Homecoming - Let the Celebrations Begin!

From Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3 the Appleby College community will come together to celebrate the past, present and future at our 2026 Homecoming.  Homecoming is an incredibly special event for all of us here at Appleby, particularly for our current students as it is a unique opportunity to connect with alumni, discover Appleby’s rich 115-year heritage, and experience the important traditions and culture that we are all a part of. We are especially excited to welcome students, alumni, parents, grandparents, alumni parents, employees, and friends on Homecoming Day – Saturday, October 3. I encourage you to join the festivities planned for this weekend. Full details are available on the Homecoming website:  www.appleby.on.ca/homecoming.  This year, Homecoming Day will also include two new celebrations recognizing members of our community whose contributions have helped shape Appleby - the inaugural Fran Richardson Volunteer Awards, named in honour of former faculty member and longtime community connector Fran Richardson, and the unveiling of Legends Lane, a special space dedicated to recognizing employees with 35 years or more of service and celebrating their commitment and contributions to Appleby. Please see the School News section below for additional details. To register for Homecoming Day and these special celebrations, please click here. Alongside family-friendly activities, Homecoming is also a time for alumni to reconnect and celebrate reunions. From Thursday’s 50-Year Club Luncheon and Friday evening’s 25-Year Reunion Dinner to Saturday night’s Reunion Social, returning to campus is always a meaningful chance to catch up with old friends and create new memories. While at the various events, please help us to capture the day by sharing your stories, pictures, and videos on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok using #applebyhoco. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with the Appleby community! Sincerely, Jude Alexander Chief Advancement Officer

Global & Experiential Education Information Session - September 30 Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30 Course request changes close - October 2 Spirit Day - October 2 Homecoming Day - October 3 Fran Richardson Volunteer Awards and Legends Lane Unveiling - October 3 Appleby Pie Day - October 7 Appleby College Open Houses - October 7, 17 & 24 Canadian Universities Fair - October 13 Walkathon - October 15

Fran Richardson Volunteer Awards and Legends Lane Unveiling

We’re excited to welcome the Appleby community back to campus for Homecoming Weekend! Join us for three days of celebration, connection, and Blue Dog spirit as the Appleby community comes together to reconnect, revisit favourite traditions, and create new memories. This year’s Homecoming Day features two exciting new additions. We are pleased to honour former faculty member and longtime community connector Fran Richardson with the presentation of the inaugural Fran Richardson Volunteer Awards. These awards will recognize individuals whose exceptional volunteerism has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the Appleby community. This year's honourees are: Alix Blum, Elena Dannikova, David Gibson '77, Jennifer Latimer, Vik Sachdev, and Vera Zhao.

We will also proudly unveil Legends Lane, a special space dedicated to recognizing and celebrating employees with 35 years or more of service, whose commitment and contributions have helped shape Appleby College. These ceremonies will take place on Homecoming Day, Saturday October 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Topher Point. Golf carts will be available to assist guests with mobility needs. To register, please click here, or email Kristy Marasco, manager, alumni relations at kmarasco@appleby.on.ca.

Campus Entrance Traffic Guidelines During Pick-Up and Drop-Off

To help everyone get in and out of campus quickly and safely, please follow these guidelines during pick-up and drop-off:

• Drivers exiting campus: when the "No Left Turn" sign is out, please turn right only.

• Eastbound drivers turning right into campus: please slow down and, when safe, alternate with westbound drivers turning left, letting one vehicle into campus before you turn.

• Westbound drivers turning left into campus: you may turn on a red light. Check for pedestrians before proceeding. Eastbound drivers, please remain stopped until the light turns green.

Appleby’s Student Attendance System - Orah

Parents are encouraged to use Orah – Appleby’s online student attendance and scheduling system, to notify the school of their child’s absences. This includes reporting a student lateness (for any reason, including appointments), reporting an early leave, and student absence reporting. To access Orah please click here. Parents can also access the system via the ‘Student Attendance’ button on the homepage of www.appleby.on.ca. When accessing Orah parents will need to enter their Blackbaud ID login (email address) to log on. This is the same email address used for registration and when accessing your child’s report card. Once logged in, you will be asked to enter your email address to receive a one-time password when, once entered, your student’s profile will appear along with step-by-step instructions. Should you have any questions or require assistance when using Orah please contact Appleby’s Reception and Office Services team at 905-845-4681 ext. 0 or attendance@appleby.on.ca.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program

From September to October, all new students in Upper and Senior School were enrolled in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. Parents will notice a $50.00 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Registration fee to their student’s account in the coming month. We believe that this award helps students to develop competencies in four different areas that fit into our overall philosophy of a holistic education and belief in experiential education and leadership development. If your student missed a registration session, they should attend extra help which is available every Wednesday during the lunch hour. More information about the program can be found here.

Outdoor Education Information and Key Dates

Upper One students will be visiting the S. Bruce McLaughlin Northern Campus; Trip 3 departed today and will return on Friday, October 2 and Trip 4 takes place Friday, October 2 to Wednesday, October 7. Students will travel with their advisor groups and the schedule, as well as recordings from the Outdoor Education information night, are posted on BBK12 in the Outdoor Education section.

All new Senior One and Senior Two students as well as any returning Senior One or Senior Two students who have not completed their required trip (these individuals will be contacted by Outdoor Education faculty directly) will travel from Wednesday, October 14 to Monday, October 19. Senior One Outdoor Leaders will attend on Monday, October 19 to Saturday, October 24. Trip lists including an overview of the personal equipment students will need to bring with them on their respective trip are available on BBK12 in the Outdoor Education section.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams 2026-2027

Appleby College offers 20 AP courses in a variety of disciplines and are taught by trained and experienced AP teachers. In addition, Appleby hosts AP exams in subjects not offered as AP courses to interested students. The complete list can be found at AP Courses and Exams.  

AP exam registration is now live for students enrolled in an AP course. All students interested in writing AP exams must sign in to MyAP with their College Board account (or create one first) and add Join Codes for their respective AP exams. Students enrolled in an AP course will receive a Join Code from their AP teacher. 

Beginning Monday, September 28, 2026, those students who are not enrolled in an AP course may request permission to receive Join Codes for the exams they are interested in writing. A link will be sent out via email to contact Guidance counsellors for this permission. In recent years, Upper One and Two students have expressed interest in writing AP exams in a wide variety of subjects. They are required to use the link, when available, and discuss the request with their Guidance counsellor.  

AP Exam Registration Deadlines
Whether enrolled in an AP course or choosing to self-study for the exam, all students interested in taking an AP exam must register for the AP exam by the final ordering deadline to avoid a late fee.

-Final ordering deadline without late fee – Friday, November 13, 2026

AP Exam Fees
AP exam fees are paid through Appleby student accounts. Charges will appear on student accounts at the end of November reflecting the fee structure below. AP exams ordered prior to Friday, November 13, 2026 are $175 CDN. AP exams ordered after Friday, November 13, 2026 are $240 CDN ($175 + $65).

-AP Exam Fee – $175 CDN per exam (ordered before Friday, November 13, 2026)
-Late Fee – additional $65 CDN per exam (ordered after Friday, November 13, 2026)
-Cancellation Fee – $100 CDN per exam (for all exams cancelled after Friday, November 13, 2026)

AP Exam Dates
AP exams are written during the Regular AP Exam Schedule Monday, May 3 to Friday, May 14, 2027.

Please contact Jonathon Peever, director, external academic programs, with any questions.  

Global & Experiential Education Information Session This Week!

The Global Education department will be holding a general information session on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This session will cover all areas within the Global & Experiential Education program at Appleby, including the Immersive Program. We will begin in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre for Athletics and Student Life with an overview of the Global & Experiential Education program and its objectives. Afterwards, the session will move to various breakout rooms which will each focus on an individual area of the department. The breakout session topics include: The Global Leadership Diploma program and course; Global Experiential Programs in March and June; Round Square Exchanges and Conferences; The Duke of Edinburgh Award; Middle School Experiential Education and the June Immersive programming. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the Global Education department and its individual areas, as well as a chance to ask questions. More information on this event and other Global Education announcements can be found here. 

Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Appleby will participate in Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities. Students and employees may purchase an orange Every Child Matters t-shirt for $20, with proceeds donated to the Woodland Cultural Centre. Orange Shirt Day is a half dress-down day — the orange item must be a shirt (not hats, socks, or other accessories).

To raise awareness around the importance of the day, Rick Hill Sr., a citizen of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation of the Haudenosaunee at Grand River, will be speaking to Upper One and Senior One students on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 about his recent book Behind the Bricks: The Life and Times of the Mohawk Institute, Canada's Longest-Running Residential School. An Orange Heart Garden will be installed at the school entrance, and on Monday, October 5, 2026 Walker House will host a special evening memorial to honour students and families impacted by residential schools.

For further information, please contact Dr. Ellen Palmer, Indigenous curriculum co-ordinator. Miigwetch (Anishinaabemowin), Niá:wen (Mohawk), Marsi (Métis, Dene), Kinanâskomitin (Cree) — thank you!

Rowan’s Law Day

In honour of the memory of Rowan Stringer, “Rowan's Law Day” is commemorated on the last Wednesday in September to raise awareness about concussions in sport. Rowan Stringer died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome (swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed). Rowan is believed to have experienced three concussions over six days. She had a concussion but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal. Neither did her parents, teachers or coaches.

Rowan’s Law and Rowan’s Law Day were established to honour her memory and bring awareness to concussions and concussion safety. Rowan's Law will make it easier for those who experience concussions to SPEAK UP, get the help they need, and take the time necessary for recovery with the support of everyone around them. Appleby will remember Rowan Stringer by promoting concussion safety on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 via e-mail to students and employees, and social media to our community. Click here to view Appleby’s Concussion Protocol and here to view the 8-Step Concussion Recovery Pathway.

Save the Date: Parent Zoom Call – Tuesday, October 6

Appleby will host a parent Zoom call on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EDT to provide further information about Bill 101: Putting Student Achievement First Act and the Ontario Ministry of Education’s new assessment, evaluation, attendance, and graduation requirements, including what these changes mean for Appleby students. An invitation with the Zoom link and further details will be shared via email this week.

2026-2027 Global Experiential Programs 

Each year Appleby College proudly offers global experiential programs that enrich student learning beyond the classroom. We’re excited to continue this tradition in the 2026–2027 school year. These experiences are designed to help students grow by building strong community connections, developing cross-cultural understanding, and encouraging personal leadership. Through these programs, students also enhance their teamwork skills, engage in thoughtful reflection, and deepen their awareness of global perspectives.

Based on current plans, we hope to offer the following trips in the coming year. Eligibility is indicated in brackets for each destination.

March 2027 (Anticipated with applications open in September 2026):
-Chile (Upper Two – Senior Two) – History, Resource Management and Culture
-Japan (Senior One – Senior Two Outdoor Leaders) – Outdoor Education and Culture
-Morocco (Upper Two – Senior Two) – History, Arts and Culture 
-Peru (Upper Two – Senior Two) – Economics and Culture
-Poland (Upper Two – Senior Two) – History, Identity and Culture
-Vietnam (Upper Two – Senior Two) – History, Water and Community  
-Panama (Middle School with Senior One/Two Student Leaders) – Environment, Culture

June 2027 (Anticipated with applications open in September 2026):
-Argentina (Upper One – Senior One Girls' Soccer) – Soccer and Culture
-England (Upper One - Senior One) - Theatre, Arts, and Culture
-Guatemala (Upper One – Senior One) – Mayan Identity, Language and Sustainable Agriculture
-Norway (Upper One – Senior One) – Sustainable Cities and Culture
-Scotland (Upper One – Senior One) – Culture
-Thailand (Upper One – Senior One) – Social Innovation, History and Culture

To prepare for participation in the upcoming year’s programming, please ensure that you check passports and any other travel documents to ensure they are current and not close to expiring. Please note that many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of travel. Applications for Global Experiential programs will be posted on the BBK12 Global Experiential Programs page on Thursday, October 1, 2026 after the Global Education Information Night. 
 
All completed and signed application forms, along with supporting documents, are due on, or before, Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. to the Global Ed office (MB205). Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please email globaled@appleby.on.ca.

GO Transit Shuttle Pilot Returns for 2026–2027

We’re excited to welcome back Appleby’s GO Transit Shuttle Pilot Program for the 2026–2027 school year! Following its launch last year, the shuttle will once again provide transportation between Oakville GO Station and campus on school days. Located on the Lakeshore West line, Oakville GO Station offers convenient connections for students travelling from communities west of Oakville, including Hamilton and beyond, as well as from Toronto and communities east of Union Station.

Student pricing is $1,550 for an annual round-trip pass, $1,085 for morning- or afternoon-only service, or $8 for a single ride. Annual passes will be billed to student accounts in October. To begin the registration process and explore program options, please email Andrew Labow, administrative coordinator, transportation & travel, at alabow@appleby.on.ca. A waiver will be provided, and once it has been signed, a link to Appleby’s SimplyBook.me calendar will be shared. Students who participated last year must complete a new waiver for 2026–2027. Please click here to review the FAQ for additional program information and schedule details.

August Schools: Student Medical Information

A reminder that if any aspect of a student's health changes during the school year—including new diagnoses, allergies, medications, injuries, or other relevant medical information—this information should be updated in August Schools as soon as possible. Keeping health records current helps ensure that students receive appropriate care and support while at school and during school activities. To access the August Schools portal via Appleby's education management system - BBK12, please click here. Once logged in, you will be taken to the Resources landing page which will show a series of posts. Please click on the ‘August Schools’ button to open the August Schools portal. 

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.

2026–2027 Appleby College Calendar 

Please click here to view the 2026-2027 Appleby College school year calendar.

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!

Brock Research Team Seeking Youth for Adolescent’s Perceptions of Kindness and Kind Mindset Study

A Brock University research team, the Theory of Mind in Education Lab, is looking for youths (ages 11-16) to participate in a study on kindness and kind mindset. A 45–60-minute interview will be completed through an interactive, online meeting scheduled at your family's convenience. What do they think about kindness – how are adolescents' kind to self and others and why? What do they think and feel about being kind to themselves, and how does this help them manage their emotions and to function in school? Compensation is provided. Visit the ToME Lab webpage, click here to view a poster, or e-mail tomelab@brocku.ca to learn more.

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, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. in the John Bell Chapel, Appleby will have its annual Founders Service as part of the school's Homecoming celebrations. This year’s guest speaker is alumna Christie DesRoches '01. The service will be livestreamed, please click here at 11:00 a.m. on October 1 to view. On September 17, Senior Two student and Head Prefect Fadi Jaber presented his chapel speech. Click here to view it.

Students Attend Stratford Festival On September 18, students from the senior vocal class and senior arts programs spent a full day at the Stratford Festival. The day began with a choreography workshop led by Stratford professionals, which gave students the chance to work directly with professional artists. Students then attended two festival productions and experienced live theatre at the highest level. It was a wonderful day of experiential learning and inspiration for everyone involved!

Reconcili-ACTION Club Recognized by First Nations Child & Family Caring Society Congratulations to Appleby’s Reconcili-ACTION Club, which received an Honourable Mention for the 2026 Spirit Bear Award from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society! The award recognizes groups of young people demonstrating an outstanding commitment to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Appleby was one of only five groups from across Canada recognized this year. Led by Senior Two students Diya Kumar and Felicity Liu, the club was recognized for initiatives including the Orange Heart Garden, Treaty Recognition Week, the Have a Heart campaign, and Appleby’s 5th Annual Red Dress Event. The recognition is particularly meaningful given Appleby’s longstanding connection with the Caring Society, which has previously benefited from our Walkathon fundraising and whose Executive Director, Cindy Blackstock, has spoken at an Appleby DEIB Day. Congratulations to the entire Reconcili-ACTION team for this wonderful recognition of their sustained commitment to meaningful reconciliation!