Middle School Update - September 24

Upcoming Events

Sun, Sept 27-Tues, Sept 29: Grade 8-2 Outdoor Ed. Trip “Adrift”. Consent form.

Wednesday, September 30: Orange Shirt Day during Truth & Reconciliation Week.

Wednesday, September 30: Every Child Matters March at 12:40pm. Details below.

Wednesday, September 30: Attestation day, official attendance verification day.

Sun, Oct 4-Tues, Oct 6: Grade 8-3 Outdoor Ed. Trip “Adrift”. Consent form.

Friday, October 9: Half Day of classes. Early dismissal for Grades 7&8 at 12:30pm. No lunch served.

Monday, October 12: Thanksgiving - School Closed

Wednesday, October 14: Lucas House Day - more details to come!

Thurs, Oct 15-Sat, Oct 17: Grade 8-4 Outdoor Ed. Trip “Adrift”. Consent form.

Friday, October 30: Halloween Activities. More details to come.

Message to Middle School Parents from our School Counsellor

Welcome back to a new school year! The start of the school year, and especially the transition into Middle School is a big event in your son's lives, and requires time to adjust. New routines, increased expectations, new & changing friendships, and unfamiliar environments can all contribute to heightened anxiety during the first few weeks. This is a normal part of the transition for many students.

Now that we have been in school for almost a month, students should be beginning to feel more settled and comfortable in their routines. If you are noticing that your son continues to struggle with anxiety, organization, academics, friendships, or adjusting to school, we encourage you to reach out. We would be happy to discuss your concerns and explore how we can best support him.

Parents may contact Ms. Springer, School Counsellor (Gr. 7) Ms. Brianna McGirr, School Counsellor (Gr. 8) or Mr. Roy, Learning Strategist (Gr. 7 & 8). These are the members of the Middle School Department of Student Wellness team.

Need to Know

Presentations from Middle School Parent Info Evening: We were delighted to see parents who were able to attend the Parent Information Evening last Thursday. You can review presentations given by teachers and staff who used a slideshow format here. Please reach out to teachers with any questions you have about your son’s courses.

NEW! Important Dates 2026-27 Calendar: We’re excited to share this new calendar format of our Important Dates for the 2026-27 school year. A huge shout out to a dedicated and talented parent volunteer who initiated the creation of this new resource. We hope it will be a helpful tool for parents.

Zipthru Card Activation Tomorrow: To obtain this optional card for your son, for use at breakfast service and vending machines, please follow these instructions and send your son to school with his electronic gift certificate. Our kitchen staff will hold another clinic Friday, September 25 from 9:30-9:50am in the MS hallway.

Every Child Matters March - September 30 (MS/SS): In honour of Orange Shirt Day, Resilience MTL will be hosting an “Every Child Matters” March on September 30 at 1:00 p.m. Selwyn students are invited to participate. We will walk together to Westmount Park around 12:40pm to join the beginning of the march, walk with the group to the WAG field, listen to a few speeches, and then walk back to school together. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form by Monday, September 28.

World Press Photo Exhibit Outing: On Friday, October 2 from 3-5pm, Middle School students are invited to join Ms. Corbie on this optional outing. The group will travel using transit, leave Selwyn at 3pm, visit the exhibit in the Old Port and return to Selwyn House around 5pm. Interested students should complete this form, bring $10 to Ms. Corbie or Ms. Beech (for entrance to the Exhibit) to reserve their spot. Next week, a consent form will be shared with parents of interested students.

Grade 8 Wild Waters Camping Trips: The first camping trip was a blast! We look forward to the next ones! 8-2: Sunday, Sept 27 to Tuesday, Sept 29

8-3: Sunday, Oct 4 to Tuesday, Oct 6

8-4: Thursday, Oct 15 to Saturday, Oct 17

Parents of all Grade 8 students are asked to complete this consent form if they haven’t yet done so. On the day of your son's trip, everyone will meet in the Coristine hall at 7:15 am sharp to pack personal items into waterproof barrels before we hit the road. Return time for each trip is estimated to be 4:00 pm (new time). If this changes, parents will be notified by e-mail the day of return. Click here for the packing list. Please note the prohibited items: watches and cell phones, sharps and any pressurized cans (sunscreen or bugspray). Reach out with any questions to geisterferj@selwyn.ca.

Uniform Reminders: In Middle School, a belt, school shoes, and SHS tie are required every day. Black or brown dress shoes are the required school shoe. Athletic shoes and running trainers (including high-top sneakers and mesh running shoes) are not permitted; however, low-profile, lifestyle leather sneakers that are entirely black (including the sole, laces, and logos) are acceptable.

Homecoming 2026: You are invited to join current families, Old Boys, staff, former staff and friends at the Westmount Athletic Grounds on Saturday, September 26 for a day of football, community and Gryphon pride as part of the Homecoming Weekend!

Date: Saturday, September 26
Location: Westmount Athletic Grounds (WAG)

Game Schedule

10:00 a.m. | Cadet Gryphons vs. Loyola
1:00 p.m. | Varsity Gryphons vs. Bill Crowther Toronto

Come for the games and stay for the fun, with a student snack sale, Dilallo Burger food truck, Argyle Shop Pop Up and more activities between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bring your family and friends, wear your black and gold and cheer on the Gryphons!

Reminders

Visit our MS Update page for news and action items you may have missed, such as:

Basketball Town hall: Parents of Grade 7-12 students interested in our basketball program are invited to join us on Monday, September 28 from 5:30-6:30pm in the Rossy Agora. Coaches will provide an overview of the program, culture, and offerings for our competitive teams for the upcoming winter season.

Attestation Day: Wednesday, September 30 is the official MEQ attendance verification day. On this day, Selwyn House is required to report student attendance to the Ministry as part of the registration process for the 2026–2027 academic year. Please avoid scheduling appointments for your son on this day. His attendance helps ensure a smooth registration process and avoids additional paperwork for both families and the School. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kelli Poulin at poulink@selwyn.ca.

Orange Shirt Day: On September 30th, students and staff will honor the lives affected by Canada’s residential school system. Students are encouraged to wear any orange shirt (does not need to be Selwyn-branded) with uniform pants and proper school shoes in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day orders for Sept 30 can be made online through the Argyle Shop. All proceeds support an organization in Kahnawake. Questions about ordering: argyle@selwyn.ca Questions about Selwyn’s Indigenous initiatives: littmanm@selwyn.ca

Middle School Webpage

School Calendar

Middle School Update - September 24 Middle School Update - September 24

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Message to Middle School Parents from our School Counsellor

Need to Know Need to Know

Reminders Reminders

Middle School Update - September 24

Upcoming Events

Need to Know

Reminders