The Raven Report

Semester 1 FCA Schedule
Semester 1 FCA's are quickly approaching. Attendance is mandatory for all students who are taking in person classes. Students taking online courses don't have a scheduled FCA and should consult with their online learning teacher. If a conflict exists, families need to connect with the main office.
If credit rescue is an option and/or necessary, the classroom teacher will be in touch with students and families close to the end of January.
Parent Portal is LIVE
HPE is excited to launch a new family portal, your one-stop shop for staying connected to your child's school life. Designed with parents and caregivers in mind, the portal provides secure, 24/7 access to important information for all of your children, even if they attend different HPE schools.
You'll be able to view:
Contact information on record
Credits earned (secondary school)
Attendance
Progress reports and report cards
Important announcements
The portal is specifically for you—your children will continue to use their own student accounts. Once you register, your secure login is unique to you and you are required to keep your login name and password private.
Ready to get started?
Signing up is simple and only needs to be done once, regardless of how many children you have.
Refer to this Family Portal Account Activation Guide for step-by-step instructions about how to activate your account.
Access the family portal at this link.
Credit Alert Reports
Credit Alert reports will be published for students who are in danger of not receiving their credit(s) this semester on Tuesday, December 16th. You will be able to view the Credit Alert report in the Family Portal. Grade 12 students will also have their credit alert mailed home.
If you have questions about the credit alert report, please contact your child's teacher. You can find our staff directory on our website: https://ess.hpedsb.on.ca/about_ess/staff_directory
Student Responsibilities
SOAR (Safety - Ownership - Attitude - Respect) represents the core values we expect all members of our school community to uphold. By embracing these responsibilities, we can foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environment for everyone.
Eastside Secondary School is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for all students which allows students to thrive in an atmosphere which emphasizes respect for learning, self, others, authority, property and the environment. We actively promote acceptance of all students and we teach understanding, tolerance and communication. There is no place for violence, intimidation or foul language at Eastside Secondary School. In-school and or out-of-school progressive discipline will be used to address any such issues. Students are expected to review the full Student Responsibilities at https://bit.ly/ESSsoar.
Attendance
Attending regularly and being on time for class are required for academic success. If you will be away, please let us know in advance. We have a new online system and app to make that really easy. It’s only acceptable to be away from class for school related activities like trips and sports, or illness, bereavement, unavoidable causes (medical appointments, emergencies), and religious holidays. We expect you to be in classes if you are at school.
2026-2027 Course Selection: The Pathway Planning is an Ongoing Journey!
The process of selecting courses for the 2026-2027 academic year is an ongoing process, with a deadline of February 20, 2026 for submissions via your MyBlueprint accounts. This is a significant decision and it is important to dedicate time to thoroughly research and thoughtfully select classes. The courses your student chooses will shape their day-to-day learning experience but also lay the groundwork for their post-secondary path, influencing eligibility for specific college, university, or apprenticeship programs. Rushing the decision or merely choosing classes based on ease or a friend's preference can limit future options. Therefore, encourage your student to consult teachers, guidance counsellors, and the course calendar to ensure their selections align with their interests, skills, and long-term academic and career goals.
Students can use MyBlueprint to research career and post-secondary options. They can use the high school planner to determine if they have the required courses for different college, university or apprenticeship programs. They can use the Graduation Indicator to determine if they have all the compulsory credits to graduation. They can also use the SHSM Planner to make sure they have the required courses to earn the SHSM diploma in Aviation, Construction, Sports or Digital Media.
To access the site, visit www.myBlueprint.ca/hpedsb and follow the prompts to start an account or your child can connect directly from VLE link on Eastside’s homepage. myBlueprint helps ensure you can assist your child in making the most informed decision about their education. We encourage you to get started today and explore the website with them.
Please contact the guidance department with any questions!
Arts Update
On Thursday December 11th at 6:30pm, the Eastside Arts Department is proud to host our annual Winter Arts Night.
This event will feature performances by the ESS Concert Band, the ESS Choir, a collection of talented soloists, the new Junior Improv Team and the nationally-ranked Senior Improv Team.
There will also be Visual Art displays and a ceramics sale featuring student creations.
HPE Mental Health Supports
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, please remember that you are not alone! Reach out to a teacher or school staff, or to the free, confidential, school-based services:
Social Worker: Jonah; send an email to jschein@hpedsb.on.ca
Indigenous Education Social Worker: Matt
Public Health Nurse: Ashley
To meet with a school social worker, counsellor or public health nurse, you can send an email, drop-in to say hi, or ask a teacher or school staff person to introduce you.
Cell Phones
It is important for you to take responsibility for your learning and to be focussed on classroom activities. Cell phones must be stored in your locker during instructional time. If your family needs to contact you, they can call the main office.
Electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and nicotine products:
Electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and nicotine products:
As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128, starting in September 2025, all Ontario school boards are required to follow the updated Provincial Code of Conduct. This includes all students being required to follow strict anti-vaping guidelines. Students cannot bring electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and/or nicotine products to school (including school transportation). If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product it will be surrendered and disposed of and parents/guardians will be immediately informed. If a student is vaping/smoking on school premises, a progressive discipline approach will be followed, which could include a fine from HPE Public Health.
Upcoming Events
Dec 11: Semester 2 Arts Night
Dec 16: Credit Alert Reports Published
Dec 19: Holiday Assembly
Jan 19/20: Grade 9 Math EQAO
Jan 22: P1 FCA 8:30am - 11:00am
Jan 23: P2 FCA 8:30am - 11:00am
Jan 26: P2 FCA 8:30am - 11:00am
Jan 27: P2 FCA 8:30am - 11:00am
Jan 29: Grade 8 Orientation 10am - 1:00pm
Jan 30: PA Day
Feb 3: Semester 2 Starts
ESS Communication:
At Eastside, we want our students and families to be well informed. We have multiple ways that we will communicate with you:
Direct email: please make sure that when you review the information form in September that you verify a correct email address.
Social media: please follow up on Facebook and Instagram so that you can stay up-to-date on the amazing things happening at ESS.
Website: be sure to check out ess.hpedsb.on.ca as it has a lot of great information including an ESS Events calendar.
Newsletter: We will publish “The Raven Report” newsletter each month and send it directly to the email that we have on file.
We also encourage two-way communication between the classroom teacher and home, so please reach out to your child’s teacher at any point. Contact information can be found on our website.