Good afternoon HCI,

As we settle into the second week of our second semester, I want to thank students and staff for the positive energy that always comes with a fresh start. A new term is a chance to reset habits, refocus goals, and recommit to the kind of learning environment we are proud of here at HCI.

One important area we will be emphasizing early in the semester is time management. Arriving to class on time is a skill that supports learning, shows respect for others, and prepares students for life beyond high school. We know mornings and transitions can be busy, but learning to plan ahead, move with purpose, and be where you need to be—on time—is a habit worth building now. Families can help by having conversations about routines, preparation, and realistic planning for the school day. For example, we all need to take into consideration the weather and pace of transit on snowy days, planning ahead for this is a great habit to create.

I’d also like to remind everyone of an important HCI norm that reflects who we are as a community. Each morning, students are expected to pause quietly in the hallways for the Land Acknowledgement, O Canada, and the full announcements. This is not just about procedure. It’s about learning respect: respect for Indigenous Peoples and the land we learn on every day, for our country, and for the shared information that helps our school run smoothly. Taking a moment to stop, listen, and reflect matters. It is also important to ensure classes are hearing the important announcements for upcoming opportunities and news for the day.

As you are our greatest partners in education, here are some conversation starters that can help you and your HCI student understand how to set up for success for this semester:

“Can you walk me through your timetable this semester? Which classes feel familiar, and which ones feel new or different?”

“Do you feel organized with your materials and digital work so far, or is there anything you want to reset early?”

“What are one or two goals you’d like to set for this semester, academic or personal?”

“What do you think will be the most challenging part of this semester, and what might help with that?”

“Do you know how each of your teachers will assess your learning this term?”

“How are you feeling about managing your time between classes, homework, activities, and downtime?”

“Is there a class you think you might need extra help in, and do you know where you could get support if you need it?”

“What does a good school day routine look like for you right now: sleep, mornings, and after-school time?”

“What’s one habit you’d like to improve this semester to help you be more successful?”

Second semester is not a continuation, it’s a new beginning! Let’s work together to start strong, move with purpose, and uphold the values that make HCI a respectful, focused, and caring place to learn.

Please see below for important information for the upcoming week.

 

Week at a Glance

HCI Whole School Calendar

Monday, February 9th	-Day 1 -MyBlueprint Course Selection Opens -OSSLT Pick Up (Main Office) - Last names A-L
Tuesday, February 10th	-Course Fair @ Lunch (Lower Gym)* -Caring and Safe Schools Meeting @ 4:30 (Library) -OSSLT Pick Up (Main Office) - Last names M-Z
Wednesday, February 11th	-Grade Photo Re-Take Day
Thursday, February 12th	-HHOC Meeting @ Lunch (Library) -HCI Hosts a Delegation of Educators from Brazil -Spirit Day (Wear Red, White, Pink for Valentines day)
Friday, February 13th	-PD Day

 

*HCI Course Fair --> Tuesday February 10th at lunch in the lower gym. Students will have an opportunity to visit with different teachers from different departments and receive information on course offering for the upcoming school year.

 

 

HCI Celebrates

Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities. HCI's Black Heritage Association will be providing a spotlight for our HCI Celebrates on some of the many accomplishments from the Black community, that deserve to be honoured, throughout the month of February.

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)
Despite being the first licensed Black pilot in the world, Coleman wasn’t recognized as a pioneer in aviation until after her death. Though history has favored Amelia Earhart or the Wright brothers, Coleman—who went to flight school in France in 1920—paved the way for a new generation of diverse fliers like the Tuskegee Airmen, Blackbirds, and Flying Hobos.

 

Worth Repeating

TDSB secondary student email addresses are changing --> To increase the privacy and security of student accounts, email addresses will now be a simple format that does not include personal names. Please note: when composing an email or sharing a Google document, a student’s full name will continue to be visible to staff and students within the TDSB. The student#@tdsb.ca format will only appear when emails are sent externally. This update will take place from Friday, February 6 at 4 p.m. to Sunday, February 8, 2026. Student accounts will not be available during this time. We thank you for your patience while we make this transition to help keep student email accounts more secure.

HCI Teachers are aware of this lack of access and should not be assigning online work to be completed for Monday and/or scheduling assessments that would require digital access to prepare.

Please visit the TDSB update for more information.

 

 

Academic Info

February is Course Selection Month--> Guidance will visit all classrooms from February 9 to February 20. During the visits, counsellors will review graduation requirements and how to select courses using myBlueprint. We will also provide resources for students to do some reverse planning by looking at post-secondary information.

myBlueprint --> Opens on February 9th and students' course selections are due February 23. Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Sign-Off Sheets must be given to Day 1, Period 1 Teachers.
The Course Fair is a great opportunity for students to meet teachers from a range of departments and learn about course offerings in all grades and subject areas. It is important that students attend.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Application Process --> For information on the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Application Process, visit the TDSB website. Please note that February 26 is the deadline for students to submit applications, with appropriate documentation, to the HCI Guidance Office by 4:00 pm.
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Guidance/PLAR

 

 

Did You Know?

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) --> SHSM is a program that combines course learning, professional certifications and real-world experience in the health and wellness sector to give students a great experience to feel and see what a career in health and wellness can be. The SHSM program combines course learning, professional certifications in key skills, including first aid, CPR and Infection Control, and real-world experience in the health and wellness sector. They graduate with the SHSM Red Seal on their diplomas, resume experience, and a public recognition of their achievement. Join up by enrolling in CO-OP and talking with a guidance counsellor.

 

 

School Business

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) --> Any student that wrote the OSSLT in November can pick up their results in the MAIN OFFICE at Lunch on the following days:

Monday February 9 - Students with last names A-L

Tuesday February 10 - Students with the last names M-Z

 

 

Student Council

Spirit Day --> Love is in the air! Come to school next Thursday, February 12th wearing red, white and pink for a Valentine's day themed spirit day! Also, swing by the main foyer at lunch for some sweet treats and face painting. We hope to see you there!
- Love, your Student Council

 

 

School Council

Humberside School Advisory Council (aka Parent Council) --> The next meeting is coming up on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:30pm in the school library. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will have our regular updates from the admin team and student leaders, and we will be discussing how to allocate the funds raised from our November fundraiser.

"Just Ask Jessica" --> Do you have a question for Principal Pearson? Submit it to us by email at humberside.sac@gmail.com. We will group and summarize relevant questions for Ms. Pearson before our next meeting. You can attend the meeting to hear the answers, or read them afterward in our meeting minutes. All questions will be kept anonymous. This feature is for general topics only, not for questions about individual students or teachers.

Happy Friday,

Jessica Pearson

Principal