Tune In YRDSB: Pride Month: Celebrating Students, Affirming Identities

In this Pride Month episode of the Tune In YRDSB podcast, hear how YRDSB is celebrating and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families, not just in June, but yearround. 

From meaningful flag-raising ceremonies to student-led events that centre visibility, this conversation highlights the ongoing commitment to representation, affirmation and community. 

Listen now. 

Athletes of York Region: Badminton Tournament

Serving up skill, spirit and sportsmanship, students from 42 elementary schools participated in a full day of friendly competition in girls, boys and mixed doubles at the York Region Elementary Regional Badminton Tournament. 

This tournament, organized by the York Region Elementary Athletic Association (Y.R.E.A.A.), welcomed players of all levels to compete in a supportive and inclusive environment where they could challenge themselves, build confidence and celebrate the game.

Y.R.E.A.A. events provide players with valuable opportunities that encourage teamwork, perseverance and personal growth while improving their skills. Many former YRDSB students who have competed in this tournament have gone on to pursue professional badminton careers, playing at the provincials and national level and proving that events like this are a meaningful step in a student-athletes journey. 

Whether it's battling through tight matches, playing alongside siblings, or simply enjoying the rush of the game, every student walks away with pride, memories, and a drive to keep improving. The tournament saw strong performances across all divisions, with the top four teams in each division being recognized.

Girls Doubles

1. Pierre Berton PS
2. Highgate PS
3. Trillium Woods PS
4. Wellington PS

Boys Doubles

1. Central Park PS
2. Lake Wilcox PS
3. Silver Stream PS
4. Crosby Heights PS

Mixed Doubles

1. David Suzuki PS
2. Beckett Farm PS
3. Lester B. Pearson PS
4. Little Rouge PS

Athletes of York Region: Wrestling Team at Stephen Lewis Secondary School

For the past 16 years, Trevor Lane has coached the wrestling team at Stephen Lewis Secondary School. He and the dedicated coaching staff share their passion for, and technical knowledge of wrestling with a diverse group of students.

The focus is on fun, safely learning techniques that employ leverage for every strength level, and on building strong friendships within a strong community dynamic.

Many team members tell us that the training and skills they develop in wrestling help them both on and off the mat.

The team had an excellent season in 2024-2025, hosting and winning the York Region championships. The girls have been unstoppable in York Region, having won the championship every year they have competed

Many of the boys and girls also competed this year in OFSAA, the provincial championship, where the team placed within the top 10 in Ontario.

“Competing on this team has really helped me grow. It's really helped me improve who I am and figure out who I am as a person,” says Jordan.

“Join the team, it’s really worth it,” advises Iris, the girls’ team co-captain.

Tune In: South Asian Heritage Month: United by Heritage

In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, Tune In YRDSB welcomes six secondary students for an honest conversation about culture, identity and belonging.

Together, they reflect on the pride, strength and growth that comes from embracing their South Asian heritage, while also exploring the diverse experiences within the community. Through personal stories, they highlight how culture can be both grounding and transformative, offering connection, peace and a strong sense of self.

Listen now. 

Students at Unionville H.S. Recognized for Development of Innovative Agricultural Tech Company

At Unionville High School, a group of enterprising students from Grades 9-12 have created their own innovative agricultural tech company, Agrowtech.

Prompted by Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow challenge and led by the school’s Assistant Head of Science Jeffrey Chan, the students sought to solve real world problems that affect people they know in their community. After extensive research, they decided to focus on the challenges currently affecting farmers in Ontario and beyond.

Agrowtech is a smart modular farming system that incorporates drone imagery, LIDAR, photogrammetry and AI, and presents its data in a convenient mobile app.

As the students of Agrowtech tell us: When farming thrives, we all thrive!

The students were recently recognized with an Applause award at a meeting of the Board of Trustees. 

York Region District School Board Passes Balanced Budget for 2025-2026 School Year

Aurora – June 18, 2025 -- At its June 17 Board meeting, York Region District School Board passed a balanced 2025-2026 budget.  

The balanced $1,770.2 billion budget reflects priorities and feedback shared through public  consultation results and advisory committees. The areas of focus include healthy and safe learning environments, classroom-based support staff, mental health and student well-being and education technology to enhance student learning .  

“As we developed the 2025-2026 budget, the Board sought the input of students, families, staff and community members,” said Ron Lynn, Chair of the Board. “This feedback, along with input from advisory committees and various stakeholders, played an important role in allocating the budget. I would like to thank staff, families and members of the community and the Finance and Property Committee members for the collaborative effort.” 

“The 2025–2026 budget reflects the Board’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing areas that matter most to YRDSB students, families, staff and community-priorities that were identified through the consultation process,” said Trustee Butterworth, Chair of the Finance and Property Committee. 

Despite ongoing financial pressures, the 2025–2026 budget allocates resources to sustaining support in several high-priority areas as identified through the consultation process. 

• Healthy and Safe Learning Environment for All:  $518K allocated through the Critical Physical Security Infrastructure (CPSI)  to improve physical security; Supporting secure entry systems, surveillance and emergency response infrastructure.
• Classroom-Based Support Staff:  Increased Empower Reading Teachers from 27.0 FTE to 28.2 FTE, supporting students with significant reading difficulties; Investing $3.6M in Elementary Primary Literacy Teachers and $564K allocated for Math Facilitators.  
• Mental Health and Well-Being:  Achieved $1.5M in savings by using Chromebooks in place of laptops for Specialized Equipment. Funding from these savings have been reallocated to enhance support for students’ special needs, health and well-being by funding additional social workers occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists beyond the base budget.
• Education Technology to Enhance Student Learning: Designated $1.5M in technology investment to support student devices and support initiatives in digital literacy, robotics and artificial intelligence; Allocated $250K centrally to support STEM programs, robotics, broad-based technology and other school-based technology expenses.  

“We were able to deliver a balanced budget by focusing on what matters most to families - programs that directly support students,” said Bill Cober, Director of Education. “By combining investments in student programs with efficiencies in central departments we were able to deliver a budget that aligns resources to support the Board’s District Action Plan. YRDSB will continue delivering high-quality classroom programming and services that lead to greater outcomes for students.” 

“Despite declining enrolment, a balanced budget was reached by identifying efficiencies in central departments while maintaining the delivery of student services,” said Vidyia Maharaj, Associate Director and Chief Financial Officer, Service Excellence. “These included reductions in centralized operating budgets, transitioning to more cost-effective technology and using the savings to support programs and services.”  

York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 130,000 students in 182 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

For more information contact: 

Corporate Communications 

Email: communications.services@yrdsb.ca 

York Region District School Board Celebrates Human Rights Ambassador Award Winners

June 16, 2025 – YRDSB’s Human Rights Office celebrated four recipients of the Human Rights Ambassador Award for YRDSB secondary students who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the principles of human rights, equality, diversity and anti-discrimination in their schools during the 2024-2025 school year. 

At the Board’s annual celebration, the students were celebrated for their dedication to inclusion and respect for all. A video and summary of each students’ accomplishments is available on the Board website. 

The 2025 Human Rights Ambassador Award recipients are: 

Left to Right: Shariah Golding, Keyao Tang, Darleen Julman, Hamza Khokhawala

York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 130,000 students in 182 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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For more information contact:

Communications@yrdsb.ca 

Tune In YRDSB: Jewish Heritage Month - Exploring Identity, History and Community

In this Jewish Heritage Month episode of Tune In YRDSB, host Jordan Rappaport is joined by Rebecca Zaiontz, and Aneta Fishman to reflect on Jewish identity, pride and belonging.

The conversation begins with a meaningful look at the history of Jewish communities in Canada, Ontario and York Region, setting the stage for a rich exploration of culture, resilience and the diversity of Jewish experiences.

Join us as we listen, learn, and celebrate the strength and contributions of Jewish communities within and beyond our schools.

Listen Now

Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario, featuring a wide range of topics related to education. 

Elementary and Secondary Schools Professional Activity (PA) Day - June 27, 2025

All Elementary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Transition Planning and School Improvement Planning

Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration and Board Based Personnel

Description: School Teams will engage in School Improvement Planning, reflecting on the impact of strategies used during the year and their impact on student outcomes.

All Secondary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Transition Planning and School Improvement Planning

Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration and Board Based Personnel

Description: School Teams will engage in School Improvement Planning, reflecting on the impact of strategies used during the year and their impact on student outcomes.

YRDSB Seeks Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee Members

York Region District School Board is accepting applications for membership on the Board’s Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC).

PEAC supports, encourages and enhances family engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being. It represents the collective voice of families who have children attending public schools in York Region.

The deadline to apply has been extended. Interested family members are invited to submit an online application form by June 25, 2025 or can request a copy of the form by emailing leadership.development.engagement@yrdsb.ca or calling 905-727-0022 ext. 3650.

PEAC members are expected to attend a minimum of five meetings each year. The first meeting date for the new membership is December 3, 2025, which is a joint meeting with our Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC).

Interested applicants are invited to view an informational video to learn more about this family engagement opportunity. 

More information is available on the YRDSB Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee webpage.

Markville SS Students Create Lasting Indigenous Art Installation Through Hands-On Workshop with Artist

Students at Markville S.S. had the opportunity to engage in a unique, hands-on learning experience led by Indigenous artist Victoria Grant, known as Vicky the Real Artist. 

The workshop brought together 90 students from Grades 9 to 11 to explore the art of wood burning, also known as the art of pyrography, while learning about Indigenous culture, symbolism and storytelling. 

“Having hands-on projects like this makes it a lot more fun for the students,” said Hailey, Grade 9 student. “I think it helps us connect to different cultures and ideas because we're really researching all the different symbolisms and meanings.”

Working together to create a lasting art installation for their school, students learned wood burning techniques and reflected on the meaning and history behind their work. Guided by Vicky, they created a land acknowledgement signpost featuring hand-crafted arrows with each arrow pointing toward nearby Indigenous communities with accurate names, distances and directions from the school.

“Historically, Indigenous storytelling was not written. It was always verbal or visual,” says Grant. “It’s opening their eyes to things that they didn’t know before, and that’s extra knowledge that they’ll have hopefully forever.”

The signpost will remain at Markville S.S. as a permanent installation leaving a lasting legacy that sparks dialogue, reflection and a deeper understanding for years to come. 

“It’s not just these 90 students who are getting this experience. Once this project is completed, we are going to have a permanent installation here at Markville, where the learning is going to continue,” said Christina Fiorentino, Teacher.

Tune In YRDSB: East Asian Heritage Month - Lived Experience & Leadership in YRDSB

In this East Asian Heritage Month episode of Tune In YRDSB, Superintendent Elizabeth Lau is joined by four East Asian-identifying staff, Rebecca Tam Nesbitt, Hilda Cosmidis, Seiji Ishiguro, and Jae Yeon (Jasmin) Kwak, for a rich, reflective conversation about identity, representation, and belonging.

Together, they explore the impact of growing up and working in educational spaces. They share stories of struggle, pride, and growth while emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership and visibility in schools.

In line with this year’s theme, Unity and Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity, the guests reflect on personal experiences and the broader implications for students, staff, and community.

Listen now

Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario, featuring a wide range of topics related to education. 

Grizzly Café at Glad Park PS Builds Skills and Confidence One Order at a Time

The Grizzly Café,  a student-run initiative at Glad Park PS, brings students, staff and community members together over cookies and warm drinks.

Launched by community class teacher Amanda Tetro, this weekly cafe teaches students valuable skills through roles like taking orders, running a loyalty program, greeting customers and collecting feedback, while building confidence, inclusion and joy. Students gain hands-on experience in customer service and communication and develop job readiness skills.

“It has changed what inclusion looks like at Glad Park P.S.,” says Trish Dynes, Principal, Glad Park P.S.

“Café makes me feel happy,” says Milan, Grade 5 student.

This café is building confidence, relationships, and life skills, one order at a time.

Watch this video to learn more about The Grizzly Cafe.

Elementary Professional Activity (P.A.) Day - June 9, 2025

All Elementary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Report Card Preparation, Reporting to Parents, Ongoing Communication 

Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Educators

Description: Full Day of Professional activities focused on reporting to parents and ongoing communication regarding student achievement and well-being.

School Board’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Steering Committee Led by Community   

The York Region District School Board’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Steering Committee is now being chaired by members of the community. 

“I think it’s very important for the community to take a lead in the steering committee,” said Michael Bowe, one of the three steering committee co-chairs. “It really allows us to explore various challenges and gaps and successes of the board in ways that we weren't able to do.”

The YRDSB Anti-Black Racism Steering Committee was formed in June 2019 with the goal of developing a strategy to dismantle anti-Black racism at the YRDSB. The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy was launched in 2021. The committee, composed of YRDSB staff and community members, continues to meet regularly to ensure accountability and shared leadership in dismantling anti-Black racism.

“I believe that by Co leading and Co creating the work that's been done by the committee, hopefully it will create a better feeling of trust and better relevance to the community and people in the community will feel that they have a more of an opportunity to be heard,” said Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Co-Chair, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Steering Committee.

The committee is currently co-chaired by three community members: Michael Bowe, Phiona Durrant and Dr. Jeffrey Thompson. 

“That’s how I got involved; bringing that natural community, authentic community voice. Let us work with you to implement the change, to break down the systemic barriers,” said Co-Chair Phiona Durrant. 

Hear more from the three co-chairs about what this change means. 

Tune In YRDSB: Sikh Heritage Month: Significance of the Patka and Dastar

In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, this episode of Tune In YRDSB explores the significance of the Patka and Dastar, two important articles of faith within the Sikh community.  This episode also features the voices of students from Blue Willow P.S. who help to deepen understanding of Sikh identity and belonging in schools. 

Listen now. 

Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario, featuring a wide range of topics related to education. 

Tune In YRDSB: Celebrating Persian Identities

In this episode of Tune in YRDSB, we celebrate Persian Heritage Month by exploring the importance of visibility, celebration and affirmation of Persian identities in schools. 

Listen now.  

D.A.R.E. Event Inspires Young Innovators Through Robotics

This week, elementary and secondary students from all over YRDSB came together for the 3rd Annual Differentiated Access Robotics Expo (D.A.R.E.) at Bill Crothers Secondary School for a hands-on day of STEM learning and robotics challenges.
 

This year's D.A.R.E. event continues its mission to engage community class students in grades 4 and up, in five different activities. Students used mini robot balls to complete a series of challenges, which included mini-putt, soccer, wrestling, obstacle courses, artwork and everyone's favourite, a dance party! With an emphasis on inclusivity and teamwork, the event creates an accessible space for all students to explore the exciting world of technology.

As participants took part in robotics challenges and STEM activities, they not only worked on technical skills but also learned the value of working together towards a common goal. The event has become a highlight for students and teachers, showcasing the power of education to bring out creativity, problem-solving and innovation in all students.

The D.A.R.E. Expo ensures that each student has the opportunity to shine, fostering an environment where everyone can grow, learn and connect through the magic of robotics.

GIVE Program Empowers Volunteers and Enriches Education

Since its inception in 2004, the GIVE (Get Involved Volunteer In Education) program has been providing valuable volunteer training and fostering strong community connections throughout YRDSB. 

Born out of a collaboration between the YRDSB and CCSYR, GIVE aims to empower parents, community members, school assistants and post-secondary students by offering comprehensive training for volunteering in local schools.

Each year, the program trains up to 100 participants across four cohorts at various Community Education Centres. Over the course of 15 hours spread across five days, volunteers are equipped with essential knowledge on topics such as Equitable and Inclusive Education, Effective Communication, Human Rights, Employment Readiness and much more. Upon completion of the training, participants commit to volunteering at least 20 hours during the school year, with many going above and beyond, returning year after year to continue their service.

GIVE plays an important role in supporting student learning by enhancing school-community partnerships. Volunteers assist both in the classroom and at home, helping students thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment. The program also contributes to the overall well-being and achievement of students by increasing parent engagement and strengthening parent-school relationships.

Since its launch, more than 2,500 parent and community volunteers have been placed in schools. Many GIVE graduates have even gone on to find employment with YRDSB, furthering their professional development and career opportunities.

The GIVE program also plays a crucial role in meeting Ontario's educational goals, aligning with the District Action Plan and the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. It promotes well-being, student success, and community involvement, making it an essential resource for schools and volunteers alike.

The GIVE program is a true testament to the power of volunteerism in education.

Tune In YRDSB: Women in Sport

In honour of Women's History Month, this episode celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of female athletes. Hear from two outstanding student athletes from Emily Carr S.S. 

Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario, featuring a wide range of topics related to education. 

Listen now to Women in Sport. 

York Region District School Board Seeks Community Input for 2025-2026 Budget

York Region District School Board invites families and community members to participate in the annual budget consultation process. Community members are invited to take part in a virtual public budget consultation and complete an online budget survey. The survey is open until April 18, 2025.

Survey translations are available in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong SAR China)
• Gujarati
• Hebrew
• Hindi
• Korean
• Persian
• Punjabi (Gurmukhi, India)
• Russian
• Spanish (Latin America)
• Tagalog
• Tamil
• Turkish
• Ukrainian
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

WHEN:

Virtual Budget Consultation

Monday, April 7, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Registration information is available on the Board website. 

WHY:

Faced with a decline in enrolment for the 2025-2026 school year, public input plays a key role in informing YRDSB's budgeting priorities. The consultation process gathers valuable feedback from community members on how to effectively allocate the budget to support student achievement and well-being.

For more information contact:

Corporate Communications

communications@yrdsb.ca
 

YRDSB Black History Month Celebrations

Throughout February and early March, the York Region District School Board’s Inclusive School and Community Services department hosted four incredible events across each of our CECs, bringing together students, families, staff, community members and partners to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of the Black community. 

These events were a beautiful celebration with participants coming together to make meaningful connections, share experiences and create memories. 

Highlights of the celebrations included:

Interactive Performances – Steel drums, live music and vibrant dance performances by both students and community members, creating an engaging, lively atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy. The talent on display was nothing short of inspiring!

Student Art Showcases – Beautiful artwork from students across the Board was proudly displayed, showcasing their creativity, talent and unique perspectives. It was amazing to see how students interpreted and expressed their identities through their artwork.

Educational Displays – Attendees had the chance to explore displays highlighting the lives and achievements of famous Black Canadians and their monumental contributions to both Canada and the world. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations.

The events not only celebrated the past but also provided a space for everyone to reflect, connect and look ahead. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, we continue to build a more inclusive and understanding community.

A big thank you to all the students, staff, community members and partners who made these events possible and helped make them so memorable. Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions of the Black community every day. 

Tune In YRDSB: Elementary STEM and Makerspaces

In this episode of the Tune In YRDSB podcast, we visit Central Park Public School to explore how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comes to life in their library learning commons.

Hear  students and the teacher-librarian speak about the school's vibrant makerspace, where hands-on learning fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Listen now. 

Tune In YRDSB: Supporting Black Students

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we discuss the important work to support Black students in our schools. 

Four YRDSB staff members explore the importance of creating spaces where Black students feel seen, heard and valued, reflecting on the effects of mentorship, allyship, culturally relevant curriculum, community engagement and much morel.

Listen now.

Tune In YRDSB is available on all major podcast platforms. 

Tune In YRDSB: Tamil Heritage Month: Arts, Music & Culture

In this Tamil Heritage Month podcast episode, we welcome several talented guests who are shaping the Tamil arts scene.

Host Jananthini Sivabasgaran welcomes Singer-songwriter and Bharatanatyam dancer Luksimi Sivaneswaralingam, Bharatanatyam choreographer Kashmia Balabaskaran and music producer Yanchan Produced. 

Together, they explore the deep cultural roots of Tamil music and dance, the role of the arts in preserving identity and how tradition meets innovation. This episode highlights the power of Tamil artistic expression and influence. 

Tune in to celebrate the richness of Tamil culture through music, dance and storytelling. 

Tune In YRDSB: Family Literacy: Building Connections

This episode explores the role of early literacy in student success. The discussion covers key topics such as strategies for building strong literacy skills, early reading screening and tools to support student learning.

The episode highlights what literacy incorporates, including reading and writing, communication, creativity and more. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing students' identities, home languages, and family involvement in literacy development from early childhood through school.

Learn more about how YRDSB supports literacy development and ways families can help nurture these skills at home.

Listen now. 

Tune In YRDSB is available wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Teacher-Librarians Share Learning through Makerspace Tours

About 130 teacher-librarians participated in Makerspace tours to empower schools to set up their own Makerspace STEM innovation hubs.

A Makerspace provides a dedicated are in the school where students can participate in hands-on, creative activities. They provide tools for students to explore, play, experiment, create and learn while participating in hands-on activities that connect to the curriculum.

“I think the space is important because it just creates a culture of creativity and innovation,” said Stephanie Hollander, Teacher at Beckett Farm P.S.

Beckett Farm P.S. was one of three schools that hosted half-day tours for elementary and secondary educators in York Region District School Board.

“The opportunity to collaborate with other teacher-librarians and get ideas and share ideas about what it means to create a space for students to be makers I think was highly successful,” said Dennis Stam, Science and STEM consultant.  

Elementary and Secondary Schools (except BCSS) Professional Activity (PA) Day - January 31

Elementary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Achievement of Learning Outcomes

Entity Hosting: Elementary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Educators

Description: Full Day of Professional activities focused on violence prevention tools and techniques, and equitable assessment practices and assessment in mathematics

Secondary Schools (except BCSS)

Length: Full Day – AM and PM

Topic: Violence Prevention, Multilingual Language Learners, Achievement of Learning Outcomes, Equitable Assessment and Text Selection Tool, and School Improvement/ Department Planning

Entity Hosting: Secondary Schools (except BCSS)

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Educators

Description: Full Day of Professional activities focused on violence prevention tools and techniques, supporting multilingual language learners, exploring equitable assessment, utilizing the Text Selection Tool, and school improvement planning aligning instructional practices with the curriculum. 

Tune In YRDSB: Experience the Performing Arts

In this episode of the podcast, we speak with a teacher and student at Richmond Green SS about how the Arts fosters creativity, leadership, communication and collaboration skills. 

Hear about the value of learning in, through and about the Arts and how a "learning through leading" model empowers students to take ownership of their creative journeys. 

Listen to the podcast episode now. 

All YRDSB secondary schools offer students opportunities to explore learning in the Arts. Learn more about opportunities to explore interests, build transferable skills and gain experience in the Arts in secondary school or in other sectors at www.yrdsb.ca/experience-yrdsb.

Registration Opens for Kindergarten and French Immersion January 17

Kindergarten Registration

Families with children who turn four or five in 2025 can register for Kindergarten beginning January 17. 

Kindergarten in York Region District School Board offers warm, welcoming classrooms where students learn through exploration, play and inquiry. Children engage in activities that support early literacy, math, critical thinking and more while building on their natural curiosity, creativity and interests. 

Families can register online, in person, by mail or by phone.  Learn more about Kindergarten programs and how to register at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local school. 

Families can also listen to the podcast episode with Kindergarten educators sharing what to expect in Kindergarten and how to help prepare your child to start school.

French Immersion Registration

French Immersion registration takes place from January 17 - February 10,2025

Information sessions for French Immersion will take place in French Immersion schools on January 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Program locations and additional information is available on the school board website. If families are unable to attend the information session, they can hear about the French Immersion program on the Tune In YRDSB: French Immersion Podcast.  

French Immersion is an optional program, designed for children whose first language is not French. In Grades 1, 2 and 3, all subjects are taught in French. Starting in Grade 4, time is shared equally between French and English instruction. 

A list of French Immersion schools, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and registration information is available on the Board’s website.

Indigenous Education Liaison Learning

Indigenous Education Liaison Learning empowers educators to deepen their understanding of Indigenous education and advance reconciliation within their schools.

“This training is really important because it’s shifting the mindsets really of Indigenous pedagogy and making it practical in their schools,” said Jana Girdauskas, Indigenous Education Consultant, York Region District School Board.

The professional learning series offers Indigenous Education Liaisons the opportunity to deepen their understanding and further the implementation of goals related to the Indigenous Education and Equity Strategy. They can also learn and share with other liaisons in schools across the board. 

“I believe as educators, it is so important for us to take up our calls to action and continue to advocate alongside them,” said Terri Joshi, Teacher, Hartman P.S. “And that begins in the work that we do in the classroom with our students.”