Thames Valley Highlights - November 3, 2026 | Issue #79
Dear Thames Valley Community,
Since the first day of school, it’s been an honour to witness school communities come together, especially during days of significance.
Days such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) are important reminders of Thames Valley’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Education. I encourage you to continue accessing Indigenous Education resources, available through the board’s website, throughout the year, so that we can honour Residential School survivors and those who did not make it home.
Small actions, such as incorporating new resources or questioning our previous understanding, can make a big difference in the lives of students and the greater community. This month’s newsletter highlights several instances where Thames Valley staff and students achieved excellence in education through their creativity, ingenuity, and dedication.
Thank you to everyone who helped make “good news stories” like the ones featured this month possible. Your hard work and commitment continue to showcase learning at its best. In particular, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for Custodians, Child Care Workers, Early Childhood Educators and Teachers, who were celebrated during their respective days of recognition in October.
To Thames Valley staff – thank you for sharing your stories! I hope you continue submitting your achievements to Share Your Story, so that we can recognize your incredible work across the system every month.
With gratitude,
Kevin Auckland
CEO, Thames Valley District School Board
London teenage band takes centre stage in new documentary premiere at Forest City Film Festival
Three H.B. Beal Secondary School students are taking their growing music career to stages across Canada, and now to the big screen.
Thunder Queens, a punk rock band featuring Grade 11 and 12 students Violet Bruneel, Clara Magnan and Lola Good, have already achieved the kind of success to which many established musicians aspire. The trio has toured Canada and shared bills with major artists including Sheryl Crow, The Beaches, Sloan and 54-40.
Earlier this year, Thunder Queens recorded their second studio album, Deep Below, in Toronto with Grammy-winning producer Dave Schiffman, whose credits include work with Smashing Pumpkins and Alanis Morissette. During a recent appearance on CBC Radio’s Q with Tom Power, Power described Deep Below as one of the best new records of the year.
Now, their journey is the subject of a new documentary, Thunder Queens, which recently celebrated its world premiere at the Forest City Film Festival. The film explores the band’s story while highlighting women in music, the importance of community and the potential of today’s youth.
Students and staff from Beal attended the premiere, where the film was met with standing ovations. "It was an unforgettable evening filled with emotion, tears and laughter," said Andrew Parr, a teacher at Beal and staff lead for the school's Rock Band Club. "Lola, Violet and Clara are navigating this exciting journey with immense grace and maturity, and we are so fortunate to have them as Raiders! In this film they show us that their generation is to be heard and respected. I left the theatre bursting with pride and grateful to be a part of the Thunder Queens community. I encourage everyone to go see the film – you will leave inspired!"
On top of their incredible music career as Thunder Queens, Violet, Clara and Lola are also dedicated students at H.B. Beal Secondary School, where they participate in the school band as well as a number of other extracurriculars and are currently considering post-secondary education pathways in music.
Thunder Queens' accomplishments showcase the remarkable creativity and talent of Thames Valley students and demonstrate what young people can achieve when passion, opportunity and community come together.
CTV News Highlights Student Kindness at TVDSB Cross-Country Finals
Two Thames Valley students demonstrated to us earlier this month what it means to be bold about being kind!
When runner Jackson, a student from Ashley Oaks PS, noticed fellow competitor Mathias, from Turtle Island PS, struggling during the cross-country finals, he gave up his position to help him reach the finish line, and the two students crossed together.
Check out the story from CTV and congratulations to both athletes for setting such a positive example!
Kindergarten Registration is now open!
Kindergarten registration for the 2027-2028 school year is now open!
Kindergarten is a two-year, full-day program that focuses on creating a strong foundation of learning for children. Parents can start the registration process, get answers to frequently asked questions, and do a virtual tour of a kindergarten classroom by visiting www.tvdsb.ca/kindergarten
Mega Mini Forest planted in St. Thomas by Éva Circé-Côté students
Grade 7 and 8 students from Mme Centeno and Mme Bond's class at Éva Circé-Côté French Immersion Public School helped plant a MEGA Mini Forest at Parish Park in St. Thomas! As part of their science unit on ecosystems, students are researching local native tree species and planting more than 400 trees.
Through participation in the City of St. Thomas MEGA Mini Forest tree-planting initiative, students engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning. By planting a wide variety of native trees and shrubs close together in rich, healthy soil, these mini forests grow quickly, develop layers of ground cover, shrubs, and tall trees, and become resilient ecosystems.
Félicitations les Royales!
Virtual Grade 8 Family Information Session
Grade 8 families are invited to join us for a virtual Grade 8 Family Information Session on Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m.! This session is offered to welcome and support families in preparing for the transition to high school in Thames Valley.
Grade 8 Family Information Session
Thursday, November 5 | 7 p.m.
Meeting Link (Microsoft Teams)
Join the session to learn more about:
- Exciting pathways and academic opportunities offered at TVDSB high schools
- Registration process and timelines
- Course selection
- Graduation requirements
- Transition support and resources
- Q&A
High School Grade 8 Open House Information Nights
High School Open Houses are coming up soon!
Grade 8 students and families are invited to visit or contact their local high school to learn more about the great opportunities Thames Valley schools have to offer – from quality academics and skilled trades education to athletics, music and art.
Most family information nights include a special presentation about the high school, its unique programs and the registration process. Families can also tour the school and ask the principal and teachers more about programs and other opportunities.
Specialty Program Open Houses at TVDSB
Did you know that TVDSB offers specialty programs in the arts, athletics, skilled trades and more?
Check out our upcoming Specialty Program Open Houses below or on our website:
TVDSB Specialty Programs and Other Opportunities
Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD)
Tuesday, November 3 @ 6:30 p.m.
ASAD Campus, Komoka Wellness & Recreation Centre (1 Tunks Ln, Komoka)
Aviation School
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
TVDSB Aviation Hangar (2480 Huron St, Unit #3, London)
Bealart Visual Art Programs
Wednesday, November 18 @ 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 @ 12-3 p.m.
Thursday, January 14 @ 6-8 p.m.
H.B. Beal Secondary School (525 Dundas St, London)
Enhanced Construction Program (ECP)
December 2 @ 6:30-8 p.m.
Carpenters Union Local 1946 Training Centre (3800 Highbury Ave, London)
Head, Heart, Hands Environmental Leadership Project (H3-ELP)
Tuesday, November 17 @ 7 p.m.
Westminster Ponds Environmental Education Centre (930 Western Counties Rd, London)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
Thursday, December 10 @ 7 p.m.
Oakridge Secondary School (1040 Oxford St W, London)
SHSM Showcase Day at Fanshawe College
In early October, Grade 12 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students visited Fanshawe College for SHSM Showcase Day! This exciting event gave students the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways while engaging in hands-on, sector-specific learning experiences.
Students had the opportunity to connect with Fanshawe faculty and staff, explore program areas, and participate in interactive activities aligned with their SHSM sectors.
Explore the Skilled Trades at the 5th Annual Level Up! Open House
Does your child in Grades 7-12 enjoy hands-on learning?
The Level Up! Open House is a free event where students can explore more than 140 skilled trades. They can try interactive activities, meet tradespeople and local employers, and learn about different career options.
5th Annual Level Up! Open House
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Western Fair District J-AAR Expo Centre
Admission: FREE!
To learn more, please visit the Level Up! Open House website.
Beal art teacher receives national recognition for excellence in art education
Thames Valley District School Board congratulates Kim Davy, a valued art teacher at H.B. Beal Secondary School, for receiving the prestigious Rita L. Irwin Art Teacher Dissemination of Knowledge Award from the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA/SCEA) and the journal Canadian Art Teacher (CAT).
Kim Davy is one of just five educators from across Canada named as award recipients this fall, and the only recipient representing Ontario. The Rita L. Irwin Art Teacher Dissemination of Knowledge Award is a national recognition program that celebrates outstanding K-12 art educators who contribute to sharing knowledge and fostering meaningful learning through the visual arts.
Kim was nominated for the award by a BealArt alumna who wanted to honour the exceptional impact she has had on students through her work in the classroom.
"I am deeply passionate about the power of Art Education to drive personal growth and development," said Kim Davy. "As an educator, my primary mission is to support and empower students as they find their voice, build technical skills, and expand their creative awareness. I encourage them to focus on their unique artistic journeys—where "mileage on the hands" reflects a dedication to practice, and deep research fosters an authentic voice. By inviting students to take risks, I help them learn to trust the creative process. Within the Bealart community, staff and students uplift one another through coordinated teamwork, critical dialogue, technical growth, and conceptual exploration. Ultimately, my hope is that our students cultivate lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom, shaping them into future creators and engaged community members."
As part of the recognition, Kim participated in a CAT Conversation on October 15, joining fellow award recipients in an 80-minute discussion focused on creative programming and art education.
Congratulations to Kim Davy on this outstanding achievement and recognition of her work in art education!
October Employee Recognition in Thames Valley
During the month of October, Thames Valley was pleased to recognize the following staff groups:
National Custodian Recognition Day
October 2 was National Custodial Workers Recognition Day.
On this day we were proud to acknowledge the incredible custodians and maintenance staff who keep Thames Valley's schools and workplaces clean and safe.
Thank you to the many custodial and maintenance workers in Thames Valley who ensure our facilities are in great shape to learn and work. You are an integral part of the Thames Valley team!
World Teacher Day
On October 5, we celebrated World Teacher’s Day.
Teachers in Thames Valley deserve recognition and appreciation for the exceptional care and professionalism they demonstrate every day.
We are so proud of the incredible teachers across the district who support and educate students to maximize their unique potential.
Thank you to our Thames Valley teachers for your tireless efforts in building a bright future for each student that enters a TVDSB classroom. You are appreciated!
Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
October 24 was Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
The day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators across Thames Valley.
Thank you for all that you do to help students achieve success!
The City of London recently collected public testimonies celebrating Child Care Workers & Early Childhood Educators Appreciation Day – read them here.
Thank you to all of the incredible staff who make a difference in the lives of Thames Valley students every day. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.
Call for Submissions: Share Your Good News!
Thames Valley Highlights is looking for stories to feature in upcoming editions! We want to celebrate the incredible achievements, inspiring moments and everyday successes that make our district a wonderful place to learn and work.
Do you have a story to share about:
- A student’s academic achievement or personal growth
- A teacher or staff member going above and beyond
- Community partnerships making a difference
- Exciting events, projects, or initiatives at your school
- Acts of kindness, inclusion, and collaboration within the school community
If you have a story that deserves to be spotlighted, we’d love to hear from you!
How to submit your story:
- Visit www.tvdsb.ca/ShareYourStory and fill out the form
- Please include any relevant photos (with appropriate consent) or quotes
Let’s celebrate all the amazing things happening in our schools! We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories with the wider Thames Valley community.