October 2, 2026 • Issue #78
Celebrating the incredible achievements, inspiring moments
and everyday successes that make us Thames Valley.
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Dear Thames Valley Community,
I'm thrilled to welcome you back for the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you had a wonderful, restful summer and enjoyed quality time with family and friends.
As we wrap up September, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many staff members who worked throughout the summer to ensure schools were ready to welcome students in the fall. Your dedication helped set the stage for a successful year ahead.
I would also like to express my deepest thanks for the warm welcome I have received in my new role. It has been a privilege to meet with so many members of the Thames Valley community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn from you all.
Throughout September, I have had the opportunity to visit schools across the district and see firsthand the incredible learning, connection and creativity taking place in classrooms. Your passion and dedication are what makes Thames Valley so special. They're what makes us Thames Valley.
I look forward to sharing regular updates through Thames Valley Highlights, and other channels, throughout the school year, and keeping you informed about the great work happening across Thames Valley. Together, I know we will make this a successful and rewarding year for all.
Best wishes for a wonderful school year ahead!
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Kevin Auckland
CEO, Thames Valley District School Board
| | Jackson Meadows PS welcomes students for the first time | | |
Located at 1335 Honeywood Drive, Jackson Meadows Public School welcomed hundreds of students for the first time on Tuesday, September 8.
Two years in the making, the $28.2-million school, which has capacity for 655 students and includes an attached five-room child care centre operated by the YMCA, was built to address population growth in the southeast London area.
Since 2024, the Ministry has committed $289.6-million in funding to Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) for this and other projects.
In addition to Jackson Meadows, TVDSB plans to open two other elementary schools later this school year. Belmont Meadows Public School in Elgin County will open in January 2027 and Clover Public School in Lucan will open in March 2027.
Eight other capital projects are on the horizon for the board, two of which are currently under construction in west and southwest London.
An official school opening ceremony for Jackson Meadows Public School will take place later this fall.
| | Thames Valley EQAO results show historic growth in reading, writing and math | |
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released the 2025-2026 provincial assessment results, which show significant improvement in 6 out of 8 assessments for Thames Valley District School Board students, including historic five-year highs across all assessments.
EQAO Highlights
- More students are meeting or exceeding provincial standard in 6 out of 8 assessments compared to 2024-25, including improvements across all Grade 3 assessments and the Grade 9 math assessment.
- Thames Valley results have reached historic five-year highs across all 8 assessments, representing the board's highest results since EQAO assessments were modernized in 2021-22.
- An additional 5% of Thames Valley Grade 10 students were successful on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) – a historic year-over-year increase.
- Thames Valley saw no decrease in the percentage of students who met or exceeded provincial standard in any 2025-26 assessment.
- Thames Valley has narrowed the gap with provincial results across 6 of the 8 assessments.
Thames Valley will use these results to build on our Student Achievement Plan, which supports actions and strategies to improve learning outcomes with a particular focus on student literacy and numeracy learning. Schools will provide families with EQAO information, including individual student reports.
| High school students experience campus life at Scotiabank Scholars Pitch Fair | | |
Forty Thames Valley District School Board students showcased their creativity, research and leadership skills while getting a hands-on look at campus life during the Scotiabank Scholars Pitch Fair on Friday, July 10 at Huron University.
The Pitch Fair served as the culminating event of the week-long Scotiabank Scholars Summer Camp for grade 11 and 12 students. Scholars experienced university life on campus as they researched, created and presented original projects inspired by real-world issues related to water, with help from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. From environmental sustainability to artistic and social interpretations, each presentation reflects the unique interests and perspectives of its creator.
The Scotiabank Scholars program is a unique partnership between Huron University, Scotiabank and the Thames Valley District School Board. The program is designed to break down barriers to post-secondary education and highlight post-secondary pathways through hands-on campus experiences and firsthand exposure to university life.
| | Technology Programs benefit from industry donation exceeding $50,000 | |
TVDSB is proud to recognize the generosity of John Warner and Great Lakes Copper, whose leadership and collaboration with community partners have resulted in a donation of more than $50,000 in copper pipe and personal protective equipment (PPE) for technology education programs across the board.
This significant contribution will provide valuable resources for students and educators in skilled trades and technology classrooms, helping to enhance hands-on learning experiences and support the development of future industry professionals.
TVDSB would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the following contributing organizations:
- Cargill Canada
- Tri HQ Inc.
- Motion Canada
- INPS Canada
- Militex Canada
- LIUNA Local 1059
- White Cap Supply Canada
Together, these industry partners have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting student success, experiential learning, and workforce development.
| | TVDSB Black Futures Celebration honours the achievements of Black students | | On Friday, June 26, Thames Valley hosted a Black Futures Celebration at King’s University College in collaboration with students from the TVDSB Black Student Union (BSU). The event celebrated the accomplishments of Black students, centering Afrocentric values and highlighting the rich diversity within the African diaspora. This uplifting event represented a meaningful opportunity for Black students, families and the community to come together in recognition of this important milestone. | | H.B. Beal Secondary School hosts Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) | | This August, H.B. Beal Secondary School hosted Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) in collaboration with TVDSB and LDCSB. NOW is a free summer transition program that helps newly arrived high school students prepare for Canadian schools, organized by Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) at London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services, and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. The NOW program provides orientation and peer support to help students feel confident and ready for the upcoming school year. | | Best First Day backpack drive delivers school supplies to more than 4,200 families | |
That's a wrap on the Best First Day 2026 backpack drive!
This past summer, the Thames Valley community collected an incredible 4,200 backpacks and filled them with all the supplies students need for a successful school year. The team at Thames Valley Education Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make Best First Day 2026 a success, including Thames Valley District School Board, corporate and community partners, individual donors and the amazing team of over 200 volunteers.
Back-to-school season is an exciting time for many families, but for parents and caregivers who are facing economic barriers, the idea of shopping for a new backpack and filling it with school supplies can feel overwhelming. For students, having the right tools, from pencils to scientific calculators, is about dignity and belonging.
Best First Day began in 2006 as a small initiative in a basement with two working moms. Now, it has grown into a community-wide school supplies drive that ensures students are set up for success on their first day of school. Now in our 20th year of Best First Day, we're proud to celebrate collecting and packing just over 50,000 backpacks over the past two decades.
Thank you for giving thousands of students their Best First Day!
| This September, Thames Valley Education Foundation has already granted $34,000 in emergency funds for families through the Caring Fund. | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | |
Wednesday, September 30 marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. Thames Valley is taking important steps on this day and throughout the year to honour residential school survivors and remember those who did not make it home.
The TVDSB Indigenous Education Portfolio has developed age-appropriate resources and lesson plans to support learning about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. TVDSB schools are also encouraged to provide programming for students of all ages to learn, reflect and recognize this important day.
On September 30, all Thames Valley schools lowered their flags to half-mast and changed their school signs to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Today and every day, we honour Residential School survivors and remember those who did not make it home. Thames Valley encourages ongoing learning opportunities about residential schools.
Learn more about the impact of residential schools:
Pictured above:
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Left: Students and staff at Jack Chambers PS wore orange to honour the story of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School.
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Centre: Ruby, a student at Tweedsmuir PS, shared a traditional dance with Junior students at the school, who were honoured to meet Ruby's family and learn about the dance's cultural history.
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Right: The Saunders Student Council wore orange shirts during the school's two-day observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour residential school survivors and remember that every child matters.
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Bottom: East Carling PS students and staff came together to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day through a collaborative display with the message: "Every voice, every story, every child matters."
| Looking back at our Summer Mental Health and Well-being Partnerships | |
Over the summer months, Thames Valley was pleased to offer Drop-in Mental Health Clinics that provided free mental health support for students, parents and caregivers. Additionally, we proudly partnered with mental health and well-being providers across the region to connect students and families with support.
Summer partnerships included:
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BGC London: Summer Day Camps – Serving more than 2,500 campers, these days camps provide valuable opportunities for children and youth to develop social-emotional skills. Our partnership with the BGC London also enabled them to have a mental health clinician on their staff team to provide direct support and to build the staff team’s capacity.
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Family Service Thames Valley (FSTV) – FSTV provides short-term, goal-oriented community counselling, offering a safe and supportive space to strengthen emotional well-being.
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Fusion Summer Unlocked! (Fusion Youth Centre) – This series of exciting fully-funded day trips and excursions beyond Oxford County was designed to promote mental wellness, social connection, and personal growth through fun and shared experiences.
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Ignite Youth Centre: Free Community Markets – These free wellness and back to school markets offered fun activities, free groceries and school supplies, and valuable community resources. Thank you to the nearly 400 people who attended the first market, and 550 who attended the second!
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Ignite Youth Centre: Ready, Set, High School – This free summer program for Grade 8s and 9s who want a stronger start to high school included group workshops, 1-on-1 coaching sessions, peer mentor Q&As and a final celebration event.
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Learning Disability Association London Region: Day Camps – This partnership enhanced the Learning Disability Association's day-camp program to include wellness sessions twice a week, benefitting 26 campers.
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Southwestern Public Health: TVDSB Caregiver Symposium – This symposium connected families with valuable information and resources. SWPH were also a valued partner at the Free Community Markets in St. Thomas, where the mobile dental bus screened over 40 children and youth!
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Webridge Community Services: Summer Camp – More than 160 campers enjoyed this camp experience, which included interactive music workshops. Mental Health Counsellors provided individual and group support, informal emotional check-ins, conflict-resolution assistance, coping strategies and referrals when appropriate.
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Women's Rural Resource Centre: Circle of Security Parenting Course – This 4-week reflective parenting course helped caregivers better understand their child’s emotional needs, strengthen attachment, and build lasting connection.
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Women's Rural Resource Centre: Kids Connect Camp – This 5-day overnight summer camp for ages 8-11 gave children an opportunity to connect, participate in activities, and enjoy a supportive overnight camp experience in Dorchester, Ontario.
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Women's Rural Resource Centre: Rooted and Rising Camp – Youth aged 12-14 enjoyed an opportunity to connect, build confidence, participate in activities, and enjoy a supportive overnight camp experience at this 5-day summer camp in Dorchester, Ontario.
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Women's Rural Resource Centre: Rural Family and Friends Block Party – This free all-ages community event included a free BBQ, live music, line dancing, fun activities, local booths, family supports and community resources.
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YMCA of Southwestern Ontario: Day & Overnight Camps – Newcomers across TVDSB built friendships, developed new skills, and created lasting memories at these camps, which also provided an opportunity to earn high school credits.
| | We are grateful to our many community partners for their collaboration and support! | | 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 to learn and work.
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 spotlighted, we’d love to hear from you!
How to submit your story:
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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