A recent collaboration between Gravenhurst High School (GHS) and Gravenhurst Public School (GPS) has allowed students to form relationships and build confidence, all while learning about science in an engaging, hands-on environment.

The initiative, otherwise known as Science Buddies, has been running all year and sees students meeting monthly to learn about biology, chemistry, and health sciences through interactive workshops.

To date, six different high school classes have been involved, working with 35 students in Grades 1 and 2, alternating between schools each month.

“Engagement and excitement have been high throughout the project, with students from both schools eagerly anticipating their time together,” said GHS vice-principal, Clare McLean-Wilson.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to the high school leaders – they have worked really hard to set up engaging stations for our Grade 1 and 2 students, covering topics related to the human body, light and shadows, solids, liquids, and so much more!” said GPS Grade 2 teacher, Kaitlin Brown. “The hands-on stations, like observing a cow eye, looking through microscopes at cells, and putting together the internal parts of a human body model have been a highlight for our students.”

The post Partnership Between Gravenhurst High School And Gravenhurst Public School Allows Students To Build Confidence appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The development of next school year’s budget has been focused on ensuring that every dollar is aligned with the goals set out in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan,” said chief executive officer/chief education officer, Wes Hahn. “I am confident that this balanced forecast demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship while providing the necessary resources to support our students and staff effectively.”

The budget is driven by a projected increase in enrollment to 17,951 across elementary and secondary schools next school year. Operational increases in the budget address higher utility, snow removal, and maintenance costs, while also managing pressures for supply staff and software agreements.

“The 2026-2027 budget allocates resources to programs, staffing, technology, and support systems designed to optimize student learning outcomes and overall well-being, which is made possible due to the careful planning and ongoing dedication to financial responsibility year-after-year,” shared superintendent of Business Services, Nicole Britton.

Trustees were presented with a detailed breakdown of the 2026-2027 provincial funding allocations alongside the Board’s projected operating expenses. The final 2026-2027 Budget is available on the Public Sector Reports page on the Board’s website.

The post Trillium Lakelands District School Board Approves A Balanced 2026-2027 Budget appeared first on Muskoka411.

As part of this process, a zoning by-law amendment application related to the property will be considered by the Town’s Planning and Development Committee on Wednesday, July 8. The application represents an important step forward in the review process and will publicly outline the proposed uses for the site; however, no approvals have been granted at this time, and several municipal and regulatory steps remain before any redevelopment can proceed.

The proposal, submitted by the Muskoka Health and Wellness Centre, would see the existing building renovated into a community health and wellness centre serving Bracebridge and the broader Muskoka region. The concept is intended to replicate a successful model established in Orillia and would include partnerships with local health care providers.

Potential features of the proposed facility could include:

• Clinical and primary care office space;
• A supportive suite of medical and wellness services;
• Future opportunities for a primary care teaching clinic and other health care education; and
• Approximately 18,000 square feet dedicated to health-related services and programming.

Following the statutory public process, the application will be considered by Council at the July 15 meeting.

For meeting agendas and associated reports, visit events.bracebridge.ca/council.

The post Bracebridge Provides Update On Future Vision For Former Georgian College Campus  appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post Gravenhurst High School Senior Boys Basketball Team Received OFSAA Sportsmanship Award – Again appeared first on Muskoka411.

Through a project supported by a Rotary District Grant, the club has acquired and installed
three accessible outdoor picnic tables at Huntsville High School. The $4,500 project was
designed to create a welcoming, inclusive, and functional outdoor space that can be used
by students during the school day and by community members during evenings and
weekends.

The accessible tables provide seating that can accommodate individuals using
wheelchairs and other mobility devices, ensuring that all students and visitors can
comfortably participate in outdoor activities. The tables will offer students a dedicated area
to enjoy snacks and lunch, connect with friends, and participate in outdoor classroom
activities. The space will also be available for community use outside of school hours,
particularly for visitors to the nearby Summit Centre.

“One of the needs identified by the school was the lack of outdoor facilities where students
could gather and where teachers could conduct classes outside,” said Brent, President of
Rotary People of Action Huntsville. “At the same time, there was a need for additional
seating for community members using the area. By installing accessible tables, we are
helping to create a space that everyone can enjoy.”

Rotarians worked closely with school representatives to determine the best location for the
tables, procure the equipment, and coordinate installation. The project reflects Rotary’s
commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and creating spaces that benefit the entire
community.

The project also carries special significance for the club. It was inspired by the vision of the
late Sharon Wallace, a dedicated Rotarian whose passion for service and community
impact helped guide the club’s first successful District Grant application. Alongside fellow
Rotarian Anita Gleeson, Sharon championed the grant process and encouraged the club to
think bigger about the ways Rotary could support local needs.
“This project is a wonderful example of Sharon’s legacy in action,” said Anita. “She believed
deeply in Rotary’s ability to create positive change, and these tables will serve students and
community members for years to come.”

The official unveiling of the tables will take place on June 11, when members of Rotary
People of Action Huntsville gather at Huntsville High School to recognize the completion of
the project and celebrate Sharon Wallace’s contributions to Rotary and the community.
Rotary People of Action Huntsville continues to support projects that strengthen the
community, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for people of all ages and
abilities to connect, learn, and thrive.

The post Rotary People Of Action Huntsville Creates Accessible Outdoor Learning And Gathering Space At Huntsville High School appeared first on Muskoka411.

Between May 11 to 16, the MPS Grade 7 and 8 Jazz and Concert Bands, led by Karen Lonsdale and organized by Nicole Veitch, travelled to Niagara Falls to participate in the MusicFest Canada Nationals. Both bands worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity after qualifying last year.

“I have seen their dedication towards music since Grade 3 and I was so excited to give them the opportunity in their graduating year,” said Lonsdale.

The Jazz Band, made up of 21 talented students, performed first and earned a gold standing. During their clinic, they had the opportunity to learn and work with adjudicator Colleen Allen.

Next up was the Concert Band. All 48 students performed flawlessly and also received a gold standing. During their clinic, they had the privilege of working and learning with adjudicator Dr. Gretchen McNamara. The Concert Band also won a gold standing for their sight reading during the clinic.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible: the Wescott family, Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Boyd and Cathy Smith, James Murphy, Amy Bridle, Theatre Muskoka, DPB Delivery, and Muskoka Steamships.

Congratulations to all of the students on this outstanding accomplishment!

The post Monck Public School Bands Earn Gold At MusicFest Canada Nationals appeared first on Muskoka411.

An email sent out to parents on March 31 explained that the initiative is aimed at getting 75 per cent of students to attend school 90 per cent of the time. According to the school, weekly attendance has been hovering between 68 per cent and 71 per cent throughout the current school year.

“The principal has initiated a school-wide challenge as an effort to elevate school spirit and bring awareness to the benefits of regularly attending school,” said Carolynne Bull, Manager of Communications Services for Trillium Lakelands District School Board. “This challenge is intended to be a fun-filled way for everyone to get involved.”

According to Bull, the school board has been sharing information directly with families about the positive impact regularly attending school has on student well-being over the last two years. She said that an initiative like this is not uncommon, and schools can choose whether or not they will do something similar to what Macaulay has established.

Based on a survey of the other public schools in the area, Macaulay Public School is the only one that has initiated an attendance-based challenge for this school year. 

Brytnie Minns, whose children attend Macaulay, said that she and other parents are concerned that the program doesn’t tackle the real reason why children are not attending school regularly.

“Perfect attendance programs overall promote unhealthy, rigid standards, often resulting in burnout rather than providing true motivation, meaning the programs actually become demotivating.” said Minns.

“Encouraging attendance regardless of what may be going on outside of school, or when experiencing mental or physical health concerns, can have further negative mental or physical well-being impacts. This can lead to higher levels of burnout or disengagement.”

When asked about whether or not the attendance program will account for explained absences, Bull said that it will.

“The challenge has been designed with averages of all classes combined, and points given for various ranges of attendance,” Bull explained. “It is understood, school-wide, that students may be ill, have appointments, and/or need to miss school for other reasons which will not affect the challenge.”

It’s not just student well-being that parents are worried about, but also bullying and harassment that children may be facing at school. Minns said that parents are already keeping their children home from school due to these concerns, and this program will only cause them to grow.

“Attendance is an individual issue, not a group goal,” Minns said. “Group rewards can cause peer resentment towards individuals who are absent, which can lead to increased bullying and harassment.” 

When asked about the concern that students may not be going to school for more serious reasons, such as bullying, Bull said that principals and teachers will support students where needed.

“TLDSB principals work hard to understand the root cause(s) of why a student does not attend school. If bullying is a factor in regularly attending school, parents/guardians and/or the student are encouraged to contact their teacher or school principal, if they haven’t already done so, to support this student.”

Minns said that while she and other parents understand the thought behind attendance initiatives, it doesn’t change the concerns they have when it comes to the negative effects that come with them. 

“We understand attendance is a problem across Ontario, and that funding is directly related to attendance, but we’ve done research and firmly believe rewarding ‘perfect attendance’ doesn’t address the root cause, is setting our children up for failure, and may actually cause more harm than good.”

The post Parents Voicing Concerns Over New Perfect Attendance Program At Macaulay appeared first on Muskoka411.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) student’s skills were recently put to the test at the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition!

Taking place from May 4 to 5 in Toronto, students who previously qualified at the Board-wide competitions held earlier in the spring represented TLDSB by competing individually and in groups against students from schools across the province.

At the elementary level, four students from Irwin Memorial Public School competed in the team of four construction competition, as well as two teams of two from Huntsville Public School and Riverside Public School in the television and film competition.

At the secondary level, 29 students took part in 24 competitions, including architectural technology and design, auto painting, auto service technology, brick masonry, cabinetmaking, carpentry (individual, team of two, and team of four), floristry, graphic design, hairstyling, heavy equipment, horticulture and landscape, job interview, mechanical CAD, outdoor powered equipment, photography, plumbing, precision machining, prepared speech refrigeration, welding, and workplace safety.

Below are the results from the competitions:

Elementary

• Riverside Public School students Ammon Fuller and Ella Steward won a bronze medal in the team of two television and film competition.

Secondary

• Fenelon Falls Secondary School student Grady Smith won a gold medal in the cabinetmaking competition.
• Huntsville High School student Cayden Hamilton won bronze in the refrigeration competition.

“On behalf of the Board, I can say that we are very happy with our results and look forward to watching Grady compete at the national level,” said Specialist High Skills Major consultant, Steve Spiers. “All of our students represented themselves, their schools, and TLDSB with class. Congratulations to all.”

Smith will advance to the Skills Ontario National Competition held in Toronto on May 28 and 29 as a member of Team Ontario.

Congratulations to all students who competed in the competitions—your hard work showed off!

The post Local Students Shine At The 2026 Skills Ontario Provincial Competition appeared first on Muskoka411.

On May 5, Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) students from Huntsville High School (HHS) and Gravenhurst High School participated in a sector-partnered experience at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.

These SHSM programs are designed to allow Grade 11 and 12 students to specialize in specific career sectors, such as arts and culture, construction, health and wellness, hospitality and tourism. Upon graduation, students receive a SHSM seal and formal recognition on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The day began with an introduction to the Deerhurst team and a presentation from Mark O’Dell, director of team development. O’Dell led an engaging icebreaker that encouraged students to ask questions and to think outside the box.

Following this activity, students explored the resort through guided tours. Department leads from food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services provided behind-the-scenes access to the professional kitchen, laundry facilities, mechanical rooms, and various event spaces. This allowed students to see firsthand how resort operations relate to their specific SHSM sectors.

Their main activity of the day was a practical innovation challenge. Students were tasked with identifying a specific need within the resort, then were given a hypothetical capital budget of $500,000 to develop and pitch a viable solution to resort staff. The resulting pitches were creative, focusing on growth-oriented ideas, including a playground , splash pad, and a small movie theater.

Overall, this hands-on experience provided students with invaluable insights into their SHSM sector.

The post Students From Muskoka High Schools Completed A Sector-Partnered Experience At Deerhurst Resort appeared first on Muskoka411.

Steve Johnson, who was one of the four founding faculty members, said that this celebration will be the first time in 20 years that there has been a gathering of all alumni and staff from the past.

“It’s been a long time,” said Johnson. “I think we were planning a 25th anniversary, but COVID hit and we had to lay off on that for a few years.” 

Johnson said that it has been incredible to see the growth of the school from day one to the present. 

“It’s been pretty amazing to watch, particularly back in the first few years where we started with just grade 9. We had 63 students for the first year, and then we added another 50 or 60 in the second year.”

By the fourth year, when grades 9 through 12 started attending the school, St. Dominic boasted a roster of almost 300 students. Johnson said that the immense increase in size over those years meant they were ready for a new location.

“We were bursting at the seams over in the old industrial mall at the south end of Bracebridge. In 1999, the school board decided to build an actual full-blown school for us to accommodate that growth, and then over time they added a full-sized gymnasium and other aspects of a full school that we have today.”

Despite the rapid growth, St. Dominic remained a close-knit community. Johnson said that he, along with his wife Kristan and close friends Mike and Josée King who made up the rest of the teaching staff, knew every one of the students that walked through the doors each day.

“It was really exciting to be part of that with our first year students because they knew they were part of something special. We knew all the students and they knew all of us well, and it was a great time being part of that early on in the history of St. Dominic.” 

Current enrollment for St. Dominic sits around 160, allowing for very small class sizes and for teachers and students to better connect with one another over the four years that they’re in high school.

Anybody who wishes to attend the celebrations can stop by St. Dominic CSS anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. on May 15. Johnson said that even though it’s a short period of time, people are welcome to bring any mementos they may have.

“Most of the time we’ll spend simply talking with each other, but if people have things that trigger memories, bring them along and we’d be happy to take a look and converse over anything that’s brought up. If we can’t contain those memories in the two hours, we’ll just let it spill later into the evening.”

The post St. Dominic CSS Celebrating 30th Anniversary This Month appeared first on Muskoka411.