End of Semester January 2026 – Student and Family Information
GENERAL INFORMATION – END OF SEMESTER AND FINAL EVALUATION PERIOD
Congratulations to all students for an amazing semester! Please read carefully through the following information regarding the end of semester and exam processes.
The expectation is that all courses run an evaluation activity on the scheduled exam day as part of the course culminating 30% or a Credit Rescue/Student Success plan, and that students attend class during the scheduled exam day.
Students are expected to arrive in their assigned classrooms at 8:00 am, and Evaluations/Culminating Tasks will start at 8:00 am each day.
Evaluations must be scheduled for a minimum of 75 minutes. Students who require additional time should be accommodated.
Students who must wait at school for a bus home at 2:30 pm on an exam day should report to the library after being dismissed from the exam period for quiet study. Students should not wander the halls during exam days. Many students are picked up or excused by their parents/guardians following the completion of the evaluation activity.
- In the event of a school closure, the schedule will be delayed by one day (i.e., Period Two exams on Thursday will be written on Friday and the schedule will shift back a day)
- Students are encouraged to arrange for transportation home after completing their exams. Buses will run at school day dismissal (~2:40 pm) each day. If a student needs to remain at school, the library is open for quiet study.
- Students are not to hang around in the atrium or hallways following the completion of their evaluation as other exams may still be in progress.
- No cafeteria service is available.
- Students are responsible for arriving promptly to their evaluations complete with the items required to complete the activity (e.g. pens, pencil, laptop, calculator)
- Cell phones, smart watches, headphones and other digital or audio devices are not permitted in the evaluation spaces. Students must have all devices turned off and safely secured in their backpacks for the duration of the evaluation.
- Parent/guardians must contact the office to report absences if a student cannot participate in the evaluation for extenuating circumstances. In the event of an emergency, including illness, medical documentation must be provided.
- It is the expectation that ALL students will be present for their final evaluations and that no discretionary absences (appointments or vacations) are taken or scheduled during these days. A mark of zero, may occur, if a student does not participate in their final evaluations or culminating tasks.
- Please return ALL loaner iPads or laptops to the library as soon as possible and no later than January 29th.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
- Please ensure that the information created and documented during the final evaluation period represents your understanding of the course material and overall expectations.
- Incidents of academic dishonesty may result in a mark of zero and violate the code of conduct. Parents/Caregivers will be notified if incidences occur.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES
During the designated January 2026 exam period, self-contained classes (SCC) will operate as usual with in person classes. Students will NOT attend in-person classes on the PA DAY, Wednesday, January 28th.
FUTURE PREPAREDNESS DAY – JANUARY 29TH (NEW!)
We’re excited to share that Future Preparedness Day will take place twice this school year in all HWDSB secondary schools. These special days are scheduled for:
· Thursday, January 29, 2026 (Semester 1)
· Thursday, June 25, 2026 (Semester 2)
Future Preparedness days were added to the school calendar to give students time after exams to connect with their semester one teachers, review their final grades, and make thoughtful decisions about next steps. This instructional day focus comes from feedback from students and families and supports our goal of helping every student feel prepared for their future.
On Future Preparedness Day, students will have opportunities such as:
· Reflecting on their learning and receiving feedback from teachers
· Getting their final grades and completing any remaining activities
· Using tools like myBlueprint and the Individual Pathway Planner to plan courses and explore career options
· Learning about well-being, mental health, and skills for success
· Participating in sessions with guest speakers on topics that support future planning
At Saltfleet the schedule for the day will be as follows:
Buses will run on a normal school day (8:00 – 2:30) schedule. Normal attendance procedures are in effect. If your student is not attending the full day or the AM/PM session, please excuse them in Parent Portal or by calling the school.
STUDENT SERVICES
During exam week, Student Services will be open for appointments. If a student requires a class change or an updated pathway following the semester results, please contact Student Services as soon as possible. Timetable changes are considered for updates to pathways, course levels, or to account for failed courses. Parent permission is required for all course changes unless a student is >18 years of age. Enrolment in eLearning is closed and space in classes is limited. Please ensure that your child reviews their timetable on Parent Portal as rooms, teachers, and periods may have changed. If you require assistance with parent portal login, please contact the main office. Requests for teacher changes will not be accommodated.
COURSE SELECTION FOR 2026_2027
- HWDSB is offering synchronous night school for semester 2. The deadline is February 13th to registration. information found here: Night School | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- Course selection for next school year will begin March 2nd and close March 27th on myBlueprint.
- Course selection resources are posted on the school website, and Guidance Counsellors are available for individual appointments to discuss courses, pathways, and post secondary planning.
- Summer school information and deadlines are found on the Continuing Education site. Summer | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
GOOD LUCK TO ALL STUDENTS!
ALL INFORMATION POSTED HERE: End of Semester Jan 2026 – Student and Family Information
Updated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.