Good morning HCI,

We are in the final stretch of this academic school year, please make sure you are taking some time to review your child's exam schedule and exam expectations, all linked below. As a bit of a repeat from our January exams, I would like to offer up some ways to support your child as they tackle this exam block.

You may find that you have a student in your home that is reacting to this time in a variety of ways; they may be on top of all the tasks and feel ready for exams; they may feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start; or, they may be reacting through avoidance and a lack of information.

HCI is here to support and partner with you in order to help students manage successfully through this time. Here are just a few tips you can use to support your HCI student:

1. Help create an optimal study space, in conversation with your child, that best support their studying (well-lit, as free from distraction as possible).

2. Handle the 'Life Admin', if possible, temporarily waive household chores, social obligations etc. to help them feel that you have relieved part of their stress.

3. Praise effort and reassure them that you are proud of their hard work and perseverance.

4. Co-regulate with them in order to help get a task started and break a habit of avoidance. This could look like saying you will work at the table with them, or you will tidy their space as they get started on a difficult task.

5. 
   Use Generative AI to develop a list of tips, tricks, habits and supports for exam preparation and they have them check off the ones they would find helpful - like a support menu! That way you are having them begin to think about how to set themselves up for success (a great life skill) and you know how to best help during those stressful study sessions. The prompt I put into Google Gemini was "Give me a list of ways a parent can support exam stress for their children".

Please see below for important information for the upcoming week.

Week at a Glance

HCI Whole School Calendar Semester 2 Exam Schedule TDSB 2026-2027 School Year Calendar

Save the Date

Monday, June 22nd → Exam Day - Period 4 Exams and Medical Make up

Tuesday, June 23rd → Exam Review Day

Wednesday, June 24th → HCI Commencement - Offices will be closed as staff will be off-site

Thursday, June 25th and Friday, June 26th → PD Days (no school for students)

Humberside Celebrates

The Garnet → The Garnet is excited to announce our final issue of the 2025/2026 year! We have had many successes this year, including posting 8 issues, covering events like Fall Fun Fest and HUH, and have been able to give parents (and students alike) a look into what life is like here at HCI. We are so grateful for all of the people that helped make this club a success, and are excited to make the club even better next year! For all students with interest in writing, photography, and more, consider joining The Garnet for next year! Have a great summer, HCI students!

EcoSchools Platinum Certification → Good News! Humberside has achieved 5 years in a row, platinum certification! They were impressed by our composting, Pollinate T.O gardens and events like the Earth Day assembly, green market, cleanups and food drive.

School Business

Semester 2 Student Exam Memo → Posted to the HCI School Website is the Semester 2 Student Exam Memo, detailing protocol and procedures around exams. Please ensure you review this document with your child.

Recorded Absence - Process Reminder → We have seen an increase in the number of students signing out of class, then expecting to spend the period in the Library or the halls doing work for another course. If a student has been signed out of class by a parent, the student is expected to leave the school.

TDSB Central

Student Phishing Scam → Please be aware that an active phishing campaign is currently targeting TDSB students by offering fake “remote part-time roles " at the TDSB. The messages have subject lines such as “Now Accepting Applications for Remote Part-Time Role ” and “Part-Time Opportunity.” If a student recieves this message, please let administration know so that TDSB IT Services can be alerted.

TDSB Summer Well-Being Guide → Summer can bring opportunities for rest, connection, and joy, while also presenting challenges as routines and supports change. To help students and families stay connected to their well-being, the TDSB Summer Well-Being Guide offers culturally responsive and identity-affirming resources, activities, and supports for the months ahead. The guide includes mental health and wellness strategies, mindfulness activities, community resources, and creative and physical wellness ideas. To ensure accessibility for all families, it is available in the TDSB's top 24 spoken languages. We encourage families to explore the guide and discover resources that support well-being, belonging, and connection throughout the summer. For questions, please email [email protected].

Happy Friday!