The Rainbow District School Board (RDSB), together with Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon (CSC Nouvelon), Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB), and Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, has released the official 2025-2026 school year calendar. Coordinating across these four school boards ensures consistency in scheduling, student transportation, and community planning across Greater Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin Island, and Sudbury East including Warren, Markstay, Noëlville, St. Charles, and Killarney.
This shared calendar streamlines operations and helps families plan ahead, and it will soon be submitted for final approval by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Start of School Year
The academic year will commence for students on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, following the Labour Day weekend. This first day of school is a full instructional day, with no early dismissal.
The preceding day, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for staff. PA days allow educators to engage in professional development, planning, and collaborative activities to ensure a smooth start to the year for students.
Key Dates for 2025-2026
The calendar outlines holidays, school breaks, and exam periods, offering families and students a clear view of the year ahead.
- Labour Day: September 1, 2025
- First Day of School for Students: September 3, 2025
- Thanksgiving: October 13, 2025
- Christmas Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Family Day: February 16, 2026
- Mid-Winter Break (March Break): March 16 – March 20, 2026
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026
- Victoria Day: May 18, 2026
- Last Day of School for Students: June 26, 2026
This schedule ensures equity across English and French-language schools and allows for proper family planning, holiday travel, and community activities.
Secondary School Semesters
Secondary schools follow a two-semester system, designed to help students focus on fewer courses at a time, improving both learning outcomes and workload management.
- First Semester: September 3, 2025 – January 30, 2026
- Second Semester: February 2, 2026 – June 26, 2026
This approach allows students to master each subject thoroughly and provides sufficient time for assessments and exam preparation.
Examination Periods
Secondary students have two main exam windows to demonstrate mastery of their courses:
- Semester 1 Exams: January 23 – 29, 2026 (5 days)
- Semester 2 Exams: June 22 – 26, 2026 (5 days)
These exam periods are well-spaced to allow focused study, ensuring fair assessment across the district.
Professional Activity (PA) Days
PA Days give teachers the opportunity for training, curriculum planning, and collaboration. Students are not required to attend school on these days.
- September 2, 2025
- September 26, 2025
- October 20, 2025
- November 28, 2025
- January 30, 2026
- February 27, 2026
- June 5, 2026
These days strengthen teaching quality and provide opportunities for staff to align instructional strategies across schools.
Benefits of a Unified Calendar
- A coordinated calendar across multiple boards provides several advantages:
- Consistency for families: Parents with children in different schools benefit from aligned holidays.
- Efficient transportation planning: School buses and routes can be scheduled with fewer conflicts.
- Smooth school operations: Coordinated PA days and breaks help staff plan professional development.
- Enhanced student experience: Students experience structured breaks, exam preparation periods, and predictable schedules.
Quick Reference Table: 2025-2026
- Event Date
- Labour Day September 1, 2025
- First Day of School September 3, 2025
- Thanksgiving October 13, 2025
- Christmas Break December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Family Day February 16, 2026
- March Break March 16 – March 20, 2026
- Good Friday April 3, 2026
- Easter Monday April 6, 2026
- Victoria Day May 18, 2026
- Last Day of School June 26, 2026
- Semester 1 Exams January 23 – 29, 2026
- Semester 2 Exams June 22 – 26, 2026
- PA Days Sep 2, 26; Oct 20; Nov 28; Jan 30; Feb 27; Jun 5
Tips for Students and Families
- Track Important Dates: Use a planner or digital calendar to mark holidays, exam periods, and PA days.
- Plan for Exams: Start review sessions two weeks before exams to stay prepared.
- Maximize Breaks: Use Christmas and March breaks to rest, explore hobbies, or engage in enrichment activities.
- Monitor School Announcements: Schools may post updates or adjustments on their websites or newsletters.
- Maintain Wellness: Proper sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are crucial for peak academic performance.
FAQ – Rainbow District School Board 2025-2026
Q1: When does the 2025-2026 school year start?
A: Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after Labour Day.
Q2: When are the PA days?
A: September 2, 26; October 20; November 28; January 30; February 27; June 5.
Q3: When are the secondary school exams?
A: January 23 – 29, 2026 (Semester 1) and June 22 – 26, 2026 (Semester 2).
Q4: When is March Break?
A: March 16 – March 20, 2026.
Q5: Does this calendar apply to French-language schools?
A: Yes, it is consistent for both English and French-language schools in the region.
Conclusion
The Rainbow District School Board 2025-2026 calendar provides families, students, and educators with a clear roadmap for the entire school year. From key holidays and school breaks to professional activity days and exam periods, the calendar ensures everyone can plan efficiently. Coordinated across Greater Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin Island, and Sudbury East, it promotes consistency and helps students focus on learning while balancing rest and recreation. By staying informed and marking important dates early, families can make the most of the school year, ensuring a smooth and successful academic experience.