March 31 2026 • Issue #74
Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments
and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful
place for students, families and staff.
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At Caradoc Public School, every voice matters. That's why students in Izzy’s class are learning to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to chat with her – and from jokes to short stories, she has plenty to say! Izzy happily writes her own stories, reads them to her classmates, tells them her "Joke of the Day," and so much more.
These efforts are just one of many ways Caradoc PS is building an inclusive, accessible school community where every student feels heard.
Learn more about Izzy and how she communicates in our short video.
| | Astronaut Jeremy Hansen's parents visit IDCI | | Oakridge student 1 of only 9 in Ontario named as Loran Scholar | | |
Anushka Bist, a highly accomplished graduating student from Oakridge Secondary School, has been announced as a 2026 Loran Scholar – one of only nine students in Ontario to receive this prestigious achievement.
This year, the Loran Scholars Foundation selected 36 exceptional youth from more than 5,400 applicants who have demonstrated they have embraced the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it.
Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year, comprehensive leadership-enrichment program, tuition waivers at one of 25 university partners, financial support, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors — unlike anything else offered in this country.
Congratulations Anushka!
Read more in the London Free Press
| | | 54th annual Variety Is... Showcase Concert | |
Join us on Thursday, April 23 for our annual Variety Is…Showcase Concert, a one-of-a-kind performance that brings together more than 1,000 high school students from across Thames Valley to show off their musical talent!
Now in its 54th year, Variety Is... will feature its most exciting lineup yet, with classical and contemporary musical performances spanning both decades and genres. The beloved annual concert highlights the hard work and exceptional talent of concert bands, jazz bands, choirs, guitar ensembles and orchestras from Thames Valley District School Board secondary schools.
This unforgettable event will celebrate the incredible young musicians across Thames Valley, offering a unique opportunity for the community to come together and experience the power of music education. Whether you're a fan of classical, jazz or contemporary music, Variety Is... has something for everyone!
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
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Location: Canada Life Place (99 Dundas St, London, ON)
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Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
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Concert Start: 7:30 p.m.
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Tickets: Purchase at the door (debit, credit or cash) or online
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Donate: Make a donation to support Variety Is
Don’t miss your chance to witness the next generation of musical talent at the Variety Is... Showcase Concert!
| Woodfield students put United Nation goals in action | |
Grade 6 Social Studies students at Woodfield French Immersion Public School studied the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in class and brainstormed ways to achieve them in their own community.
As a culminating activity, the students hosted a Community Cares Day, where each student brought in baked goods and crafts to be raffled off to their peers. The funds raised were used to make essential item care packages, which were then donated to local charities, 519 Pursuit and the Unity Project, to be shared with neighbours in the community facing homelessness.
| | Saunders students shine in AgRobotics Ontario Student Challenge! | |
Grade 11 and 12 students in the Manufacturing Robotics program at Saunders Secondary School took home an incredible $250 prize in the 2026 AgRobotics Ontario Student Challenge!
The AgRobotics Ontario Challenge is a new educational robotics competition designed to engage high school students in solving real-world problems facing modern agriculture.
Supported by the agricultural expertise of community partner Kevin Lee, local farmer and owner of Leverage Integration, the team identified the need for more efficient field cleanup. Over several months, the students designed and tested an innovative rock-picking robot. They then presented their creation at the London Farm Show on March 5, where the team was recognized for their thoughtful engineering and collaboration.
Congratulations, Sabres!
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W. Sherwood Fox rocks socks for
World Down Syndrome Day
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On March 21, Thames Valley recognized World Down Syndrome Day. World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The 21st day of the third month was selected as World Down Syndrome Day to represent the uniqueness of the triplication, or trisomy, of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome.
To recognize this important day, the Student Council at W. Sherwood Fox Public School teamed up with the Developmental Education Class to "Rock Their Socks!” 🌈🧦 Students tie dyed bright, funky socks as part of a global tradition that sparks conversations and promotes inclusion, awareness and acceptance.
| Ramadan celebrations across Thames Valley | |
Many schools and Muslim Student Associations across Thames Valley hosted Iftar gatherings during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where students and community came together to break fast, connect and reflect. Here are just a few examples.
Rick Hansen Public School held their third annual Iftar Potluck for grade 7/8 students. Organized by the school's Settlement Worker and Equity Club, the evening brought together students, staff and community to share a meal and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that Ramadan represents.
At Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School, the Muslim Student Association hosts one of the largest high school Iftar gatherings in London each year. This year's event brought together more than 340 students, staff, alumni, neighbours, community partners and many newcomer families experiencing their first Ramadan in Canada to help create a welcoming space and build community connections.
| You're invited - join TVEF for the Together We Care Celebration | | |
Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) is marking its milestone 25th anniversary with the inaugural Together We Care Celebration: Stories of Caring, a family-friendly fundraising event in support of the Foundation’s Caring Fund, taking place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at the TVDSB Education Centre (1250 Dundas St, London).
For 25 years, TVEF has been dedicated to enriching public education and uplifting students across the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). Through their Caring Fund, TVEF provides essential support such as food, clothing and emergency expenses to students facing urgent financial barriers, helping to ease the stress of families experiencing financial instability.
The Together We Care Celebration will feature food and beverages, art, music, dance and storytelling that highlight the impact of the Caring Fund and the Foundation’s history. The event will also include interactive experiences for all ages, such as a mobile arcade, hands-on creative activities with the London Public Library, and live performances by talented local high school musicians.
Together We Care Celebration: Stories of Caring
- Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
- Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Thames Room, TVDSB Education Centre, 1250 Dundas Street, London
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Tickets: Get tickets – All ticket proceeds support the Caring Fund.
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Donations: Make a donation
| | Schools take on Earth Month challenge: "Reduce a little, change a lot!" | |
Schools across Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) are taking action this April as part of an Earth Month challenge to “Reduce a Little. Change a Lot!”
TVDSB will mark Earth Month (April), Earth Week (April 20–24, 2026) and Earth Day (April 22, 2026) with board‑wide activities designed to show how small, everyday actions can make a big difference when it comes to the environment.
School communities will be encouraged to engage in activities such as classroom waste audits, outdoor learning experiences, environmental footprint calculations, art projects using natural or recycled materials and more.
The board will showcase the creativity and commitment of learners throughout the district on its social media channels throughout April.
To launch the challenge, students from North Meadows Public School’s Eco Club recorded a short video encouraging schools and families to participate.
More information about TVDSB’s sustainability initiatives is available at www.tvdsb.ca/sustainability.
| OYAP and Build a Dream host Career Discovery Expo for grades 7-12 students | |
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Build a Dream are proud to present the Career Discovery Expo.
This free event is directed toward female-identifying students in grades 7 to 12 along with their parents or caregivers.
Members of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Pathways Team will be onsite to answer questions and provide information about Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Cooperative Education (Co-op) and technology opportunities.
Participants will also have the opportunity to:
- Meet top local and regional employers
- Take part in hands-on, interactive activities
- Hear inspiring stories from women working in a wide range of careers
- Explore pathways in skilled trades, technology, and other high-demand sectors
- Enjoy prizes, swag, snacks and light refreshments, and a fun photo booth experience
Event Details
- Date: April 8, 2026
- Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Location: J-AAR Expo Centre - 845 Florence Street, London
- Free admission (advanced registration required)
Register now for the opportunity to explore exciting career paths at www.webuildadream.com/event/dreambiglondon-career-discovery-expo/
| | 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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