Semester One Exams - Jan 22 to 28
With the secondary school exam period beginning, here are 10 tips to help students prepare for exams and manage stress:
1. Eat healthy, drink water and get plenty of sleep.
2. Take mind and body breaks. Schedule blocks of time for rest and activities that bring you joy. This could be exercise, time outside, extra-curricular activities, connecting with others or enjoying hobbies.
3. Maintain social connections and know who you can reach out to for support, including friends, family and school staff.
4. Create a realistic study plan. Schedule dedicated blocks of time without distractions.
5. There are lots of different ways to study. Use study techniques and exam preparation strategies that work for you.
6. Create a space for studying that works best for you.
7. Mental health and well-being is important. For students who feel anxious, there are lots of strategies to help you stay calm before, during and after exams. This could include mindfulness strategies, visualization, breathing exercises, positive thinking and more.
8. On the day of the exam, arrive early, review all the questions before you begin and read each question carefully.
9. Try different strategies and techniques to learn what works for you, and ask for help or support if you need it.
10. Practice positive and affirming self-talk before, during and after the exam, for example, "I am doing my best, I have got this, I am proud of myself/my studying, etc.”
“It’s really about knowing what works for you,” said Paula Vicente, Assistant Mental Health Coordinator, York Region District School Board. “Practice is key for any strategy, practicing strategies outside of an exam, outside of a stressful situation, so that when you really need a skill that might work for you, you can access it readily.
Upcoming 2025 2026 to Remember:
Jan 22 - Period 1 Exams
Jan 23 - Period 2 Exams
Jan 26 - Period 3 Exams
Jan 27 - Period 4 Exams
Jan 28 - Inclement Weather Day for Exams
Jan 29 - Modified School Day, Grade 8s Arts and Trades Workshops Day
Jan 30 - PA Day
Feb 2 - Sem 2 begins
Feb 4 - Caring and Safe Assemblies
Feb 10 to 12 - Report Cards E-Distributed
Feb 12 - Music Coffeehouse
Feb 16 - Family Day
Feb 17 - Lunar New Year
You can see these dates and more on our Sutton District H.S. Calendar
SDHS Guidance Department - We’re Here to Help!
The guidance department would like to share the following opportunities with families and students:
Registration for second semester night school is now open. Please contact us or visit your student’s guidance google classroom for more details.
Timetable Changes:
Any student looking to change a course for second semester is required to complete the google form below. This form is also available on the student’s guidance google classroom, and in guidance. Note that students must login using the school account in order to complete the form.
Completing the form does not guarantee that the request will be completed. Space in courses is very limited, if any at all.
College and University Applications:
A reminder to all graduates interested in applying to college and/or university of the fast approaching application deadlines.
College – Feb 2, 2026
University – Jan 15, 2026
Thank you,
Your guidance department
Resources
- Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868, text 686868
- YSSN (Your Support Services Network) - 1-822-310-COPE (2673)
- Suicide Prevention Canada, Call or Text 988
- Black Youth Helpline - 1-833-294-8650
- Youthline - 647-694-4275
Tamil Heritage Month - Celebrating our Roots, Honouring our Stories
Location: Stouffville District Secondary School
Date: January 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Join the York Region District School Board as we come together to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, a vibrant evening of cultural pride, storytelling, music and community connection. Families, students, and staff are all welcome! Highlights include student performances and cultural displays, family-friendly activities, and community partnerships. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, or how to register, email iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Let's honour Tamil culture, heritage, and community across York Region!
Student Services
Have questions about how to support your student during Semester 1 exams?
Reach out, we're happy to help!
Contact Information:
L. Leuszler, Head of Student Services
Student Success is our Business! Student Academic Success Room (337)
The Student Success Room (Room 337) will be open to students during designated days/hours. This room will serve as an alternative, quiet workspace where students can seek academic support from our dedicated team of educators.
We believe that a collaborative effort between students, parents, educators, and support staff is essential for a student's overall success. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to learn more about the Student Success Team and our academic support services, please do not hesitate to contact us.