May 29 2026 • Issue #76
Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments
and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful
place for students, families and staff.
| | Thames Valley celebrates the power of connection for Education Week and Mental Health Week | |
Thames Valley District School Board is proud to recognize the first full week of May as Education Week and Mental Health Week.
This year, we celebrated the powerful role that relationships play in both student achievement and mental health by inviting our community to come together under the theme, Stronger Connections.
Building upon the Canadian Mental Health Association’s national Mental Health Week theme, this year’s united celebration highlights how supportive relationships with families, peers, teachers and support staff help create safe, inclusive school environments where students can thrive both emotionally and academically.
Connection is the foundation of the board’s Essential Conditions for Learning – a research-backed framework that emphasizes relationships, safety and belonging as drivers of student success.
By working together to build strong relationships, Thames Valley continues its commitment to supporting student achievement, mental health and well-being.
On May 7, students from across TVDSB came together for our Mental Health Student Leadership Conference. Students discussed important topics around mental health and its connection to academic achievement. Check out this short video to hear directly from students at the conference about the important role connection plays in student well-being.
| | Thames Valley District School Board announces Kevin Auckland as new CEO | | |
With the upcoming retirement of Interim Director of Education Bill Tucker, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is pleased to announce Kevin Auckland as the Board’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1st, 2026.
A highly respected education leader with experience in organizational leadership, fiscal management, operational planning, and advancing student achievement, Auckland has served Thames Valley students, staff, and communities in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Senior Superintendent of Program and Learning Services.
“It is an honour to serve Thames Valley in this capacity,” said Auckland. “This is a system with extraordinary students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and strong community partners. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside such passionate and caring people, and I look forward to listening, learning, and working together to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.”
Auckland’s connection to Thames Valley is both professional and personal. He attended elementary and secondary schools within the district before beginning his career in education with TVDSB. Over the years, he has served the organization in a range of leadership roles, including teacher, vice-principal, principal, Superintendent of Student Achievement, and Senior Superintendent of Program and Learning Services. He has been widely recognized for his commitment to equity, inclusive learning environments, Indigenous education, and collaborative leadership.
As previously indicated, Interim Director of Education Bill Tucker will retire on June 30, 2026. Over the coming weeks, Tucker will work closely with Auckland to support a seamless transition and has expressed confidence in the organization’s future.
“Kevin cares deeply about students, staff, and public education, and he leads with authenticity, humility, and purpose,” said Tucker. “He understands Thames Valley exceptionally well and has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead strategically while building strong relationships across the system. I have every confidence that Thames Valley will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
| | Seven TVDSB schools come together for day-long music workshop | | On April 15, seven schools from across Thames Valley - Lord Dorchester SS, River Heights PS, Northdale PS, West Nissouri PS, South Dorchester PS, Summerside PS and White Pine PS - came together at Lord Dorchester Secondary School for a day of workshops, followed by a showcase of the pieces that they worked on together! This included 200 vocalists, 45 guitarists, 60 woodwinds, 40 brass and 10 percussionists, led by musical professionals from Western University. | |
Robotics rumble at
Summers’ Corners Public School
| |
On May 1, Summers’ Corners PS hosted the “Sabres Den Robot Rumble,” a robotics competition featuring 15 teams from across Thames Valley! This competition was open to Grade 6 to 10 students, and schools could register up to 3 teams of 4 to 6 students.
Teams built robots and coded them to compete on a board, with the goal to maneuver other robots off the table to gain points and be the last robot standing.
This event was made possible by the Thames Valley Education Foundation’s Learning Enhancement Fund.
| International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia | |
Staff gathered at the Education Centre on May 15 for a Flag Raising Ceremony in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which is observed on May 17 every year. The Pride Flag was also raised at all Thames Valley schools and workplaces on this day to show solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Thank you to the entire Thames Valley community for supporting our ongoing commitment to combatting discrimination in all its forms.
| | Students get hands-on experience in the skilled trades in TVDSB’s Enhanced Construction Program | |
Thames Valley's Enhanced Construction Program (ECP) is an innovative partnership with Carpenters Union Local 1946 that introduces students to the carpentry trade while earning credits in Math, English and Construction Technology.
Watch this short video to discover how ECP offers hands-on experience, industry-recognized training and a direct path into the skilled trades.
| Cooking up tasty treats and important life skills at Tecumseh Public School | Here's what’s cooking at Tecumseh Public School! Every Friday, Educational Assistants Andrea Hoar and Jamie Ward cook alongside students to help them build confidence, leadership and life skills. The meals they prepare are shared across the school community to support food security! | New book vending machine at East Carling Public School highlights Indigenous stories | |
Students at East Carling Public School now have an exciting new way to access books by Indigenous authors, thanks to an innovative book vending machine provided by Start2Finish through its Indigenous Literacy Enhancement (LIT) Project.
The book vending machine provides students with free access to a wide selection of titles by Indigenous authors and artists, alongside books from other diverse voices that reflect the school’s vibrant and growing community. Designed to make reading more engaging and accessible, the machine allows students to select and keep books of their choice, helping to build personal home libraries and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Students who "get caught reading" by their teachers can receive free tokens for the machine, and the book they select is theirs to keep and to share.
The book vending machine unveiling was celebrated by Oneida language students on May 13, 2026, in the school's Library Learning Commons.
“We are thrilled to welcome the LIT Project into East Carling,” said Susanne Young, Principal at East Carling Public School. “This new book vending machine will give students and families greater access to books that reflect Indigenous voices, paving the way for a lifelong love of reading and understanding of Indigenous history and experiences in Canada. We are excited to see how the project will strengthen literacy and belonging in our wonderfully diverse school community for years to come."
The LIT Project is an education-focused program supporting youth in Grades 1 to 8 from Indigenous and other diverse communities across Canada. The project celebrates authors and artists from Indigenous and other diverse cultural backgrounds in an effort to empower children to build strong connections to their land, history, family, and selves. When a student can see themselves in their libraries and the stories, they recognize that they can find home and acceptance no matter where they are.
Watch the video to learn more about the initiative!
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Students show off their skills at
4th Annual RC Showdown
| | |
The 4th Annual RC Showdown took place on May 14 at Fanshawe College. This scaled-model, remote-controlled off-road race is the culmination of students’ hard work and supports their learning journeys. The event features high school teams from across TVDSB, each showcasing their student-built remote-control vehicles.
This year's track was built by SHSM Construction students from A.B. Lucas Secondary School and Parkside Collegiate Institute, with the support and guidance of Fanshawe College staff. This combination provides students with valuable cross-curricular reach-ahead and certification opportunities in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Transportation and Construction programs.
| | Best Buddies Prom brings together Developmental Education students from across Elgin County | |
More than 150 students, staff, and peer leaders from four Thames Valley District School Board secondary schools recently gathered for the Best Buddies Prom for Developmental Education students.
Participants from Arthur Voaden Secondary School, Parkside Collegiate Institute, East Elgin Secondary School, and Central Elgin Collegiate Institute (CECI) enjoyed a full prom experience, complete with décor, professional photography, and community-supported services. Local hair stylists and photographers volunteered their time, while YWCA’s “Get Gorgeous for Grad” program provided pre-prom fittings.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the event also featured a silent disco with adjustable music through wireless headphones and a sensory room to support student needs.
The prom capped off a strong year for CECI’s Best Buddies program. Student leader Janay Gillard, Grade 12, recently received a 2026 National Volunteer Award from Best Buddies Canada for her contributions throughout the school year.
“This prom is a celebration of inclusion, friendship, and community connection,” said Developmental Education teacher for CECI, Brianna Dennison, “It was a collaborative effort to create an inclusive and memorable experience that our Developmental Education students may never have had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise.”
Watch the video to learn more.
| Westfield Public School brings history to life at Ancient Civilizations Fair | |
Grade 4G from Westfield Public School proudly hosted an exciting Ancient Civilizations Fair, welcoming students from other classrooms to explore the past!
Students transformed their learning into engaging, hands-on experiences—creating interactive games and activities designed to challenge visitors and test their knowledge of ancient cultures. It was wonderful to see so much curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in action!
| | You're invited to TVEF's "Together We Care" Celebration | |
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).
Buy tickets here
What can you look forward to?
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!
| 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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