May 4 2026 • Issue #75

Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments

and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful

place for students, families and staff.

Ministry announces more than $91.7 million for new and expanded schools in Thames Valley

The Government of Ontario has approved more than $91.7 million in capital funding through the 2025–26 Capital Priorities Program to support new and expanded school facilities in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB).

The approved projects include:

Parkview Public School addition in Komoka: A net addition of 225 pupil places including 18 pupil places created through the retrofit of the existing gymnasium, library, instructional, and operational areas into a resource area and library. Funding: $19.1 million
West Nissouri Public School Addition in Thorndale: A 207 pupil place addition including operational areas. Funding: $6.8 million
New Talbotville Elementary School (joint submission with Conseil Scolaire Viamonde): A new 412 pupil place English elementary school including a 3 room child care centre with 49 licensed child care spaces. Funding: $22.2 million
New St. Thomas Secondary School: A new 703 pupil place secondary school including a child care centre with 88 licensed child care spaces. Funding: $43.6 million

The funding brings the total number of new school construction projects underway within the TVDSB to 11, demonstrating the board’s commitment to supporting population growth and student success.

Approval of the funding for TVDSB was part of a larger Government of Ontario announcement made April 28, 2026.

"This funding will help us address population shifts we’re seeing across Thames Valley District School Board. It will also help us provide the modern facilities that we need to deliver the best educational opportunities for students. We are grateful to the Ministry for their support, as well as our municipal and French first-language board partners for collaborating on these projects."

- Bill Tucker

Director of Education for TVDSB

"Student success starts with having the right environment to learn. We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive."

- Paul Calandra

Minister of Education

"Investing in new and expanded schools is an investment in the future of our growing communities. These projects will provide modern, high-quality learning spaces that support students and families for years to come. As our region continues to grow, it’s critical that our infrastructure keeps pace. These new and expanded schools will help create the space students need to learn, succeed, and thrive in safe, supportive environments. I’m proud to see this progress and will continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need."

– Steve Pinsonneault

MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

"This is a significant investment in education across Elgin–Middlesex–London, with several new schools and expansions that will support the growth we’re seeing across our communities. Ontario needs more space for students to learn, greater access to childcare, and modern classrooms that support student success. These investments will make a real difference for children and families today, while helping to build a stronger future for our region."

– Rob Flack

MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London

Training elite athletes at the

Academy for Student Athlete Development

Have you heard of the Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD)? This innovative program helps elite Thames Valley student athletes in grades 9-12 excel in athletics and academics while competing at provincial, national and international levels of competition. Hear from current students and staff in this short video and learn more.

Visit the Academy for Student Athlete Development Website.

Schools celebrate TVDSB alumnus Jeremy Hansen and the Artemis II launch

Schools across the district celebrated TVDSB alumnus and astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s journey around the moon through watch parties and space‑inspired learning. A few examples are listed below.

At McGillivray Central, Hansen’s former elementary school, students launched their learning with a school‑wide assembly featuring NASA imagery—including a photo of a young Jeremy receiving an award in their gym. Students explored the Artemis II mission, watched live NASA coverage, and shared student‑led presentations. Principal Michelle Koop noted that Jeremy’s story reminds students that “important journeys can begin right here.”

Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), Hansen’s former high school, transformed its halls with space‑themed displays, cross‑curricular activities, live streams, daily challenges, and a week‑long spirit celebration highlighting Canadian space innovation.

At Lambeth Public School, the Grade 6B class took part in an immersive Artemis II project, designing mission patches and spacesuits, building LEGO spacecraft, writing “Letters from the Moon,” and engineering lunar colonies, with support from the Canadian Space Agency.

North Middlesex students secure their Ticket to the Trades

In partnership with the Municipality of North Middlesex, the 4th annual Ticket to the Trades Career Fair was held earlier this month at North Middlesex District High School!

This interactive event was designed to inspire students to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Both elementary and secondary students from across Middlesex County got to engage with 30 display booths, and hands-on activities including scaffolding and brick masonry experiences.

Check out this short video to learn more!

TVDSB educators and school community recognized by Western Education Awards for Excellence

Two outstanding educators and a school community at Thames Valley District School Board have been recognized by Western University’s Faculty of Education with Awards for Excellence, honouring exceptional contributions to teacher education and mentorship. The Western Education Awards for Excellence recognize associate teachers, alternative field experience (AFE) supervisors, master teacher mentors and schools that play a vital role in supporting the professional growth of teacher candidates and fostering excellence in the teaching profession.

TVDSB Award Recipients:

Christina Gosnell – Associate Teacher, Senior Award of Excellence

Medway High School

As the English Department Head at Medway High School, Christina Gosnell demonstrates "impeccable instructional leadership, a dedication to student success and a genuine passion for mentorship,” as recognized by her student mentee.

Diana Murawski – Alternative Field Experience Supervisor, Ontario K-12 School Award of Excellence

A.B. Lucas Secondary School

Diana Murawski is a valued member of A.B. Lucas Secondary School's Music Department and was honoured for her support of teacher candidates in an Ontario K–12 school setting.

Louise Arbour French Immersion Public School – Community of Excellence Award

The staff at Louise Arbour French Immersion Public School were celebrated for the school’s collective commitment to supporting teacher candidates through a collaborative and professional learning culture.

Read More at Western Education

Supporting young parents on the path to graduation

Our Alternative Secondary School program at Merrymount helps young parents balance school and parenthood while working toward their diploma.‍ With flexible schedules, on-site child care and a supportive community, students stay motivated and graduate at consistently high rates.

Watch this short video to learn more!

WCI student sets new record at Canadian Junior Track Cycling Championships

Thames Valley District School Board and Woodstock Collegiate Institute (WCI) are thrilled to celebrate Grade 10 student Alex Gies’ remarkable performance at the Canadian Junior Track Cycling Championships.

Alex recently captured six gold medals in the U17 Men’s category in Individual Pursuit, Sprint, 500 metre Time Trial, Team Pursuit, Team Sprint, and Madison.

Adding to this outstanding achievement, Alex set a new Canadian record in the Flying 200 metres. The flying 200 m is the qualifying event for the sprint and represents a benchmark for a cyclist’s top speed and sustained power. Alex clocked a time of 10.993 seconds, breaking the previous national record of 11.073 seconds.

Congratulations Alex on a stellar performance and to all TVDSB students who participated!

Multi-skin tone bandages initiative kicks off in Oxford County

Starting locally with schools in Tillsonburg and Oxford County, South Ridge PS Vice-Principal Amanda Miller has started an initiative with the goal of getting multi-skin tone bandages in every TVDSB school.

Watch this short video to learn more!

TVDSB students work to “Reduce a little, change a lot!” for Earth Month

This April, schools across TVDSB sprang into action for Earth Month. Just a few examples of school activities are listed below.

Mountsfield PS launched an Eco Club–led recycling initiative, placing Eco Boxes in every classroom to collect used pens and markers. The school also held an Earth Week assembly, a school-wide clean-up, and has even more sustainability projects planned before the end of the year.
On April 21, intermediate students at Jeanne Sauvé French Immersion PS took their voices global by participating in a virtual international environmental conference. They shared presentations inspired by this year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” connecting with students in Turkey, Ukraine, Brazil, and the United States.
Using scrap materials, full day Kindergarten students at Dunwich-Dutton PS crafted unique pieces of art reflecting their commitment to environmental care. The entire school also celebrated Earth Day with a yard clean-up.
At Rick Hansen PS, Grade 1 students designed and built robots from recycled materials in Science class. Each robot had a mission—cleaning oceans, picking up garbage, planting flowers, and more! Students showcased their work during a Robot Show, proudly sharing their inventions with visiting Kindergarten classes.

From local initiatives to global conversations, TVDSB students are showing that, when it comes to protecting our planet, every action matters.

Variety Is... Showcase Concert!

On Thursday, April 23 at Canada Life Place, more than 1,000 students from over 20 high schools across Thames Valley came together to show off their musical talent at the Variety Is… Showcase Concert.

Variety Is... featured an exciting and diverse lineup of classical and contemporary musical performances spanning decades and genres. The beloved annual concert highlights the exceptional talent of concert bands, jazz bands, choirs, guitar ensembles and orchestras from Thames Valley District School Board secondary schools.

This unforgettable event celebrated the incredible talent of young musicians in Thames Valley, offering a unique opportunity for the community to come together and experience the power of music.

Special Olympics Event Kick Off at H.B. Beal

More than 1,000 student athletes are set to come to London next month for the 2026 Special Olympics (SO) Ontario School Championships!

H.B. Beal Secondary School hosted a one-month kick-off event last week, featuring a local floorball qualifier.

“Everyone is here to have fun, and you always make new friends from different schools,” Owen Langdon, a Special Olympics athlete from Westminster Secondary School, told CTV News.

See more coverage from CTV.

Toonie Tuesday 2026 wrap-up!

An incredible amount of just over $45,000 has been raised for the Caring Fund!

Over the past few months, there has been an exciting range of fundraising activities – from PJ days and soup days to “Wear Your Canada Gear” and “Dress Like a Teacher” days.

Thank you to everyone for your efforts and passion to help students and families in need.

We sincerely appreciate all Toonie Tuesday Champions, schools, students and families, staff, donors, volunteers and all our stakeholders for making a difference together!

Thames Valley Education Foundation is celebrating its 25th Anniversary!

We invite our community to celebrate this incredible milestone on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Education Centre, for our inaugural Together We Care Celebration - a family-friendly fundraising event in support of the Caring Fund.

When and where is the event?

Thames Room/Education Centre on 1250 Dundas Street, London, on June 4, 2026, from 4 – 7 pm.

How to purchase a ticket?

$50 Adult Admission (18+) and $20 Youth Admission (age 4-17).

Purchase tickets here: https://tvdsb.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1133

Can’t make it to the event?

Consider donating here: https://tvdsb.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3494

What is happening at the event?

Your ticket to Together We Care Celebration gives you full access to food and drinks, a mobile arcade with age-appropriate games e.g. Mario Kart and Minecraft, creating your own button with our friends of the London Public Library, cornhole games, photobooth, silent auction table, inspiring stories about the impact of the Caring Fund and live music performances from staff and high school students.

Let’s celebrate Thames Valley Education Foundation’s Caring Fund together!

Parkside CI robotics team competes on the world stage in Houston

Parkside Collegiate Institute’s ThunderStamps robotics team have earned their spot at the FIRST Robotics World Championship this week in Houston, TX, after delivering an outstanding performance at the provincial competition.

The ThunderStamps team includes 30 students in grades 9-12, with seven students heading to Houston and the rest supporting the competition through real-time scouting as matches stream worldwide. From robot design and programming to strategy, scouting and social media, every student plays a key role in the team's success.

Founded during the 2013-2014 season, the ThunderStamps have now qualified for the World Championship six times and are known globally for their creativity, including their robot μTwo's magnet-powered climbing mechanism that’s among the fastest in the world – faster even than NASA-built robots. The team holds the record for the most creativity awards ever given to a single team at 12 awards.

Last year, the ThunderStamps ranked 32nd in the world out of 3,700 teams and achieved the coveted "hexafecta" – receiving one award from each of the six available engineering categories.

The team's incredible journey was made possible by their outstanding school and community mentors as well as their valued community sponsors.

Learn more about the ThunderStamps (Team 4907) on their website.

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.