Good afternoon,
Below is a Back to School Letter to Students and Families from the Minister of Education. Thank you.
September 4, 2026
Dear Families and Students,
I want to welcome students and families back to school and wish you a successful year ahead. Whether you are starting Kindergarten, entering high school, preparing to graduate, or returning to a familiar classroom, a new school year brings new opportunities to learn, build confidence, and develop the skills you need for the future.
Students, I hope you make the most of the year ahead. Work hard, ask questions, challenge yourself, and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. We want every student in Ontario to have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
To parents and guardians, thank you for the role you play in your child’s education. Your involvement and support make a real difference, and you deserve to have confidence that your child is getting the education they need to succeed.
Over the past year, we have made significant changes across Ontario’s education system, with a clear focus on putting student achievement first. This school year, students will return to an updated curriculum, new classroom resources, clearer expectations around attendance and assessment, and additional supports for students, families, and teachers. These changes will help students build strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math, and better prepare them for rewarding and in-demand careers.
We also continue to work to provide more consistent learning experiences for students across the province and ensure teachers have the tools and resources they need to support student success.
Below, you will find more information about what is changing this school year, along with resources available to help students and families throughout the year.
I wish every student a successful, safe and rewarding year, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Paul Calandra
Minister of Education
Important resources and information for the 2026-27 school year
Paper report cards
Parents will have clear and reliable access to information about how their child is doing, with school boards once again required to provide families with paper report cards. Parents and guardians of students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 will receive a paper copy of their child’s report card for the January/February and June reporting periods.
More funding for classroom supplies
For years, teachers have spent their own money, and parents have been asked to pitch in, to help purchase materials for classrooms. Starting this September, every eligible elementary teacher will have direct access to $750 for classroom supplies. The Classroom Supplies Fund complements existing base funding schools receive for classroom and school supplies.
Welcome to Kindergarten!
Starting this September, students in kindergarten will learn based on the new Ontario Kindergarten curriculum focused on developing foundational skills in literacy, math and science and technology. Parents and families can learn how the Kindergarten curriculum prepares your child for Grade 1 from Kindergarten: an overview for parents (2026).
This page has resources to help support the start of your child’s journey at school.
Grading and assessment
Students in Grades 9 to 12 will be required to complete mandatory written exams and their weighting will be consistent across the province. Attendance and participation in the classroom will also count toward final marks. Excused absences, including for recreational, competitive, and school sports, as well as family vacations, are still permitted. The administrative process to have your child's absence excused is the same as it was last year. Read the detailed assessment policy which outlines how secondary students will be assessed and graded.
Financial literacy requirement
Beginning this fall, students must complete a financial literacy graduation requirement as part of the Grade 10 Career Studies course to earn their high school diploma. More information can be found at Financial literacy education in schools | ontario.ca.
For families interested in supporting their child’s financial literacy, please visit these resources developed by partner organizations including TVO.
History curriculum updates
The updated curriculum includes expanded learning about Black history in Canada in Grades 7, 8 and 10 History and new learning on extreme political and social ideologies - the Holocaust and the Holodomor famine in Grade 10. To learn more, parents and families can find overviews of the Grades 7 and 8 and Grade 10 History curriculum on the Curriculum and Resources website, as well as resources to support the learning in Grades 7 and 8 and Grade 10.
New resources and guidance documents
To support a consistent learning experience in classrooms, the Ministry of Education has created the following resource guides:
Ontario Day: The guide shared with school boards and educators outlines requirements and provides guidance on how to observe Ontario Day. It supports a consistent approach to Ontario Day activities across schools and aligns with provincial priorities for student engagement and well-being.
Remembrance Day. This year, the ministry will be sharing Remembrance Day guidelines and supporting resources to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of Remembrance Day. The guidelines will support teachers to provide a consistent education about Remembrance Day for all students across the province.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Beginning this year, educators will have access to guidance on how to support meaningful, age-appropriate student learning and reflection each year in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Parents and caregivers are invited to visit the resources developed by the Ministry of Education and TVO so they can support their children at home.
Understanding your child’s learning
TVO resources for students in Grades1-8 and for students in Grades 9-12.
Nelson Education’s Edwin: a learning platform for all teachers
This school year, Ontario teachers can access English and French resources through Nelson Education’s Edwin platform, supporting consistent, engaging, and curriculum-aligned learning experiences for students across the province.
Student and Family Support Offices: Helping families with complex concerns
Families can now call or email their school board's Student and Family Support Office (SFSO) if they need help with school-related concerns that have not been addressed by their child's teacher or principal. Contact your SFSO through your school board’s website.
Free 1:1 Grade 4-12 math tutoring with Ontario Certified Teachers
TVO Learn Mathify connects students in Grades 4-12 with free 1:1 online math tutoring. All tutors are Ontario Certified Teachers and ready to help students better understand math concepts and questions. Learn more at Information for Parents | TVO Learn Mathify.
Free French-language tutoring and homework help
Mon Eureka offers free online tutoring and homework support in French for students in Grades 1 through 12 across all subject areas. The service helps students strengthen their understanding and succeed in their learning. Qualified tutors are available with a variety of subjects and learning needs. Learn more at Mon Eureka.
Supporting safe and positive school environments
Starting in September, school boards and local police services will be working together to implement School Resource Officer (SRO) programs in many Ontario communities. These programs help strengthen partnerships between police, schools and community partners to ensure all students feel safe, supported and can focus on learning.
Vision screening
Clear vision is important to success in the classroom. It is recommended that all children have a comprehensive eye exam before entering school and every year afterwards. Annual eye exams for children and youth under the age of 20 are covered by OHIP. To find an eye doctor, please check the College of Optometrists webpage or contact Health811. You do not need referral from a family doctor.