Hadestown - Teen Edition - Don't Miss It!

It was wonderful to see students, parents, faculty and staff take part in the Olympic-themed Winter Community Weekend which took place Friday and Saturday. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in what has become one of our favourite school traditions.  And speaking of favourite traditions, we are incredibly excited about this year’s All-School Play, Hadestown - Teen Edition. The performances will take place at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, February 26 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. Limited seats are still available for both dates. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as they are selling out fast!  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those parents who have already completed the registration process for the 2026-2027 school year. If you haven’t had an opportunity yet, please remember that the deadline for new and returning students to submit their online registration form is Tuesday, February 17. If you have questions regarding the process, please contact the Admissions department at admissions@appleby.on.ca and a member of the team will be more than happy to assist you. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre! Sincerely,   Dr. Claire Kelly Assistant Head of School, Student Life

Request for Spring Co-curricular Exemption Due - February 9 Middle School CAIS Leadership Conference Applications Due - February 11 Earthworks Textile Waste Collection - February 11 Valentine Boarder Break - February 11 Thrift A Fit Used Clothing Collection - February 11 & 12 February Long Weekend - February 13 to 16 Family Day Skate - February 16 2026-2027 Appleby College Registration Closes - February 17 2026-2027 Student Global Exchange Applications Due - February 17 Winter Sports Night - February 17 ACPA Lunar New Year Dumpling Creation Night - February 18 All-School Play, Hadestown – Teen Edition - February 25 & 26

Donation Call: In the Night Garden Gala Silent Auction

While tickets for the In the Night Garden Gala are now sold out, there are still opportunities to support our fundraising goals.

We are gratefully accepting donations of the following items and experiences:

• Restaurant gift cards

• Grooming and spa gift cards

• Ski guest passes

• Chalet or après-ski experiences

Your generosity plays an important role in the success of this special event. Thank you for supporting our school community! If you have an item or experience to donate, please contact Michelle Marsden, Gala Auction Donations coordinator at michelle@theothermind.com or complete the gala auction donations form. For more information about the In the Night Garden Gala, visit www.appleby.on.ca/gala.

Registration Reminder - Online Forms Due Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Registration is open! Details on how to complete the online Appleby College 2026-2027 registration form were e-mailed to parents of returning and new students on Thursday, January 29. If you did not receive your online registration details, please contact the Admissions office at 905-845-4681 ext. 188 or admissions@appleby.on.ca. The deadline for new and returning students to submit the online registration form is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please contact the Admissions office and a member of the team will be more than happy to assist you.

Request for Exemption from Spring Co-curricular Requirements

Students in Upper One, Upper Two and Senior Two may apply to be considered for an exemption for spring/RP3 co-curricular requirements in certain circumstances. Students seeking an exemption must be compliant with co-curricular passport requirements, and any requests must support school goals. To complete the exemption form, please click here. All forms must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. 

Textile Waste Collection at Appleby

Starting Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Appleby’s Earthworks co-curricular will be supporting environmental sustainability and our local community by hosting a Clothing Drive in collaboration with Safetynet Children & Youth Charities and we need your help! Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing sources of landfill waste, and reusing or recycling clothing and fabrics helps reduce environmental impact. On February 11, members of the Appleby community are encouraged to bring in clean, gently used textiles, clothing, and any other usable fabrics. These textiles are to be collected for responsible reuse and recycling. Collection bins will be located at Nicholas Arts Centre front reception until Friday, February 20, 2026. Families are encouraged to take this opportunity to sort through unused textiles at home and participate in reducing waste together. To learn more about the importance of textile recycling, click here. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact!

Introducing Thrift A Fit! 

Thrift A Fit is a new clothing initiative created by Middle Two student Tara Kashinath and Upper One students Ella Chen and Rhythm Sharma. It's aimed at promoting sustainable fashion by reducing textile waste and encouraging clothing reuse within the Appleby community. Ths week, students will have opportunities to donate clean, gently used or outgrown clothing that can be enjoyed by others. Items must be dropped off in-person at the following times and locations:

• Wednesday, February 11: morning drop-off (8:30 to 9:00 a.m.), A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life foyer 

• Wednesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 12: lunch drop-off (11:20 a.m. to 1:10 p.m.), Schlesinger Dining Hall 

This is a Generation Green Initiative, and all clothing and accessory items will be logged and the greenhouse gas emission savings calculated to show the full environmental impact of this event. Thrift A Fit will take place after the March Break and any clothes remaining will be donated to charity.

Middle School CAIS Leadership Conference – May 2026

This spring, four Middle School students will have the opportunity to represent Appleby at the 2026 Canadian Independent Schools (CAIS) Middle School Leadership Conference in Alberta. With the theme Climb Together: Lead with Empathy, the conference brings together student leaders from across Canada and Bermuda to explore how empathy, courage, and connection strengthen school communities.

Hosted by Rundle College and Calgary French & International School, the program runs Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, 2026 and includes leadership workshops, keynote speakers, collaborative challenges, and outdoor leadership experiences in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Students are selected through an application process and applications close at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11. 2026. The estimated cost is up to $2,500 per student, covering flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and conference fees. Financial assistance is available for families receiving aid. More information and the application link have been shared directly with Middle School students.

February Long Weekend Bus Schedule

On Thursday, February 12, 2026 there will be one bus departure at 4:00 p.m. Buses will resume after the February long weekend on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Labow, transportation coordinator, at bus@appleby.on.ca.

Student Global Exchanges for 2026-2027: Applications Now Open

Students in Middle Two, Upper One, and Upper Two who are interested in a reciprocal exchange at one of Appleby's partner schools in 2026-2027 can apply for the annual Student Global Exchange Program through the Global Education department. Consider the rich experiences that come with immersing in another country for 4-6 weeks while attending a partner school. Explore the opportunity to live in boarding or with a host family in another country, practice language skills, embrace a new culture, and have a life-changing experience during the school year. To learn more, visit Student Exchanges on BBK12. Applications and supporting documentation must be printed and submitted to the Global Education Office (MB 205) to the attention Simon Beatty, director, global partnerships by Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions e-mail Simon Beatty at sbeatty@appleby.on.ca. 

Round Square Kilimanjaro Expedition: Applications Now Open!

Students 16 years of age or older in August 2026 are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to join a group from other Round Square member schools to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Inspired by 60 years of adventure programming for young people around the world, this trip seeks to create a magical experience in the spirit of the Round Square IDEALS. The expedition meets in Tanzania, and runs from Saturday, August 8 to Friday, August 21, 2026. Applicants should have a good degree of physical and mental fitness and be willing to push themselves beyond perceived limits. In addition to a guided hike to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro over eight days, participants will experience a two-day safari in the Lake Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. To learn more and apply, visit the Global Student Conferences page on BBK12. Completed applications are to be submitted in hard copy to the Global Education Office (MB205), Attn: Simon Beatty, director, global partnerships, on or before Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Summer Camp Employment Opportunities for Senior One and Senior Two Students

Senior One and Senior Two students interested in summer employment are invited to explore the range of Summer Camp positions available at Appleby. These roles offer an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience, build leadership skills, and be part of a vibrant camp community. Positions are now posted, and interested students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, ideally before mid-February. More information can be found on the Appleby College Seasonal Programs Opportunities page. Families are welcome to share this information with friends who may have students interested in applying.

Announcing Fix it Fryday's with Ms. Fry!

Have any holes in your socks? Rips in your backpack? Is your blazer buttonless? On Friday, February 20 and Friday, February 27, 2026, the Sustainability Council will be hosting an initiative called Fix it Fryday's with Ms. Fry, where you can fix your clothes and learn mending skills at the same time! Through these workshops, students and faculty can learn how to repair, resew, and make their uniform, bags, etc. as good as new. Sessions will take place during lunch (Middle School included!) in the Schlesinger Dining Hall foyer.

2026 Round Square International Conference in Sydney, Australia: Applications Now Open!

Students in Upper One, Upper Two and Senior One are invited to apply for the Round Square International Conference (RSIC) held in Sydney, Australia from Sunday, September 20 to Sunday, October 4, 2026. The theme for the conference is Visions for the Future from an Ancient Land and will be hosted by Barker College in Sydney. Students selected for this trip will engage with students from the almost 300 Round Square schools around the world to share, travel, and learn together. To learn more and apply, visit the Global Student Conferences page on BBK12. Completed applications must be submitted in hard-copy to the Global Education Office (MB205), Attn: Simon Beatty, director, global partnerships, on or before Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

2026 Round Square International Service Project: Tiger Kloof, South Africa: Applications Now Open!

Students in Upper Two and Senior One are invited to apply for the Round Square International Service Project (RSIS) held at Tiger Kloof Educational Institution in South Africa between Sunday, July 12 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Students selected for this trip apply independently and travel by themselves. Participation in this programme meets the requirements of the Gold Residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and can qualify as a Global Experiential Trip at Appleby. To learn more and apply, visit the Global Student Conferences page on BBK12. Completed applications are to be submitted in hard copy to the Global Education Office (MB205), Attn: Simon Beatty, director, global partnerships, on or before Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Senior One Boarding Opportunity

Upper Two Day students who have attended Appleby as a Day student since Middle One, Middle Two or Upper One have the opportunity to apply to move into boarding starting in their Senior One year at the Boarder Type C fee. Please click here to learn more. Parents who are interested are encouraged to contact Sophie Grossman, executive director, admissions, at sgrossman@appleby.on.ca. 

Suspension Risk: Students Born in 2008-2013 Missing Immunization Records

This school year, Halton Region Public Health is enforcing Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) for students born between 2008 and 2013 (students in Middle One through Senior Two) who have missing immunization records on file with Public Health. Students with missing immunization records may be suspended as of March 2026.

Thank you to all parents/guardians and students who have already submitted the required information. Students in this age group whose immunization records are not up to date remain at risk of school suspension until the necessary information is provided to Halton Region Public Health. If you received a letter from Halton Region Public Health indicating that your child is at risk of school suspension, it is due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Immunizations were received but not reported to Public Health;

• The student is missing a required vaccine; or

• Received vaccines do not meet the requirements of Ontario's routine immunization schedule.

Parents/guardians and students who received a letter from Halton Public Health should complete the following actions as soon as possible: 

• Visit halton.ca/immunize to review the student’s record and submit the required information. Students 16 years of age or older should follow the specific access instructions provided on the website.

• If the student requires immunization, arrange for them to receive the vaccine doses through their regular health care provider*, or at a Public Health Community Immunization Clinic. A limited number of Public Health clinic appointments are now available - visit halton.ca/immunize to check clinic availability and book an appointment. 

*Parents/guardians must promptly report all vaccines administered by health care providers to Public Health by visiting halton.ca/immunize.

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.

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.

Chapel News On Thursday, February 12, Senior Two student Ella Yang will present her chapel speech. A link will be shared in the Sunday, February 22 issue of Appleby This Week. On January 29, Senior Two student Natalia Ferreira presented her chapel speech. Click the button below to view it.  On Wednesday, February 18 at 8:00 a.m., an Ash Wednesday service will take place in the John Bell Chapel for the Appleby community. Parents are welcome to attend. DIVE DEEPER

Appleby Shines at Regional Debate Qualifier On January 31, Appleby hosted the Halton Regional Debate Qualifier, welcoming 34 teams from 11 schools across the region. Appleby teams delivered an excellent showing, qualifying two teams—Hayden Shoan and Charlotte Zhang, and Minuka Premaratne and Damian Shoan—and finishing with an impressive quarter of all available provincial berths. Our third team, Clara Tiong and Madison Wong, also performed exceptionally well. Debaters explored a range of timely motions, including the development of Ontario’s Ring of Fire, the naturalization of athletes in international competition, and the rising influence of social media as a primary news source. The tournament brought together both experienced national-level debaters and enthusiastic newcomers, creating a dynamic and supportive competitive atmosphere.

Middle Two English Presentation  On January 21, Middle Two students attended a special presentation by Appleby faculty Thao Nguyen and Will Truong, who shared family stories related to the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon. These stories were resonant and powerful, allowing everyone to practice empathy in action. The presentation fostered authentic learning through deep connections between the current text of study, the award-winning illustrated memoir The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, and our Appleby community. Students were inspired by this opportunity to learn from their teachers’ family experiences, which highlighted the importance of telling and listening to personal stories in our community and beyond, while showcasing the power of empathy, the strength of family, and resilience.

Upper Two Students Enjoyed the Snow! Students enrolled in Upper Two Personal Fitness (PAF20) recently enjoyed tobogganing on campus. It was a great way to get outdoors, be active, and enjoy the snow and sunshine!