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Preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year |
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This past week the excitement on campus was palpable! From our Blue Dogs in action in the gyms, arena, and pool, to rehearsals for this year’s all-school play Hadestown - Teen Edition, to learning about the great things planned for next week’s United Way Week student campaign. We also look forward to rescheduling Appleby’s annual DEIB Day, which was postponed this week due to Thursday’s snow day. A tremendous amount of care and planning has gone into this important event, and we can’t wait to share it with the school community. We are also deeply grateful to the Appleby College Parents’ Association and the many volunteers who made Friday’s ACPA Cultural Fair such a success—an incredible way to end the week. While we look forward to an exciting remainder of the year, the school is also starting to prepare for the year ahead with registration for the 2026-2027 school year for all returning and new students opening on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Starting at 12 noon on January 29, 2026, parents and guardians will receive an e-mail with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the registration form and process. Please note that registration will be open for a two-week period closing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The registration form will also include a detailed breakdown of the tuition fee schedule for the 2026-2027 school year and will reflect some schedule changes which we would like to highlight. To begin, the initial installment payment of $2,000 (day) and $5,000 (boarding) traditionally due in February for returning families has been removed. In addition, to better align with the timing of the school's financial commitments, the payment schedule has been adjusted to begin March 1, 2026 (vs. April 1 per previous years). We appreciate that the cost of an Appleby education is a significant commitment for our families. As a not-for-profit charity, we are committed to keeping tuition fees aligned with our ongoing efforts to manage operating and capital expenditures, as well as increased program-related costs, while continuing to provide our students with an exceptional educational experience - from the introduction of Cockwell Hall to enhancements made to the school’s Wellbeing and Financial Assistance programmes. In addition to Appleby’s ongoing philanthropic efforts, as set out in Beacon Appleby – our strategic vision, we continue to explore ways in which we can reduce our reliance on tuition fees both in terms of revenue enhancements and cost reductions. We continue to diversify our revenue base and are exploring further opportunities in this area. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Appleby College. Sincerely,
Innes van Nostrand Fraser Grant '87 |
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Advertising Opportunities for the In the Night Garden Gala
Tickets for the In the Night Garden Gala are sold out, but there are still many opportunities for you to help us reach our fundraising goals. If you have a business, please consider advertising in our Gala program, which will be distributed to all event attendees and shared digitally with the broader school community. Advertisements are $2,500 for a full page, full colour or $1,500 for a half page, full colour insert. If you are interested, please contact Jenna Fontyn, event coordinator at jfontyn@appleby.on.ca or Jane Sahota, corporate sponsorships chair at janehsahota@gmail.com. For more information about the In the Night Garden Gala, please visit www.appleby.on.ca/gala.
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January Interim Grades Available
Interim grades are available for review on Appleby College's education management system (BBK12). Please click here to view the communication (including instructions on how to access) that was sent to parents on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Cockwell Hall Construction Update
Construction continues on Cockwell Hall. To date, footings, foundation and back filling are complete, Geothermal, mechanical and plumbing underground services installed and Level 1 hollow core slabs are in place! The structural steel is ongoing and the super structure is almost complete. Level 2 hollow core slabs have been delivered and will be installed this week. A livestream of the building's construction can be accessed by clicking the button below.
Week of Wonder - January 19 to 23
Week of Wonder (WoW) is an exciting celebration of STEM learning that invites students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging and meaningful ways. From Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23, 2026, students will participate in hands‑on activities during break times, including playing magnetic darts to explore motion, conducting mini‑experiments and exploring the chemistry of everyday items, and solving creative engineering challenges. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity and confidence in STEM subjects. Each day will showcase a different theme. As part of the week, Appleby's Integrated Science Club has exciting teas which will be on display to sample during the week - these are tied to the theme each day - a kinetic energy kick or neural network nectar!
WoW will also offer guided science lab walkthroughs, giving students a behind‑the‑scenes look at how scientific concepts are applied in real-world settings. In addition, guest speakers will share their journeys and insights during Science Café sessions. A creative highlight includes exploring the science behind making tea, connecting everyday experiences to scientific principles. To learn more, click the button below.
Appleby Semi-Formal Ticket Sales End January 19
Appleby is hosting its annual semi-formal on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Schlesinger Dining Hall. This year's theme is A Starry Night. Upper and Senior School students will have the opportunity to dance and enjoy each other’s company. Tickets can be purchased for $45 each by clicking the button below. In an effort to be more sustainable, we will not be issuing a physical ticket. Following the successful purchase of the ticket(s) an e-receipt will be e-mailed to you; we recommend that you save this and provide it to the student attending as proof of purchase. There is a two-ticket maximum per student. Students may bring a non-Appleby student as their guest, but the external guest form must be completed. Please contact Michael Moores, director, senior school, for a copy of the semi-formal external guest form. The closing date for ticket sales is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
2026-2027 Student Global Exchanges Information Night
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the LEC (Barr Commons), Appleby's Global Education team will be hosting a 2026-2027 Student Global Exchanges information session where interested students and families can learn about exchange opportunities for Appleby students. Current Middle Two, Upper One and Upper Two families are welcome to attend. Hosted by Simon Beatty, director, global partnerships, the event will include a brief presentation about the student exchange program, a Q&A, and students who have participated in the program will be attendance. Applications for the 2026-2027 year will be available online following the event on the Global Student Exchanges page on BBK12. If you have any questions, please e-mail Simon Beatty at sbeatty@appleby.on.ca.
Bell Canada’s Let’s Talk Day - Wednesday, January 21
Bell Let's Talk Day kicks off its 16th year of action and change on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The theme this year is, Taking a moment for mental health. Canadians are encouraged to prioritize mental health and give mental health the moment it deserves:
-Moments to take care of and be in tune with your own mental health
-Moments to reach out to those around you, caring for their mental health
-Moments to recognize the societal importance of mental health, which can take many forms – from flag raisings, school assemblies, sharing personal stories, to learning and listening
To support this initiative Appleby’s Community Wellbeing Council will be sharing resources with students and employees via e-mail and Instagram on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Bell has compiled a list of mental health resources and organizations that offer various services. For more details, click here.
Course Requests Open Monday, January 26 for Returning Students
Students are currently learning about their course options for next year in their guidance classes. Course requests will officially open in BBK12 on Monday, January 26, 2026 and will close on Friday, February 6, 2026. During that time, course descriptions will be visible in BBK12 and on www.appleby.on.ca for both parents and students. There will be an opportunity to request a course change in the early spring. Information on course requests for NEW students will be shared with our new students and families directly in late February.
AP Capstone Diploma Zoom Information Session for Upper Two Families – NEW DATE: Monday, January 26
The Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma program at Appleby has been incredibly successful. Over the past nine years, a total of 188 students have earned this diploma. Currently, 55 students are pursuing their AP Capstone Diploma which requires they complete a minimum of six AP courses/exams, including AP Seminar in Senior One and AP Research in Senior Two. A virtual information session for Upper Two students and parents will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST, via Zoom. Current Upper Two students with an average of 90 percent or higher who are interested in completing multiple AP courses/exams are strongly encouraged to consider applying. Upper One families are also invited, should they wish to consider this as a possible avenue in Senior School. The date has changed to ensure families can attend Upper School Cabaret on Tuesday evening. Please register using this form and the Zoom link will be sent to registrants via e-mail on Sunday, January 25, 2026. For more information, please contact Maggie Hanrahan, director, external academic programs.
Appleby Talks Speaker Series - Futures Thinking at Appleby: Preparing Students for Tomorrow in the AI Era
On Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Willis Hall, Appleby parents are invited to a special evening to discuss Futures Thinking at Appleby: Preparing Students for Tomorrow in the AI Era. The future belongs to those who can imagine it. Join us for an inspiring panel conversation featuring consultant, advisor, and investor Kevin Reid-Morris, Appleby instructional design technologist Fox Bright, and Appleby student futurist Kate Yang as they explore futures thinking, artificial intelligence, and creativity — and how these are being embedded at Appleby. Discover how students are learning to anticipate change, navigate uncertainty, and create positive impact in an unpredictable world. Please click the button below to RSVP by Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
WWF's National Sweater Dress Down Day
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Appleby's Earthworks co-curricular will support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) goal in limiting global temperature rise, and we need your support! Every year, on the first Thursday of February, the WWF hosts National Sweater Day. This is an event to raise awareness about energy conservation and the impact that climate change has had on our planet, so on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Appleby's heat will be turned down. This day will be a half-dress down day (shirt and tie with proper pants/kilt), and you can wear your favourite sweater to school to stay warm. Families are also encouraged to do the same and turn their temperatures down at home. To learn more about this initiative, click here. Thank you for your support!
Service Commitments
Service Learning is an essential part of life at Appleby, and it encourages students to take meaningful action, develop leadership skills, and reflect on the positive impact they create within their communities. As a reminder, Appleby students are required to complete 10 service hours per year in Middle School and 20 service hours per year in Upper and Senior School. These experiences count toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), the Appleby College Diploma, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
To earn the OSSD students are required to have at least 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering). New for 2025-2026, the Ontario Ministry of Education is introducing a Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement for graduating students beginning with the Class of 2026. Students who complete 50 to 99 hours will receive a Bronze certificate, those who complete 100 to 199 hours will receive Silver, and those who complete 200+ hours will receive Gold.
We are excited to see students continue to inspire, serve, and make a lasting difference. Students must complete their required Appleby service hours by Tuesday, May 19, 2026 and are encouraged to work toward this new provincial graduation recognition. Volunteer opportunities can be found on Teams, BBK12, and in e-mails from our Service Council.
March Break and Summer 2026 Program Applications
Applications are open for all of Appleby's Summer 2026 day programs – Camp, Enrichment, Credit - and March Break Camps. Click here to apply!
Appleby Athletics Schedule
Please click here to view the Appleby College calendar which contains the Athletics schedule. You are also encouraged to visit the Appleby HUDL website which includes team rosters, game highlights, statistics, and schedules, along with links to livestreams of games that take place in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life single and double gyms.
Appleby's Schlesinger Dining Hall Menu
Each week, the Sodexo team at Appleby prepares a range of menu options for students and employees at the school. Please click here for this week's menu. Students are encouraged to share their feedback, suggestions, and/or comments about the food, menus, their lunch experience, etc. Please send an e-mail to menufeedback@appleby.on.ca and let us know what you think!
Weather Related School Closure Procedure
In the event of a weather related school closure, parents, students and employees will be notified via email by 6:30 a.m. We will confirm whether in-person classes or busses are cancelled by that time. Information can also be obtained by calling the school's automated information update line at 905-845-4681 ext. 540. If in-person classes and bus transportation are cancelled, details regarding classes and work expectations for the day will be shared by teachers through Teams and e-mail communication. If there is no school closure e-mail, then regular classes will take place.
2025–2026 Appleby College Calendar
Please click here to view the 2025-2026 Appleby College school year calendar.
Current E-mail Addresses
Appleby This Week (ATW) is sent to all e-mail addresses the school has on file. If your contact information changes, or if you prefer to have ATW sent to a particular address, please e-mail Bioupdates.
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Student Teaches at MIT
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Upper School Cabaret - Tuesday, January 27On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the talents of Upper One and Upper Two students will be showcased in the Upper School Cabaret. The evening will include a Visual and Media Arts display in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life Mark Samuel ’82 and Kevin Sanford Campus Room and performances in drama, dance, and music, in the single gym. Friends and family are invited to attend on January 27 at 7:00 p.m. Click the button below to view the event poster. |
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Appleby Presents Hadestown - Teen EditionAppleby's All-School Play, Hadestown - Teen Edition, will take place at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The character Hermes narrates two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and Lady Persephone. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, this sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Tickets are $35 each and available through the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts online box office. To purchase tickets, please click the button below. |
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College ShopThe College Shop is open during lunch from 11:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life. You can also shop online at www.applebycollegeshop.ca and be sure to follow along on Instagram @appleby_college_shop for the latest College Shop drops! |
ACPA Book Club - This Thursday
We're looking forward to discussing Hello, Juliet with bestselling Canadian author Samatha M. Bailey. Join the ACPA on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Samuel Academic Resource Centre (library). Enjoy an evening of great conversation, wine, and cheese. This event is open to the entire Appleby community—parents, alumni, faculty, and staff are all welcome! To RSVP, please email Kathy Vucic at kathy@parass.com.
Please Join the ACPA for the Annual Open House Informational Breakfast
On Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., all Appleby parents are invited to attend the ACPA Open House Informational Breakfast at McLean House (Principal’s Residence). The Appleby College Parents' Association (ACPA) enjoys a long-standing relationship with Appleby. The ACPA mandate is to support the administration, faculty, students, and parents/guardians of current students and alumni.
The ACPA Executive provides leadership to Appleby parent volunteers, and each year new parents become part of the Appleby volunteer family. Whatever your talents or interests might be, there is a volunteer opportunity you will enjoy! If you're interested in learning more about the ACPA and how you can get involved, this breakfast is a super way to meet other parent volunteers and the current ACPA Executive. Everyone is welcome! To RSVP, please click here. For more information about the ACPA, please refer to the Parents' Association section of the Appleby website, or email ACPA President, Jane Sahota.
Team Parents Needed for all Sports!
The ACPA is excited to partner with Appleby's Athletics department to enhance parent engagement for our Blue Dog sports teams. We are currently seeking one parent per team to be the official representative and liaison between all the team parents, the coach and the ACPA School Spirit Committee. The positive impact we experienced last year was incredible, and we aim to maintain that momentum as we continue through the winter sports season.
This is a fun, easy, and rewarding opportunity for parents to support their athletes and the school community. If you’re interested in supporting your athlete's season as a Team Parent or have any questions, please email any of the following ACPA representatives for more information: Dave Olujic, Ilyas Borjakov, or Susan Shao. We would love to see as many parents get involved as possible. Go Blue Dogs!!
Sustainability Shop - Request for Gently Used School Wear
Have your children outgrown their school uniform? It's time to go through your closets and donate any gently used Appleby approved school wear. The Sustainability Shop (formerly the Turnover Shop) is accepting all uniform and approved gym and spirit wear. Please drop-off donations at Nicholas Arts Centre front reception or during regular College Shop hours, Monday to Friday from 11:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. We welcome donations throughout the school year.
Still in need of uniform items? Drop by the Sustainability Shop to check out the selection of very reasonably priced clothing. The Sustainability Shop is located in the College Shop, and sells a range of gently used, clean, Appleby-approved school wear at extremely discounted prices. A selection of blazers, kilts, ties, dress shirts and approved gym and spirit wear are available.
ACPA Book Return & Sale
Thank you for your continued support in purchasing or donating books! The ACPA Book Exchange is a great way to buy school books at reasonable prices. If you have any questions about book sales, returns, or donations, please contact ACPA representatives Zoe Wang or Agnes Lim.
If you have books to donate, please place them in a bag marked “Donation to ACPA” and drop them off at the College Shop or at Nicholas Arts Centre front reception, or contact one of the representatives directly. We sell books throughout the school year, so please feel free to reach out anytime!
Lost & Found
The Lost and Found is located near the College Shop and is open from Monday to Friday, 11:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. Email lostandfound@appleby.on.ca to ask about items you may have left behind. Please consider labelling all your items as this increases the likelihood of lost items being reunited with their rightful owners. Please also follow Lost and Found on Instagram @applebylostandfound to view our inventory of unclaimed items.
Important Information for Returning and New Volunteers
A great way for parents, guardians, and grandparents to get more involved in school life is to volunteer. We have a variety of roles – from one-off activities to ongoing commitments, you are sure to find something that will suit your interests and availability! Sign up to volunteer, it’s easy! Click here to review volunteer opportunities and time commitments required then fill out the volunteer application at the bottom of the webpage.
Appleby requires all school employees, faculty members and volunteers to have a (CRC) Criminal Record Check - Vulnerable Sector (VSC) completed (valid for three years from the issue date) with a Declaration of Criminal Record (DCR) form annually. Visit here for details on how to apply for a Criminal Record Check - Vulnerable Sector. Please email copies of your completed forms to Gabrielle Duffy, coordinator, events & parent relations. If you have any questions about volunteering at Appleby, e-mail Weifang Dong, ACPA executive volunteer coordinator. Thank you in advance for your consideration!
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