Partnership Opportunities for the In the Night Garden Gala

Taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, the In the Night Garden Gala fundraising event will support three of Appleby’s critical priorities - Financial Assistance, the Wellbeing Program, and the continued development of Cockwell Hall. We are looking for sponsors and advertisers to partner with us for this exclusive event. If you are interested in getting involved, please explore the following options via the links below:

Sponsorship
Corporate sponsorships offer outstanding marketing recognition and exclusive event access (based on level) while also forwarding philanthropic goals for the business as well as the school and its community. If you have any questions, please contact Jane Sahota, sponsorship committee chair, at janehsahota@gmail.com.

Advertise
Advertise your company in the 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 have any questions, please contact Jenna Fontyn, event coordinator at jfontyn@appleby.on.ca.

For more information about the In the Night Garden Gala, please visit www.appleby.on.ca/gala.

Academic Approach and Guiding Principles

Recently we received thoughtful feedback from parents regarding the Upper One English texts selected for study this year. The input and questions received prompted reflection on our academic philosophy and curriculum principles, which guide our approach to teaching and learning.

Appleby’s curriculum reflects a longstanding commitment to the development of the whole student. We offer a rigorous program with a diverse range of required components that challenge students academically while fostering the knowledge, skills, values, and characteristics essential for success at university and in life. Central to our philosophy is a commitment to reaching every student and supporting them in achieving a meaningful and successful outcome from their school experience while at Appleby. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, individual potential, self-discipline, respect, responsibility, and commitment, alongside spiritual and moral development, democratic principles, personal health, environmental stewardship, and global awareness. 

Each of these elements are reflected in Appleby’s English curriculum, which continues to evolve, consistent with the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations as well as the Advanced Placement (AP) program as per the College Board. These frameworks help guide faculty in selecting texts, as summarized below: 

• Within the English curriculum we strive to balance classic and contemporary works to ensure that required literary forms, themes, and related learning skills are covered. Across Appleby’s English program, for grades 7–12, approximately half of the texts studied are contemporary, with the remaining half representing a blend of classic literature (with a balance that skews towards the Western literary canon). 

• In the context of this blend of classic and contemporary, Appleby offers a balanced range of texts that reflect various ethnicities, socioeconomic contexts, genders, and sexual orientations. Access to these characters helps students build empathy, critical thinking skills, and a broader understanding of the world. Throughout our history and today, as part of our commitment to academic rigour, we teach a wide range of sometimes difficult and challenging themes, materials, and perspectives. (Many of the most jarring are featured in classic Shakespearian works.) This does not mean we are indoctrinating students into particular behaviours or beliefs. Rather, our purpose is to build understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the global world in which we live.

• In addition to the Ontario Ministry of Education and College Board curriculum expectations, faculty use their expertise to evaluate text in alignment with Appleby’s curriculum principles and variability in students’ developmental readiness. We recognize and understand the concerns recently shared about the age appropriateness of certain texts selected, specifically in Upper One, and we take these concerns seriously. As we continue to refine our text selection process, we will heighten our considerations around student maturity and readiness, which we recognize have been impacted by the dynamics of the last many years, including COVID-19.

We deeply value our partnership with families and encourage parents to reach out to their child’s teachers whenever a question or concern arises, as students or their families may not opt out of a curriculum unit. In many cases, the most effective first step is a one-on-one conversation with, in the first instance, the appropriate classroom teacher, and subsequently, the department head or Assistant Head of School, Academics, Dr. Carlos Heleno.

Blue Dog Challenge Winners!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Blue Dog Challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this campaign such a remarkable success. Your collective generosity and enthusiasm have once again demonstrated the strength and spirit of the Appleby community.

The winners are:
-Parents: Class of 2031 (Middle One)
-Employees: Athletics/Physical Education and Human Resources
-Alumni: The Decade of 1970s

These groups exemplified outstanding participation and commitment to supporting Appleby. Each winning group will be recognized in the Winter Quarterly, Alumni Ties, across Appleby's social media channels, and each will also be honoured with a named plaque on a seat in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life Auditorium. The Class of 2031 will also enjoy a well-deserved dress-down day (date to be confirmed)!

To all who contributed, whether through the campaign, or support for the upcoming In the Night Garden Gala, your generosity directly strengthens the programs, opportunities, and learning environment that define an Appleby education. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

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.

DIVE DEEPER

Senior Two Graduation Photo Sessions Begin This Week

Senior Two students are reminded to book their individual graduation photo session with Edge Imaging. Appointments are available for sessions on campus this month. Please click here to view the communication sent to Senior Two students on Wednesday, January 7 for additional details.

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 emailed 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.

DIVE DEEPER

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.

Course Requests Open Monday, January 26 for Returning Students

Students will begin learning about their course options for next year throughout the month of January 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

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 Tuesday, January 27, 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. Please register using this form and the Zoom link will be sent to registrants via email on Monday, January 26, 2026. For more information, please contact Maggie Hanrahan, director, external academic programs. 

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!

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! 

Tax Receipt - T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate Requires Student’s Social Insurance Number

Students enrolled in qualifying Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 2025 calendar year (for the period of January - June 2025 and/or September - December 2025), may be eligible to receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate. 

As the Canada Revenue Agency requires the inclusion of the student’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) on this certificate, eligible students are asked to visit Appleby’s business office and provide their SIN. In the coming weeks, the Business Office will issue a reminder email to those who have not yet submitted their SIN. Although international students will likely not have a SIN, the business office will still reach out to confirm that they do not have one. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Fabrizio, director, finance at mfabrizio@appleby.on.ca.

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.

Appleby College Expectations – Artificial Intelligence Tools and Student Use

At Appleby College, we will treat AI tools as we would any other technology tool such as a calculator, smartphone or translator. If a faculty member allows the use of AI for a certain assignment, then students may use it if they are acting in accordance with the terms and agreements of the tool. If the assignment guidelines do not explicitly include the use of AI tools, then the use of them will constitute an academic integrity issue.

The consequences for misuse of AI may differ depending on the grade, academic department and assignment type, and therefore, students are asked to pay close attention to assignment outlines and permitted technology tools for all academic work. Students failing to adhere to these standards on examinations will receive a zero (0) on the assessment and a behavioral consequence that is up to and includes expulsion. Those guilty of academic dishonesty on term work or tests are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and in alignment with the appropriate grade band consequences of academic dishonesty. These details can be found in the Appleby College Code of Conduct on pages 9-12.

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!

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.