here,” he said. “I know the veterans… and the (dancers), they are not going to forget it. 

Kennedy agreed about what this meant for veterans.



“I have been a music therapist a long time, and it’s my privilege to see music bring out the best in people and to bring people joy,” she said. “What we witnessed today was the perfect example of a joyful event. And nothing makes me happier than that.” 

A U-Turn Success Story at Parkside C.I. 

Isabella is an inspiring U-Turn success story and Parkside Collegiate Institute graduate who overcame barriers to get her diploma, all with the support of dedicated Thames Valley staff.  Watch the video to hear Isabella's powerful story of perseverance and learn what's next in her academic journey!   

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: 

• Visit www.tvdsb.ca/ShareYourStory and fill out the form
• Please include any relevant photos (with permissions) or quotes

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.